Friday, September 21, 2012

Review: J Fuego Origen Originals


Cigar Name: J Fuego Origen Originals
Wrapper:
Brazilian Corojo
Binder:
Costa Rican Corojo
Filler:
Honduras and Nicaragua
Size: 5” x 44 Petite
Strength: Medium
Body: Medium
Price: $11.50 (5-pack)
Smoking Time: 30-45 minutes

J. Fuego’s family has been growing tobacco and making cigars for over 100 years.  Several years ago he started working with Xikar and their cigar line, the HC series and made a name for himself (I guess they always flew under the radar).  He shortly came out with his own name brand and a couple of years later, came out with the Original series.  These are a cool little cigar that is sold in a 5-pack and it even has a little handle on the pack to carry.  The idea behind the cigars is that this size is the size and shape that he uses to blend new cigars.  Thus “original”.    



Appearance: This does have some unique packaging.  You can stick these in your front pocket and be good to go for the day.  The cigar itself looks like something Clint Eastwood would smoke in his old westerns.  Very rough looking but at the same time, there is a cool edge to it.  8/10

Construction: Like I said, very rough looking and these are soft to the touch.  You can tell the rollers did not take much time with these.  But then again, I think that is kind of the point.     7/10

Burn:   They burn a little hot, you need to take your time with these because of the looser roll.  6/10

Aroma: This is what this cigar is all about the aroma and flavor.  Coffee, leather, and tobacco.      9/10

Draw: I said it had a loose draw and with that, as long as you respect it and don’t smoke too fast, you will have no problem.  If you smoke this like a regular cigar, you will have issues with a loose draw.            6/10

Flavor: Like the aroma, this is what it is all about.  Nice pepper flavors, that shine about half way through.  More leather and coffee.  9/10

Availability: You can find these online and at some stores.    9/10

Personal Overall Experience: These are an outstanding value cigar.  Even for what they are, I would choose these over the MUWATB or even some regular sized cigars.  They are great to have around and wonderful to pass out.  I can’t recommend these enough.  Side note, these are PERFECT for a camping trip.  30/30

Total: 84/100

Matt

Friday, September 7, 2012

Review: Croned Heads - Four Kicks


Cigar Name: Four Kicks by Crowned Heads
Wrapper:
Habano Ecuador
Binder:
Nicaraguan
Filler:
Nicaraguan
Size: Corona Gorda (5-5/8” x 46)
Strength: Medium
Body: Medium-Full
Price: $6.75-8.50 Each
Smoking Time: Hour and thirty minutes

Crowned Heads is a Nashville cigar company that has its roots in CAO cigars.  The founders used to work for CAO and when they sold out to Swedish Match they wanted to keep control and thus started their own company.  This is their first offering. 


Appearance: First of all, I love their sizes.  They stuck with traditional sizes and are for the time being sticking to it.  This has a very plain but simply stated red and gold band.  The wrapper is flawless with a little oil on it.  It is about the color of milk chocolate.    10/10

Construction:  These cigars are made at the EPC cigar factory so you know they are well made.  Firm, but not too firm and no patches to comment on.           9/10

Burn:   Perfect.  10/10

Aroma:  There is kind of a dirt smell with some hay.  It reminds me of springtime after a rain and is very pleasant.       10/10

Draw: Out of this world good.  I wish all cigars were this easy to draw.     10/10

Flavor:  There is some leather and just the hint of spice on the retrohale.  More grass and dirt, almost earthy notes.      10/10

Availability: Right now, this is a regional company but hopefully as they grow, so will their market.   7/10

Personal Overall Experience: I truly wish every cigar was this pleasant so enjoy.  From the look, feel and smell when I first cracked that box, I knew I would enjoy this.  I cannot wait until these are available in St. Louis.  In the next few weeks they will be releasing their second cigar the Hedley Grange and I hope I enjoy it as much.      30/30

Total: 96/100

Matt