Giving it another shot

[ChanceSchmerr]

I ordered a box of 5 late last year, despite a load of reservations and copious evidence suggesting mediocity. Cracked open two about a month later and had one with a friend. His drew fine and he enjoyed it, but mine was plugged, so I threw it away in disgust and discovered the wonders of Partagas with a fantastic Presidentes.

Anyway, with 3 left from the box, and with an open mind, My TGIF cigar today will be the Particulares, Round 2. Review coming, smoking begins at noon PST, pictures tonight once I get home.

Wish me luck with a perenial disappointer!

[ChanceSchmerr]

After 110 mins of smoking time..........The review!

This cigar is a size monster - feels bigger than the SP Sanchos in my hand!

Pre-light draw - bit of a tight draw, light taste on the palate.

First Couple of puffs - It's drawing! What are the odds?!?! It is somewhat of a difficult draw, but nothing too onerous. Light woody flavours, nothing special from the start.

First 1/3 - Lackluster. A sweaty leather taste permeats this cigar, and seriously consider tossing it. If i wanted to taste sweat, I'd walk up to the gym and hit the treadmill! The fact that it draws makes me stay with it for now, just to get the experience down. The burn becomes uneven, and starts to canoe on me a little

Middle 1/3 - 2 things change right around midpoint that saved this cigar - the burn corrected itself rapidly, so that it was a razor-sharp even burn right down to the nub. That, and the sweat thankfully vanished, leaving in its wake a light toasted Almond taste that I enjoy from Hoyos, particularly the Du Roi. It's not a substantial taste sensation like in the Roi, but it's there, and I start to enjoy the smoke. The draw improves as well, and now takes very little effort to smoke. The amount of smoke changes too - now big plumes of smoke are billowing out. Now we're talking!

Final 1/3 - Still light, almonds throughout. Some woody tastes return, but the Almonds abound still. What's missing from this is any hint of sweetness. That would really help this cigar take off. I smoked it down to the nub, and only at the very end did any spiciness occur, likely from the nicotine, I'm pretty sure this cigar and Ligero have never met.

Overall, this was an OK smoke. The drastic change at midpoint saved the cigar for me, although I really can't recommend it for anyone outside of Hoyo Fans, just too light now. Any further aging won't really help this cigar, IMO. The burn and draw were fantastic after a rough start, but that may not be repeated in my final 2 cigars from this vitola. I'd give it a solid 86.

Either way, if you got 'em, smoke 'em now. I don't think they will get any better with more age. If anything, I applaud Habanos for not foisting these on us for more than a trial run in 2002!

[Ozz1113]

Welp....It's cool to look at!

Nice reveiw.

[Professor Twain]

Nice review. I have some of these as well, have smoked one, it was pleasant, but I would much rather have two smaller cigars with more flavor.