MWaller Dominican Blend 19 (HLRC)

[mwaller]

Let's face it - cigars without wrappers are pretty ugly.  I've recently been doing some blend testing for my home rolls, trying to narrow in on a blend that I would actually want to repeat.  In the process, I've created some pretty sorry looking examples.  After individually sampling well over a dozen different tobaccos, I am pursuing a blend of Piloto Cubano ligero and Rene seco.  Rene is a newly introduced cross between San Vicente and Corojo 99.   Right now, I'm trying to nail down the ratio of ligero to seco, and select a complementary binder... My initial sticks were promising, but I wasn't thrilled by some of notes I was getting.  So, I decided to try another binder.  Tonight's stick has 1 leaf of ligero and 3 leaves of seco.  In lieu of the Vuelta Abajo binder I had used previously, I used a Dominican seco (variety was not specified...)

The seco binder dramatically changed the character of the cigar.  Where before the baking spice character of the Piloto Cubano was dominant, the seco binder overwhelmed the filler with an earthy chocolate flavor.  A subtle sweetness persisted throughout, with light herbal notes lilting in and out.  A creamy mouth feel built steadily, but the flavor profile was consistent from end to end.  Ash held well, and the draw was acceptable.  The cigar was very smooth on the palate and the retrohale, but there wasn't anything exciting about it.  I'll give it an 85/100.  Back to the rolling board!

 

 

[Astar20]

Applause to you my friend for rolling your own! They don't look that terrible! I'd smoke one! 

[Islandboy]

My hat’s off to you! The flavors you describe are right in my wheelhouse. A perfect candidate for a challenging category. Best of luck on your endeavors. 

[Stump89]

Very cool review!