N1 lancero and N3 Carlota reviews

[El Presidente]

For those who received the initial offering, post up your N1 Lancero  and N3 Carlota reviews on this thread.  (Those who ordered from the second offering, your shipments will be hitting your door in the coming week or so). 

If you have already completed a review, copy and paste it on this thread as you go into a draw for one of three  samplers Tuesday 

The 2019 N1 and N3 were a collaboration between myself and Hamlet Paredes to try and replicate some of my favourite skinnies long discontinued using a blend of central american tobacco's ....but certainly NC.   It was our first effort at this program and I fly out to meet up in March for blending on the 2020 editions. 

We had a recent thread that asked for members opinions on the most overrated cigars. By the end, almost every cuban cigar was listed and that summarises perfectly how peoples tastes vary. 

Review it as you would do any other cigar. I have my own ideas as to how  the 2020 edition will evolve and I look forward to your reviews/input and to subsequently playing with tobacco in March 

Please use the poll as well.

I will email Hammy the link.  Many thanks 

 

[rbi]

I got mine about 3 weeks ago but I'm letting them sit for one more week before I try the first one.

 

[ElPuro]

Going to write a positive review to avoid getting booted from the forum.

In all seriousness, I enjoyed the only N1 I have tried thus far. Construction was good - a few minor touch-ups required. Don't recall the complete lineup of flavors, but remember being most pleased with a good progression complete with a few of the fun and unexpected flavor hits that I think define a good smoke. Well done. 

[El Presidente]

Just now, ElPuro said:

Going to write a positive review to avoid getting booted from the forum.

 

Don't be silly! You wouldn't be doing me any favours. In many ways this is a group project  

[El Presidente]

4 minutes ago, rbi said:

I got mine about 3 weeks ago but I'm letting them sit for one more week before I try the first one.

 

Fixed ...and thanks for the heads up 

[Habana Mike]

Smoked a couple of both the N1 and N3. Both performed well with solid construction, draw and burn - would anyone expect less from Hamlet?

Will need to sit down to do a thoughtful review of each though can say from recollection they do possess a 'Cubanesque' quality similar to the Maya Selva Flor de Selva and Warped La Colmena lines.

None of the pepper or nicotine strength found in a majority of 'New World' cigars, very pleasant and the sizes are right in line with some of my preferred vitolas.

Will revisit and repost over the weekend.

All in all a good job on these RyJ!

[mbflash80]

Had the Carlota on Sunday.  First off the construction was 100% perfect.  I never had to touch the lighter after the initial light and the draw and smoke production were stellar.  

The cigar itself started off with what I would describe as familiar cuban flavors.  Even knowing there is no cuban tobacco in these didn't stop me from wondering in the slightest whether we are being played.  The flavors changed quickly however and settled into more of a toast/roasted nuts profile.  Less on the "cubanesque" and more on the "nica" side.  Its been years since ive smoked the illusione line regularly...but I kept going back to that flavor wheel.  Overall I really enjoyed it and look forward to lighting up the N1 soon.

 

[Meklown]

Review dated 3 Jan 2020 - Nudies N3

Today was a good day. The partner finally got doctor's clearance to be discharged so the hectic week can finally be brought to a close. Finally some peace of mind and the chance to sit down and have a cigar.

Also what's great was that my Nudies finally arrived yesterday. I know the 90 day rule has been preached but I just didn't want to overthink things and picked the cigar most within reach.

I also gave a stick to my dad (without telling him anything) and on the cold draw he immediately asked if it's a Partagas. After, I told him the backstory of this cigar and he was impressed with the blending to create such a fine cigar. It was also cool to see Rob and Hamlet's blending achieve exactly what they set out to achieve.

For me, there was a definite twang when I unwrapped the cigars. To me, that's the non-cuban twang. I rarely smoke NCs these days but it much reminded me of those I've nosed at the B&Ms. Pulled one out, perfect looking colorado wrappers. Not too oily, but kind of "just right". 

Chocolatey on the cold draw, with some sweet chili (Sriracha?) and barn smell.
First third presented a little astringency on the tip of the tongue. A very very slight tinge of ammonia (that's my fault for not resting it!), but the cigar was overwhelmingly earthy. Some very smooth dark chocolate as well - 85% Godiva?
Second third the ammonia was completely gone. The earthiness was more of the leathery kind, while also notes of wet hay and wet sheep. There is also emergence of some thick dark sweet cream. Absolutely delightful and luscious mouthfeel. For some reason there was a very fishy smell. Fish, rain, engine oil - a fish market near the coast somewhere in Scotland on a rainy day. Unusual, but I like it. This may just pair well with an Ardbeg, or Laphroaig.
In the final third the strength increased slightly. A tinge of citrusy orange to balance the earth, but not too much taste evolution in the cigar, so the taste is very much still on all things you'd find in a barn, and in that fish market.

Overall, a fantastic cigar. The burn was even and perfect throughout, and a really perfectly rolled cigar. Beautiful pyramids every time I tapped. While the cold draw gave me the NC twang, actually smoking it would have fooled me for 100% Cuban. It really got us wondering why the major NC producers couldn't blend something like this - it is generally either too strong/peppery, or too weak/characterless. It is however possible their blends are targeted to a specific market or taste profile that just isn't to my liking. 

Score a perfect 90/100. Had to take a point away for the whiff of ammonia (but again, that's my own fault), but give them proper rest and I imagine it would be a beyond perfect 92 on my scale. Bonus points for the creamy luscious mouthfeel and the citrus note for taste balance. Already a contender for cigar of the year. A week in the hospital really takes the juice out of you; a few days late, but Happy New Year FOH!

Apologies - lost my photo

[anacostiakat]

Got mine the very end of December.  Have put them in the humi and will start smoking them April Fools Day.   

[Mikeltee]

A fish market close to the coast of Scotland on a rainy day ey? Lmao... that tops honey on the fringes of the 2nd third!

[MigsG]

I enjoyed the N1 immensely, not even a few weeks rested. Couldn't honestly say the same thing for the N3. This gives me a reason to revisit the N3!

[KavalanWhisky]

I had a sneaky N3 last weekend but didn't really take notes on how it smoked so I'll revisit and do a comparison review on the N1 & N3.

 

[Islandboy]

I’ve now tried one of each, the N1 last night per the photo. I’ll start by saying I really enjoyed both...really. Both seemed very similar in flavor profile to me, and quite unlike anything I’ve tasted before. I’ve mostly given up on identifying individual flavors in a cigar these days, but rather focusing on the complete package. My take is they are both good, well balanced smokes now, but have the strength and legs to become much better with a bit of time.

I mostly agree with the thoughtful review @Meklown did, but I’d replace most of the “fish market” element with a heavy licorice twang. 

The flavors of the N1 seemed to meld together as the cigar progressed, whereas the flavors of the N3 became a bit more aggressive in the final third. But this could be attributed to having the N3 with less than 30 days of acclimatization.

As far as “cubanesque” vs NC, I don’t apply such criteria, I just go with a good tasting cigar vs not so much. These are really good tasting cigars, that have obviously been thoughtfully blended, and I’m very glad to have them in my humidor. 

[PrairieSmoke]

I smoked the N3 yesterday and then the N1 this morning. My thoughts are below.

N3:

Beautiful construction -- cold draw was wide open, almost too open.

Mild-Medium body for me -- No real flavor evolution in the cigar. Pretty generic Nicaraguan flavors that some times went a little earthy for my palate.  The smoke got a little gritty/harsh into the final third.

I got to the end with two thoughts: 

1) I'm going to let the remainder of these rest for a while and hope there is more cream that develops.

2) This would make a fine morning coffee cigar, but it didn't do enough to make me want more.

N1:

Again, beautiful cigar. Cold draw resistance is "cubanesque" on this one. ? 

From the get go this cigar is heads and shoulders above the N3 to me. The blending on this cigar was wonderfully complex, especially in the first third. If the hope was to aim for traditional cuban flavor profiles, I think you nailed it with this one. 

Parting thoughts on this cigar:

1) My only knock on it was it needed multiple re-lights (not a big deal to me)

2) I would certainly buy more of these and i'm not just saying that to butter anyone up. I have many CCs and NCs and this cigar can hold its own on either side. Well done. ?

[cmbarton]

I’m enjoying my first Nudie, the N1, thanks to @lovethehaze, and I’m actually a bit disappointed I didn’t jump on a bundle of these when I had the chance!  Excellent construction, smooth draw, and lemongrass and hay throughout.  I love the flavors on a warm day like we’re having in Texas today!

[Islandboy]

I hear you, I’m already kind of bummed I didn’t get more than one bundle of them. I think potential for something pretty special with some age is excellent, and the way this project was done, I fear it will be hard to replicate. 

[nKostyan]

Trying the first long skinny - Nudie N1

The appearance is very presentable, the construction is excellent. The draw is tight, as I like it. The Cigar's body is dense, like a wood stick.

1/3: wood, enveloping the butter, minerals. A fairly simple balanced taste. Body and strength are low-medium. The smoke is not dense. It burns perfectly even, white ash rings, 3 centimeters keeps confident. There is something Cuban about the character of the cigar (Sancho Panza).

2/3: the taste profile has not changed, in addition, there is a noticeable woody acidity. The butter in the taste has almost disappeared. Sometimes charcoal and salt. By the middle, the cigar adds strength, smoke, and body. Yes, now it is good, excellent balance and rounded wood-mineral taste.

3/3: the cigar adds power with every centimeter. Pure taste, no resins. The cigar is still hard and does not crumple when pressed. The taste doesn't change.

Conclusion: good cigar. It does not boast a variety of tastes, but it is pleasant. Excellent construction. My 4/5 stars

 

[Buck14]

Had to stop by and see Phil @5thStarChicago at UpDown in Chicago this morning and fire up a N1.

First impressions are good!

 

And now the N3...

 

OK here are my reviews...

N1 - fantastic nose, draw and construction. Deep aroma. Starts on light-medium and stays there till the nub. A bouquet of flavors throughout. Sweet, salty - Sancho-esque. Almost burnt my lips and fingers on the nub. Couldn’t put it down! I bought a box. 93-94.

N3 - good construction & draw. Palate starts out flavorless, really light. An inch in greatly increases in strength to medium+ and then full strength. No complexity of flavors. Austere. Mealy, grainy. Yuck! Everything I hate about NCs. I pitched it just after the halfway point and fired up another N1. N3 is definitely not for me.

[FireMedic]

So I figured it was time to tackle the lancero version of the FOH offering, I've been smoking the N3 almost daily. First thoughts were visually stunning construction on my favorite vitola.

 

Draw was firm but not bad. Cold draw was tobacco, pure clean tobacco with maybe some cooking spice. First third to me was very similar to the N3. Very very pleasant. Tobacco and what tastes like light cinnamon.

 

The stick for me continued much of the same. Very pleasant very tasty. Longer version of the N3. Slight construction issue at the end but no big deal.

 

88/100

[rbi]

In honor of the Super Bowl, I decided to go ahead and try one of my N1's, after a 3-week rest in my humidor. 

Initial thoughts:

Constuction is excellent.  Aroma of slight barnyard and a bit of leather.

First third:  draw is smooth...mild to medium flavor..flavors of tea and a hint of dough?  Very nice.  I don't get the twang of a Cuban cigar but it is different than most of the non-Cubans I've smoked.

Middle third:  still smooth but slightly stronger flavors.  You can still taste the tea but now the dough is reminiscent of a nice biscuit...really appreciating this cigar.

Final third:  tea notes are gone replaced by something that I can't easily identify but the thought of 'herbs' comes through my mind.  I wish my palette were more developed to be able to really identify these flavors but I do know that I like this cigar. 

Overall:  I like this a lot.  Really looking forward to another one of these N1's after another month or two..I wonder how the flavor will develop. I'd score it a 92.  Very nice little cigar.

 

[KavalanWhisky]

Didn't get a chance to smoke the N1 this weekend so I'll just post my thoughts on the N3.

Only had the cigar for a week or so before I smoked so not given it much of a chance but it still smoked really well, the burn was immaculate and didn't have to touch up once.  Ton of smoke production and lovely coloured ash. Good construction and nice wrapper.

The tasting notes were nut with heavy grassy/hay vibes, an earthy quality, was a bit like a hamlet cigarillo I smoked when I was a teenager but not 100% sure as it was a while ago. :(

There wasn't too much development through the stick but it was a medium all the way through.

Interesting to see the comparison with the N1 when I get a chance to try it and reading some of the other reviews it might be the better stick so looking forward to it.

 

[Bill Hayes]

I've enjoyed 4 of the N3. All have had great draw and burn. Aroma at cold is barnyard and leather. The flavour profile is the same if smoked slowly. My first one got bitter towards the end and 2 have been a touch bitter at the very start due to over-flaming by me. They exhibit a flavour profile that I really enjoy so they are right in my wheel house. I feel they need more time down to come into their own just to take the edges off the mongrel. But I like a bit of mongrel. Like the SDC #3 they are a size that is just right for me and smoking with a stout or porter. Although, as yet, I haven't detected a sweet note like Christmas pudding. Overall, I very much enjoyed 3 of them and pulled one out within a day of getting them and smoked it too fast because I was drunk.

[Artin]

I smoked the Carlotta the day I received it and it was really good. Like the Lancero it had superb construction, perfect draw, and great taste. No hints of youth. I remember the Lancero was very buttery tasting. I’m not too good with noticing flavors, so I’m sorry on not being too descriptive. But I do know that this was some really good tobacco. I tried to mimic Hamlet’s picture while smoking the Carlotta.

[BuzzArd]

I had the chance to try the N3 Friday evening.  Cold draw was free and easy, but not completely a wind tunnel.  Earthy aroma and taste at cold.  Lighting yielded a bit of a peppery taste and a fair bit of leather.  Recall please my palate is rather unrefined.   I can’t define white pepper, anise or toffee in a cigar.   Overall it was smoke I liked. The cigar gained a bit in intensity Throughout. Burn was perfect.  It was a very enjoyable experience.   I’ll probably go ahead and smoke through these rather than holding space in my humidor for them.  Still, I expect to have some left a year from now and I’ll get to experience some evolution from maturation.  Score: 89/100

 

[lovethehaze]

On 1/22/2020 at 4:37 PM, lovethehaze said:

My first N1; draw burn construction spot on. Overwhelming pepper through retro for first 1/4 inch. Now smoothed out and Smoking good, to my pallet Over medium. Earth, coffee and spice. Retro turning into nuts and evolving nicely. Nice blend @Elpresidente and hamlet. Love the lancero !

The N3 was nice. The N3 I had yesterday and was slightly inebriated.... didn’t fit my pallet at this point construction was great though.