Cigar Reviews
Monthly Recap – September 2014 – Jeremy Hensley Edition
At the start of 2014, I began tracking each and every cigar I have smoked. Well, I may have missed one or two. Based on discussions I’ve seen on Twitter and questions on this site and others, I decided to compile some information that I thought you might find interesting.
Monthly Recap – September
Number of Cigars Smoked: 26
Of those smoked:
- Purchased: 13 or 50%
- Gifted: 6 or 23%
- Samples Provided: 7 or 27%
Of those purchased:
- Brick & Mortar: 1 or 8%
- Online: 12 or 92%
Most Memorable Cigars Smoked
#1. Fuente Opus X Belicoso XXX “Power Ranger” – A good friend and coworker gifted this cigar to me awhile back. Maybe two or three years ago (I need to get better at tracking my cigars). I have been waiting for the right occasion to burn this cigar and with the recent move to Michigan, the purchase of our new home, and my mom and stepdad’s visit, I couldn’t think of a more appropriate time. As the kids played off the shores of Lake Michigan, I lit up the Opus X Power Ranger as my stepdad, Rick, burned a Padron 1926 Maduro. Watching the kids be kids and enjoying each others company, the Opus X was the perfect touch to an already perfect day. This cigar will hold a special place in my heart.
#2. Espinosa La Zona Habano – I have never had much luck on cigar bid sites until I came across a bundle of La Zona Habano at cigarbid.com. With only a few minutes remaining on the auction, I placed my bid and counted town the remaining seconds. I walked away with the bundle for $43. Since the shipment was received earlier this month, I have already burned through six of these sticks. The Super Toro 6 1/2 by 44 La Zona offers a satisfying, flavorful smoke at a very inexpensive price.
Cigar Reviews
Agio Cigars – Balmoral Royal Selection Anejo 18
The Balmoral Royal Selection Anejo 18 is a very unique and special cigar. The profile was intriguing in the first third with the sour grass notes, well balanced in the second third with the added sweetness and coffee, and completely satisfying in the final third with deep, dark, full flavors.
The Tatuaje Havana VI Lancero began with a bang, opening up with full flavors that were balanced and spicy, but that is where the fairy tale ends. The final two thirds became a story of bad performance and poor flavors. Knowing the high quality of Tatuaje and My Father cigars, this cigar has not deterred me from hunting down one more Havana VI Lancero and giving it another shot.
In the last couple of months I have burned through 5 or 6 Riots. Each one presented a decent draw, a somewhat wacky burn-line, and solid, enjoyable flavors. The flavors have been consistent in each of the samples and sizes. The medium/full flavors and strength fit me just right.
Tony’s Reviews
Espinosa Premium Cigars – Laranja Reserva
Add the Espinosa Laranja Reserva to the list of possible candidates for cigar of the year, not just on our list, but everyone’s else. This cigar is making a name for itself by providing solid construction, and a unique, bold, complex experience to everyone who smokes it.
Quesada – 40th Anniversary Corona Clasica
I seldom reach for Connecticut wrapped cigars, but this is one that I could see myself smoking all day. Flavorful enough for the evening, mild enough for the morning. The construction is absolutely flawless, and the experience is incredible while the price point is just.
The rich flavors, full-body, and full strength entice even the more sophisticated cigar-smoking palates while the old school maduro presence will bring the more traditional, and novice smokers out of the woodworks. Sure, the CBT Maduro does come with a premium price point, but it’s one that I would gladly pay over and over again for the complex, balanced, and flavorful smoking experience.
Guest Reviews by Jeff Oda
The Villiger La Libertad carries some rather unique flavors that may not have quite come through in my review, as I admit that the link between my palate and brain is probably not sophisticated enough to describe the nuances of the experience, but anyone interested in what Peruvian tobacco can bring to the table would do well to pick up on a couple of these to see what it has to offer.
Bonita Smoke Shop – Time Warp “Big Ben”
In this age of the new wave of modern flavor preference (i.e. chocolate, spice, etc.), the Time Warp is kind of a throwback in terms of “old time” flavors, and the Time Warp Big Ben does a pretty solid job in delivering on those, although I found myself craving a bit more sweetness to provide more balance. The construction is terrific, especially with the signature El Titan de Bronze entubado roll that provides a great draw and burn, resulting in an enjoyable big ring smoke
Contests
Casas Fumando and our good friends at StogieBoys.com are giving away a box of Riot Cigars. The contest runs through Thursday, October 9th @ 11:59 PM. A winner will be selected Friday, October 1oth. Enter HERE for your chance to win.
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