Tampa and Czar feedback?

[CanuckSARTech]

* GEEZ - such patience! 6 MONTHS!? Well, hat's off to 'ya! AFTER I tried the Czar and Tampa each, now I can wait awhile and let the remainder of them age.

Well, I wouldn't really call it patience, Cig, more like bad luck and/or timing. The weather is already turning for us a fair bit - we're starting to hit freezing temps occasionally, with gusty winter winds starting to be prevalent during most days. Especially with these taking a decent trip to get to me (22 days or so), I really do need to let them level out in my humidor for the general 30-day resting timeline. But, at that point, we'll be so deep into December that I might not get a decent chance to smoke one of these before spring. I'm not going to rush these as a cold-weather smoke - I want to take the time to enjoy them, and pending taking one of them with me maybe on my upcoming trip to Cuba in January, I might not have the weather to enjoy them until April or May unfortunately.

It'll drive me crazy to see them sitting in there, but, those are the wintertime blahs that us Canadians have to deal with sometimes.

[android]

Now there's a question that many of us are asking ourselves and one for HSA

As for me, the Tampa & the Czar are two fantastic cigars.

The Tampa is a cigar that has a perfect blend that makes it possible to smoke it fresh from the rollers bench.

With time, the Tampa will be the smoothest cigar next to Heaven.

The Czar is a cigar for aging, rich, bold, full of passion. A cigar that can take you anywhere that you want to go,

fast and without any planning before hand, but with time, It will give you the perfect map and show you, with rich

complexe tastes, where you've been and what you've seen.

There is however, one thing that is common to both cigars and that is "Terroir", unmistakably "Terroir" of Cuba.

For that I would like to congratulate the blender, the roller and the team behind the creating of these two Masterpieces.

Just for an extra, I would love for the next batch of the Czar, to have a real Celestiales Finos shape.

I would also!!!!!

[dcse]

Still waiting....

[dicko]

Now there's a question that many of us are asking ourselves and one for HSA

As for me, the Tampa & the Czar are two fantastic cigars.

The Tampa is a cigar that has a perfect blend that makes it possible to smoke it fresh from the rollers bench.

With time, the Tampa will be the smoothest cigar next to Heaven.

The Czar is a cigar for aging, rich, bold, full of passion. A cigar that can take you anywhere that you want to go,

fast and without any planning before hand, but with time, It will give you the perfect map and show you, with rich

complexe tastes, where you've been and what you've seen.

There is however, one thing that is common to both cigars and that is "Terroir", unmistakably "Terroir" of Cuba.

For that I would like to congratulate the blender, the roller and the team behind the creating of these two Masterpieces.

Just for an extra, I would love for the next batch of the Czar, to have a real Celestiales Finos shape.

great post Guy

[anacostiakat]

I smoked these two cigars over the holidays.

The Tampa on Christmas day and the Czar on New Years day. They are both excellent cigars.

That being said for a first try at each I preferred the Tampa more. Even though I waited sixty days on each I felt the Czar could have used some more down time.

Great job! Can not wait for another shot at these.

[Professor Twain]

I would love to get some feedback on the Tampa and Czar cigars on a uniform thread that I can keep for future reference and to print and mail to the people involved.

The "Custom"project is a work in progress with always room for improvement but to improve I need to show our people the responses from people who have paid smoked them. Apologies to those who have posted reviews previously but if you could indulge me in a short paragraph.

Please touch on the issues of:

Aroma at cold

wrapper

construction

body

flavour

complexity if any

overall thoughts. The good the bad and the ugly. We can't improve what we can't measure

Cheers!

El Prez

Coming in late on this... hope it is still useful. Smoked each of these with friends, I'll share their comments as well.

The Tampa was a perfect cigar in every respect. I smoked this along with Sir Diggamus, Kilroy, and my son Carl. We all agreed that this had a sweet aroma, the wrapper was dark and flawless, and it was perfectly constructed. The shaggy foot added a beautiful touch to the cigar. This was a full bodied cigar, with striking pepper, earth, and leather flavors. It was reminiscent of a combination of a Bolivar and a Partagas, a wonderful combination. The cigar did not evolve a great deal, other than getting stronger in the final third. All four of us were unanimous in our opinion that this was an amazing cigar and that we would be eager to get more if it could be replicated. We smoked these about 30 days after receiving them. They were young, fresh, and wonderful in every way. I WANT MORE!!! I am careful with my money but this one was worth the premium price.

The Czar was a beautiful cigar. Again the wrapper was perfect and the perfecto shape was very interesting. I got a bundle of 5 and no two were the identical size. They had a lot of character. This cigar also had a dark, sweet smelling wrapper. I smoked a Czar with a friend who has been smoking Cubans for many years, and we both had the same reaction. It tasted like a uni-dimensional, non Cuban maduro cigar. My friend was trying to be polite, we both kept smoking it, and finally I proposed that we pitch them with about 1/3 remaining. On the other hand, I gave one to another friend who is a veteran Cuban cigar smoker, and he loved it, but didn't provide any particular tasting details. He literally nubbed it until his fingers were singed. I have a couple left and think I will give this a try after some aging. On this one, I am yet to be convinced.

[Van55]

An anonymous friend sent me one each of the Tampa and the Czar to try. The cigars came enclosed in a single plastic bag. I immediately put the cigars inside the bag in my cabinet.

My good friend, RSPDiver happened to be stuck in town Tuesday evening becuase of a cancelled flight home, so we got toghether for dinner, drinks and a cigar. Since we both were good friends and fellow HCRers with Chuck, this seemed like an ideal occasion on which to try the cigars.

I chose to keep the Tampa for myself.

Aroma at cold -- roasted Cuban tobacco aroma -- redolent, indeed. Gave me great anticipation of what I hopes was to come.

wrapper -- medium to dark brown wrapper -- several shades lighter than the Czar. Just a bit on the rustic, veiny side. No obvious flaws.

construction -- a bit squishy at the head to the squeeze. Nicely rolled. Looked dense at the cut head, but drew just on the firm side of perfectly. Love the shaggy foot. Surprisingly the shaggy foot didn't light up as easily as one would expect. I attributed that, at first, to an underfilled soft-flame lighter that I was using. Touch-ups using matches helped.

body

flavour

complexity if any

overall thoughts. The good the bad and the ugly. -- I have to more or less withhold comment on body, flavour and complexity, as I had a devil of a time keeping the cigar lit. It went out within the first 1/2 inch and then seemed to douse itself regularly, no matter how much I tried to suck on it and keep it light. Very annoying and discouraging. I blame myself a bit for not dry-boxing. But this was a spontaneous occasion. The cigar was just far too wet to smoke with any pleasure. What body I got started just light of medium. By the end it grew to just over medium. There was promise in the flavors, but they were muted by dampness. Same with complexity. I could tell that the smoke was developing and changing, but from what and into what I don't know. I had to pitch it at the beginning of the final 1/3. Would. Not. Stay. Lit. Sponge soft at the head by then.

RSPDiver smoked the Czar and enjoyed it thorougly. He found it distinctive, dark, oily, flavorsome, Just shy of full-bodied and growning to full bodied by the end.

And smoke it to the end, he did!!!!

[rspdiver]

RSPDiver smoked the Czar and enjoyed it thorougly. He found it distinctive, dark, oily, flavorsome, Just shy of full-bodied and growning to full bodied by the end.

And smoke it to the end, he did!!!!

Indeed, and I enjoyed it thoroughly! It started off mildly, a pleasant surprise to the first few draws of many cigars. And it really built in a slow, steady progression through the first 1/3. There was something very familiar, yet difficult to place on the palate. Almost like a very very mildly astringent layer on rare woods. And that's about as fruit-filled as this review is going to get! Suffice to say, it was a grand smoke, in great company. I think the fault Van and I both faced was leaving the cigar lounge in the crap weather (cold and very humid) to the safety of the nearby eatery where the pics were taken. From then on, burn and light were an issue for both cigars, but while going strong the Czar was fantastic, smooth, and drew very well. Which I had concern about, as I cut a relatively small opening, and instantly thought I'd have problems with later. Those issues never developed!

So, thanks to Van for sharing a rare treat, and thanks to the Master and Commander of this real for creating such a fine smoke. A few years on one these cigars will reward any owner.

[Fuzz]

Is anyone still holding out on their original stash of Czars or Tampas? I'm finally going to cave in this Friday and light one up. I just can't decide if it should be a Tampa or Czar.

[rspdiver]

Fuzz, from tasting them both, I'd say smoke the Tampa, save the Czar. The former was very approachable and delicious now, and the latter had a good bit more body and power that could certainly develop into a legendary smoke with a bit more time.

[MontrealRon]

Is anyone still holding out on their original stash of Czars or Tampas? I'm finally going to cave in this Friday and light one up. I just can't decide if it should be a Tampa or Czar.

Still holding out?

I won't even consider smoking one for a year or two -

unless, of course, I can first buy them by the bundle...

[CanuckSARTech]

Is anyone still holding out on their original stash of Czars or Tampas? I'm finally going to cave in this Friday and light one up. I just can't decide if it should be a Tampa or Czar.

Haven't smoked one of these yet from either 3-pack samplers that I got in the fall. Waiting until spring at least - want to have 6 months on these first.

[thechenman]

I've been holding out as well...most likely until spring when the weather gets better.

[Fuzz]

Fuzz, from tasting them both, I'd say smoke the Tampa, save the Czar. The former was very approachable and delicious now, and the latter had a good bit more body and power that could certainly develop into a legendary smoke with a bit more time.

Thanks! Sounds like the Tampa is going to be set to flame first.

[Stalebread]

Is anyone still holding out on their original stash of Czars or Tampas? I'm finally going to cave in this Friday and light one up. I just can't decide if it should be a Tampa or Czar.

Yep. Still holding.

Please let us know how it goes with the Tampa.

[Omskakas]

Are Tampas getting sick or is it just me?

This was the first from 3-pack I got.

Quick review:

1st

Hits the ground running, fast. Blasts with spice and Partagas like flavour. Strong nicotine kick. I'm in heaven!

After 2 cents mellows down to blah. Blah?! Yes, blah. Flavor is boring roasted tobacco.

2nd

Blah develops to unpleasant. Flavor is like burnt food. Aroma is unpleasant too. I cut 2 cents off to see if it improves. After this and 2 more cents unpleasant develops back to blah.

3rd

Ashtray.

This was major disappointment after reading great reviews. Draw was good and burn was razor sharp. Was this a dud or are Tampas going thru a sick period? Anyone?

[Fuzz]

Are Tampas getting sick or is it just me?

This was the first from 3-pack I got.

Quick review:

1st

Hits the ground running, fast. Blasts with spice and Partagas like flavour. Strong nicotine kick. I'm in heaven!

After 2 cents mellows down to blah. Blah?! Yes, blah. Flavor is boring roasted tobacco.

2nd

Blah develops to unpleasant. Flavor is like burnt food. Aroma is unpleasant too. I cut 2 cents off to see if it improves. After this and 2 more cents unpleasant develops back to blah.

3rd

Ashtray.

This was major disappointment after reading great reviews. Draw was good and burn was razor sharp. Was this a dud or are Tampas going thru a sick period? Anyone?

I haven't smoked my remaining Tampa yet, but I would guess it is going through a sick period. I'd wait a few months and try again.

[thechenman]

I smoked a Tampa recently at the NY FoH Event. Smoked great. Had to relight twice as I got too involved in talking. It was a great cigar. Others were smoking the Czar and enjoyed those as well.

[Rogers72]

So far, I've had one Tampa and one Czar. The Czar was good but I think i smoked it too soon. I think it was a little wet and had not really come together just yet. I am going give my other two a few more months. The Tampa rocked my face off. Unbelievable. Perfect draw and burn, loads of smoke, sweet bitter chocolate wrapped around a solid core of ultra first class tobacco. Cream, Nuts, **** it was good.

[Omskakas]

Maybe my Tampa had a bad seco leaf or a toenail clipping or a dog **** rolled into it.

I hope rest of my 2 Tampas smoke right.

I'll try Czar next.

[Omskakas]

I smoked second Tampa today. It might be that the first one had humidity issues. I had stored all 3 of them in a closed zip lock bag they came. After I smoked "the ****" I took the cigars out of the bag. Now the second cigar felt more firm than it was few weeks ago.

Quick review:

Construction: Looks good, draws right and burns well

Tastes: First like any spicy partagas. After 2 cents it mellows down. Very smooth, very little spice, hints of chocolate, cream and as dominant flavor a distinct leather taste that I can't recall tasting in any Cubans before. Body medium.

Overall: Very enjoyable, entertaining and complex

:cigar: / 5

[CanuckSARTech]

Has everyone smoked one of each from the initial sampler yet? I know I haven't, but I'm not sure who else is holding out. I want to wait until these sit for at least that first 6 months or so, which we've just now hit in the last week or so, and I just haven't had the chance to smoke either one yet (and likely now won't until at least after Basic Training).

Who's still holding off on these??

[kcheek]

I'm still sitting on both vitolas from the last batch. I'll smoke one of each in the near future and review them both. I will say they smell and look incredible!

[rckymtn22]

Has everyone smoked one of each from the initial sampler yet? I know I haven't, but I'm not sure who else is holding out. I want to wait until these sit for at least that first 6 months or so, which we've just now hit in the last week or so, and I just haven't had the chance to smoke either one yet (and likely now won't until at least after Basic Training).

Who's still holding off on these??

I am still holding out trying the original batch. Still haven't had the weather out here to try them.

[Fuzz]

Still holding onto my Czar customs. Haven't had a chance to smoke 'em yet.