FOH 2021 International Blind Tasting Cigar Number Three : Reviews, post them here.

[slowsmoke]

The wrapper on #3, though dull and rough, had a sweet pre-light aroma that really got me excited as it was my first cigar in several days.  As soon as I clipped it I knew I was in trouble though, the draw was far too loose.

Sure enough, the bugger started tunneling out of control halfway into the first third.  Before it went south, I did get some woody, floral, almost fruity notes, medium bodied.  Very sharp retro.  But after repeated touch ups to keep it lit, it all turned to wet ashtray, and I pitched it halfway through.

Shame Habanos, shame.

I only have much experience with one brand of Belicoso, so this one is a crap shoot anyway.

 

[nKostyan]

I welcome the participants of the competition! For technical reasons, I join only from the 3rd vitola.

At cold wrapper smells smoked, only Toscano comes to mind

1/3: tannins, oak, black pepper, burnt walnut, bitterness. Full body, medium strenght.
2/3: the taste has softened, oak, anise stars, acid, mint, cream.
3/3: again tannins, oak, oriental spices, burning black pepper

An unusual blend...

[Superhans]

Smoked this very soon after covid but I would say it was one of the lightest bodied cigars I’ve had in a while. Immensely creamy texture with a faint bitter cherry in the background. Bit floral. Not my preferred flavour profile.

[EMC12]

Blind 3

Cold nose - sweet spice

Cold draw - light leather, fruit

 

1/3 - under med

Cocoa

Slight fruit

Woody

Earthy

Damp leather?

2/3 - mild

Vegetal, bitter nut

Wood- oak

Creaminess creeps in

Floral

Spice - not baking, not pepper, ??

Slight sweetness

 

3/3 - med

Floral

Woody

Sweet spices

Leather

Sweet fruit

Chocolate

 

 

88-89

[mbrody]

Ok, here we go. Nicely constructed belicoso with a slight box press. Draw is easy. First third is showing spice, wood, earth. Light sweetness. Medium bodied. The spice is on the finish. Second third is similar but stronger spice. Slowing down my draws now. Easy draw. I’m between two guesses. Unclear if the draw is muddling flavors. Final third and things are consistent in terms of flavor. Guess incoming!

[RDB]

So, I’m not watching the video reviews before making my guesses - it just seems too tempting to play the man rather than the ball.

This smoke was I thought identifiable right off the bat. If I post any flavour notes it’ll be obvious, as they were highly characteristic of what I think it is.  Of course I’m bound to be way off now…

In terms of body and strength, I thought this was pretty punchy but well-aged. Construction and burn were excellent on mine.

[Bijan]

6 hours ago, RDB said:

So, I’m not watching the video reviews before making my guesses - it just seems too tempting to play the man rather than the ball.

I watched the video before voting on 1,2, and 4. I voted on 3 before watching the video, because based on the flavours it could only be one cigar to me but I think the video confirmed it, we'll see soon enough.

The videos didn't change my mind for cigars 1 and 4. On cigar 2, I was 60/40 between two picks and the video confirmed my 60 pick, so it didn't change much there either.

[Chas.Alpha]

Just now, Bijan said:

I watched the video before voting on 1,2, and 4. I voted on 3 before watching the video, because based on the flavours it could only be one cigar to me but I think the video confirmed it, we'll see soon enough.

The videos didn't change my mind for cigars 1 and 4. On cigar 2, I was 60/40 between two picks and the video confirmed my 60 pick, so it didn't change much there either.

Are all picks in by now? Deadline was Sunday...

[Bijan]

1 minute ago, Chas.Alpha said:

Are all picks in by now? Deadline was Sunday...

1,2 and 3 are in for me. Is the deadline for 4 also Sunday?

[Chas.Alpha]

6 hours ago, Bijan said:

1,2 and 3 are in for me. Is the deadline for 4 also Sunday?

Sunday, 12/12 US. for #4