JohnS' Smoking Diary 2022

[JohnS]

Padron 4000 Maduro

The Padron Maduro 4000 is a large Double Robusto-sized cigar with a 54 ring gauge x 164 mm (or 6½ inches) length. It's the type of cigar that you need a good hour-and-a-half to two hours to appreciate. Whilst not as well known as the premium 1926 and 1964 series from Padron, the 'Thousands' line (i.e. 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000) is part of the original Padron Series founded in 1964, after founder Jose Padron was forced to leave his family plantation in Cuba in 1961, and are fairly popular with Padron smokers because they offer a consistent smoke and a more competitive price.

With the recent high condensation and humidity in my home town of Sydney, Australia of late, I was reticent to smoke anything other than a Non-Cuban cigar today. The reason for this is because I feel that Habanos cigars really need less ambient humidity to appreciate their flavours. I've had friends, who I consider experienced cigar enthusiasts of many years, tell me that Habanos cigars always seem to smoke better outside of Cuba (where ambient humidity is obviously higher) and I believe this adage to be generally true.

I last smoked a Padron 4000 around four months ago and found it to be strong, full-bodied cigar. This was no different. The initial third was a mix of espresso coffee and strong malt stout, the middle third had a touch of spice and oak wood 'join the mix' and the last third was a little 'earthy'. Overall, this was a solid cigar to smoke over two hours.

I mentioned in my last review that if I were to compare this cigar to a Habanos marca I would choose the Ramon Allones brand simply because this cigar reminded me of some of the stronger Ramon Allones Specially Selected Robustos I've smoked in the past, only the Padron 4000 obviously lacked the 'stewed fruit' profile of the Ramon Allones. Still, I can understand why this cigar has its fans. Simply put, it delivers.

[JohnS]

Punch Punch RAT May 2020

The Punch Punch is a Corona Gorda, 46 ring gauge x 143 mm in length. I find this medium ring gauge ideal (or even a little lower as I consider 42 ring gauge, which coincidentally is 2/3 of an inch, perfect). I had acquired a 10-count box of Punch Punch Tubos in May of 2022 and had the first one 'right-off-the-truck' (or ROTT) and it was quite 'run-of-the-mill' or average. I had the second and third cigars from the box at two month intervals thereafter and both of those were a bit better than average. This fourth one, smoked again two months later (and so six months after having the first right-off-the-truck) was very different to them all. It was simply sublime!

I've said it before, but to me, the Punch Punch (Punch - yes, it actually has three 'Punches' in its name!) is always a cedar and classic 'Cuban Twang' affair when its at its best. I esteem it as perhaps one of the few Habanos cigars to encapsulate the ideal of perfect 'Cuban Twang' within a cigar which makes Habanos cigars so distinctive.

This Punch Punch was of the highest echelon of its type because its sour cream, leather, cedar and that quintessential sour citrus 'Cuban Twang' we all know and love when it comes to Punch was so perfectly balanced. No one flavour dominated the other. Just like my previous cigars from this box, it wasn't complex, it stayed fairly much the same throughout the thirds but make no mistake, it was excellent. I think I only took around seventy minutes to nub it but I didn't feel that I smoked it too quickly. Obviously, it was fairly easy to smoke, enjoy and appreciate.

So, in summary, my first cigar from this box was ordinary whilst the next two were similar in been simple-blended typical Punch-flavoured cigars, perhaps marginally better than average. This fourth one was a revelation. I am now looking forward to smoking the next Punch Punch from this box in two months time in the hope that the next cigar replicates this one today!

[JohnS]

H. Upmann Half Corona OPG Feb 2015

The H.Upmann Half Corona was released in 2011, has a 44 ring gauge and is 90 mm or 3½ inches in length. It typically smokes around 25 to 35 minutes. It comes packaged in a 5-pack metal tin or 25-count dress box. This OPG Feb 2015 H.Upmann Half Corona I smoked today came from a dress box.

When young the H.Upmann Half Corona is noted for its espresso coffee, toasted tobacco and white pepper/spice flavours. I opened up this box after five years and I've now gone through three-fifths of the box. I must admit that I haven't been 'blown away' by it but as the box approaches its eighth year I've found that the flavours have melded and the cigars have diminished to around the medium mark in strength.

This HU Half Corona was brilliant though today, just like my last one smoked a little over two months ago. Like last time, the reason for this simply lies in the fact that the flavours were bold and balanced. It had everything. From the get-go, there was coffee, a little shortbread, sweet licorice and toasted tobacco smoked over thirty-five minutes.

Judging by how the last two H.Upmann Half Coronas have smoked from this box, I would say that this box has now 'turned a corner'. I suppose that seven-and-a-half years is a long time to wait for a cigar to begin to show signs that it's smoking to one's preference, but it does highlight the old proverb that 'patience is a virtue'.

[JohnS]

Diplomáticos No.2 EML Ago 2014

Despite acquiring this EML Ago 2014 box of Diplomaticos No.2 in 2016, I didn't actually 'crack it open' until it had reached the five year mark in 2019. In the time that has passed since, I've gone through nearly the whole box, having smoked fourteen of the cigars and given eight away to various cigar enthusiasts to sample at catch-ups or get-togethers over the years, mainly because I find that other cigar smokers aren't as necessarily familiar with the Diplomaticos No.2 as they are with the Montecristo No.2, for example.

My last Diplomaticos No.2 smoked from this box was a little over a year ago, yet at eight years of age, this Diplomaticos No.2 continues to show no sign of diminishing in the flavour department whatsoever. I find that, in general, Diplomaticos cigars can vary markedly between flavours that are savoury (such as capsicum or bell pepper, paprika spice) and flavours that are sweet (cinnamon, nutmeg). These Dip 2s from this box have definitely been on the savoury side.

Like my last Dip 2 from this box, this was quite savoury, yet whereas that one had strong notes of wood, capsicum or bell pepper and paprika spice, this one had those aforementioned notes but not much paprika spice. The cigar had a decent amount of smoke per puff and packed plenty of flavour. The ash was again consistent and the burn and draw were both ideal.

This Dip 2 did not have any notes of 'toastiness' like my last one. Instead, it had a solid core of sourdough which served as its core flavour from beginning to end. It was very easy to smoke and I nubbed it as far as it would go.

So, all-in-all, as I mentioned in my last review on this cigar, this Dip 2 was just as enjoyable as my past few cigars from this box code. I'd happily settle for a Diplomaticos No.2 such as this one anytime.

[JohnS]

Ramón Allones No. 2 2019 - Edición Limitada GEM Jul 2020

The Ramon Allones Allones No.2 (yes, that is its full name but it is commonly referred to as the Ramon Allones No.2 amongst aficionados) is a 2019 Limited Edition that is packaged in a 10-count ornate, green box and was launched with much fanfare by Habanos S.A in conjunction with Hunters & Frankau in London in August 2020. Habanos S.A invested heavily in its marketing campaign by releasing a technically slick video advertisement and 600 guests at the launch party were gifted packs including the new cigar; a small bottle of Hine Cigar Reserve Cognac and a glass; chocolates especially designed for the event by London club, 5 Hertford Street, a cutter, matches and a detailed informational booklet.

The Ramon Allones No.2 is a campanas; a torpedo-shaped cigar with a 52 ring x 140 mm or 5½ inches length which has the identical dimensions of a Bolivar Belicosos Finos. This is the fifth Ramon Allones No.2 I've had, but the first I've smoked in 2022. All of my previous Ramon Allones No.2s were easily discernible as being quality, refined cigars and this was no exception. The flavours were again typical for Ramon Allones such as cocoa and cherry fruit. The last Ramon Allones No.2 I had in December 2021 contained hazelnut and soft baking spices on the edges, was full-bodied and medium-mild in strength, yet differed in comparison to previous Ramon Allones No.2s I'd smoked because it finally begun to 'open up' and smoke like the quality cigar it has promised to be the previous three times I had smoked it in late 2020 to mid 2021.

This Ramon Allones No.2 smoked today had flavours that were quite delineated. They were not melded or 'muddled'. The cherry fruit and hazelnut flavours along with the baking spice were easy to pick out and the cocoa aspect to the cigar was now much more in the background. Approaching the two-and-a-half year mark this cigar has developed quite nicely in how approachable it now is.

The cigar took me around 75 minutes to finish and like my last one smoked late in 2021, I can emphatically reiterate that this Ramon Allones No.2 LE is smoking like the great cigar that it was specifically blended to be. If you have this cigar in your inventory, why not seek it out and see how they are coming along? Who knows, you may be in for a very pleasant surprise indeed!

[JohnS]

Padron 1964 Torpedo Maduro

Padron is considered amongst enthusiasts as one of the most consistent Non-Cuban brands in both construction and blend.

According to Padron, The Padron 1964 Anniversary Series line was introduced in 1994 to commemorate Padron's 30th anniversary.  This line consists of ten sizes that are all available in sun-grown natural and maduro wrappers.  All tobacco used in this limited production series is aged for four years, creating a smooth and complex flavor. In honour of the age-old Cuban tradition of box-pressing cigars, the 1964 Anniversary line was introduced as a box-pressed series.

Again, I noted the wondrous aromatic smell of this cigar off the cold draw which was simply wondrous. It's best described as a unique musty, cedar smell that in itself doesn't sound appealing but in a cigar like this, trust me, it's just perfect.
    
This Padron 1964 Anniversary Maduro Torpedo has a 52 ring gauge x 152 mm or 6 inch length. The first few puffs revealed a delicious creamy, cashew nut aftertaste on my palate to compliment the cedar, coffee, Earth and sweet tobacco. Again, this Padron cigar was so well-constructed that everything was balanced, the draw was spot-on and huge plumes of smoke were evident from every puff. If you'd assume that this was going to be another full-bodied Padron classic cigar then you'd be correct, for that it what transpired.

As I smoked this Padron 1964 Anniversary Maduro Torpedo into the second third I noticed that the sweet tobacco I noted in the first third was akin to a subtle cocoa. I say that because the other flavours continued to dominate the cigar, but honestly that wasn't a bad thing. The burn and draw continued to be as reliable as ever and the full array of strong flavour/s on the palate didn't diminish at all in the middle of the smoke.

At the start of the last third, the full-bodied flavour remained, as did the volumes of smoke. I gladly nubbed this at around 90 minutes. And when I mean nubbed, I mean until I couldn't hold the cigar to smoke it.

In conclusion, the aged leaf in the 1964 Anniversary series makes its full flavour more manageable, in my opinion, within a medium to medium-mild strength. The Natural-wrappered version of the 1964 Anniversary Torpedo won the Cigar Aficionado 'Cigar of the Year' award for 2021 with an incredible 97-point rating. This has made this cigar naturally harder to source at the present time. Perhaps the maduro version is more easier to acquire right now? No matter, whilst I don't think that this maduro version is a 97-point cigar, still I would easily rate it a 92 to 93 point cigar. Sure, the blend wasn't overly complex but this Padron 1964 Anniversary Maduro Torpedo proved to be a well-constructed and fantastic example of its brand yet again today.

[JohnS]

Montecristo No.4 UEB May 2018

I finished my UEB Ago 2018 box last year but I still have six sticks of this UEB May 2018 box left for now, thankfully, as well as some quarter-box acquisitions of other Montecristo No.4 with post-2019 box codes. It's hard to believe though that this cigar is now four-and-a-half years old.

My last Montecristo No.4 from this box code, smoked three months ago, was tightly packed. This was rolled entirely differently, it seems, as it fluctuated from smoking and ashing well to being slightly under-filled and having burn issues due to some bunched leaves in spots. In other words, it varied between been quite good to smoke and being quite ordinary.

Flavour-wise, this was light on dark cocoa, it had light milk coffee, leather, almond nut and some citrus twang in parts. So despite the construction issues, yes; the quintessential Montecristo No.4 flavours kept me interested for a little bit over an hour.

After finishing it I lamented the fact that a company such as Padron roll Nicaraguan cigars in their factories and not Cuban ones. For surely if they did so, one could only imagine how esteemed a cigar such as the Montecristo No.4 (and the piramides No.2) could become!

[JohnS]

Cuaba APAC 2020 - Edición Regional Asia Pacifico LTO Mar 2021

Pacific Cigar Company (or its more common abbreviation, PCC) brought out the 2020 Cuaba APAC in mid-2021 as an Asia-Pacifico Regional Edition, the very first Regional Edition since the program was conceived in 2005.

The Cuaba APAC is packaged in a 10-count box, with PCC distributing a run of 8888 boxes. The cigar is a Tacos vitola, a 47 ring gauge x 158 mm (or 6¼ inches) in length Perfecto, the same size as the LCDH Hoyo de Monterrey Elegantes, 2020 Mexican Regional Edition Ramon Allones Perfecto and the regular production Partagas Presidentes. The Tacos vitola differs a little from regular production Cuaba Perfectos in the shape of the head, which in the case of the APAC, is more conical (or streamlined/straighter at the head and foot) than your standard Cuaba.

This is my fifth Cuaba APAC, my second in 2022, after I smoked three in 2021 that I found quite impressive. Those cigars shared a typical Cuaba peanut and orange Cointreau citrus profile with a smooth, mild and refined strength and body.  They also had a quality shortbread and cedar aspect to them together with some quintessential Cuaba toasted tobacco and even vegetal flavour on the edges. For Cuaba, these flavours are complex and I have admired that about this cigar, thus far.

My last Cuaba APAC, smoked three months ago,  was simply atrocious because its construction was poor. From the onset, I was battling burn issues. It had a toasted tobacco and vegetal quality which was too dominant and for my tastes, unsavoury.

This Cuaba APAC, on the other hand, was uniformly excellent. I wouldn't say that it had a quality shortbread profile, but it certainly had a core Cuaba peanut and orange Cointreau citrus, together with a herbal and toasted tobacco note which made it very different to a Cuaba Distinguidos, for example. I finished the cigar after close to two hours quite satisfied.

I do wish I had a few more in my humidor as I recognise now that these won't be easy to locate and acquire from hereon in. Oh well, at least I'm fortunate to have a variety of other Habanos (and some premium Non-Cuban) cigars to keep me occupied while I make the last half of this 10-count box last a little longer between the occasions that I call on it!

[JohnS]

Partagás Culebras 2007 - La Casa del Habano Exclusivo MSU May 2018

The Partagas Culebras...when was the last time you had one? It's not exactly the type of cigar that will pop up in your rotation, but it is the perfect cigar when you want to share something with friends. This is exactly what I did today for a cigar get-together recently. I figured that the Partagas Culebras was ideal for just such an occasion because regular cigar enthusiasts have them so sparingly, yet it seems that you rarely encounter one that lets you down. Culebras means 'snake' in Spanish and this release signifies how three cigars are intertwined around each other in a twisted fashion resembling the outline of a snake.

Despite their 'mangled' and twisted shape they invariably always smoke well, flavourwise and draw-wise. How are they made that way? According to Cigarsofhabanos.com's late-2018 blog article, the cigars are purposely under-filled and over-moistened so that they may be bound together in a bunch without cracking the wrapper. Once bound, the cigars are sold in a bundle, and stored in this bundle until the an individual cigar is ready to be smoked. Once the bundle is separated, the individual cigars maintain their twisted shape, and the under-filled nature of the cigar results in a better draw than you’d expect.

Today, only Partagas has a Habanos Culebras product but in the past H.Upmann and Romeo y Julieta had one too. These Habanos Culebras were and are all 39 ring gauge x 146 mm (or 5¾ inches) in length, even the straight ones that were produced for the Caney and La Flor del Caney marcas. Prior to the Cuban Revolution (in the early 60's) Hoyo de Monterrey also produced a three-in-one Culebras vitola.

This Partagas Culebra is now four-and-a-half years of age and was the fourth one I smoked from the box. The draw was a little loose (naturally), I got regular ash-lengths of just under half an inch (or just over 1 cm) and I had to re-light the cigar a few times as it would inexplicably go out. As usual, flavours were better than standard in their appeal and consisted of a sweet cedar, coffee, leather and sourdough core flavour. The cigar was very smooth. There was no hint of Partagas pepper or spice to be found at all.

Overall, despite a number of re-lights (I think around three), this was quite good. I happily shared out the remains of this coffin and another (a coffin is a colloquial term to mean a small wooden box with a slide lid that holds three of these cigars intertwined) and it received a broad acclamation of approval. Ultimately, I was pleased these Partagas Culebras were so well-received, but it was the social company that highlighted for me the joys of this hobby. This cigar was a perfect choice today to celebrate those joys!

[JohnS]

Diplomáticos No.5 (circa 2009)

I'd like to thank @baragh for gifting me this cigar because this has long been discontinued. Along with the Diplomaticos No.4, the Diplomaticos No.5 was last seen in 2010 and is much missed amongst cigar enthusiasts. After smoking this perlas-sized cigar tonight I must say I miss it even more! It was certainly different in its flavour profile to other common regular production minutos and perlas such as the Partagas Shorts, Montecristo No.5, San Cristobal de la Habana El Principe, Cohiba Siglo I and Rafael Gonzalez Perlas.

What can one say about the Diplomaticos No.5? In general, they just age well, it seems. This cigar was no different. Very typical Diplomaticos flavours of light cocoa and sourdough, capsicum or bell pepper, baking spices and an orange citrus sweetness. It was by no means a complex cigar and it stayed fairly consistent in strength throughout the thirds.

I do wish that the Diplomaticos marca had more Regional Editions in this smaller ring gauge (under 46 ring gauge would be ideal). There has been nine such releases (and one further on the way), including the famous and highly-regarded Diplomaticos Bushido from 2014, but none of these have been under 50 ring gauge. If there ever is a future release with a thin ring gauge in the Diplomaticos marca, I for one would be inclined to acquire it just for the opportunity to age it and replicate this wonderful smoking experience with this Diplomaticos No.5 today.

[JohnS]

Nudies N1 Lancero

For those of you unfamiliar with the Nudies releases, the intention was to blend more than the eventual two cigars produced, but this wasn't possible to achieve for commercial reasons, so El Pres and Hamlet settled on tweaking a blend which was close enough to replicating the 2010 discontinued Partagas Serie du Connaisseur No.1 and Partagas Serie du Connaisseur No.3.

The Partagas Serie du Connaisseur No.1 was a lancero size with 38 ring gauge by 192 mm (or 7½ inches) in length dimensions. With these Nudies releases, it makes it hard to believe that they were blended with Non-Cuban tobacco, but knowing that there's no Nicaraguan ligero leaf in these makes me understand and appreciate the muted bite and the sweet flavours. El Pres himself said that the small factory, small team (6 rollers), Hamlet blending, Cuban factory manager, choice of good aged tobaccos and great chemistry made things all come together well for the 2019 edition. I couldn't agree more!

Since that time, we've seen more experiments with rolling new blends and vitolas. In late 2020 we saw a Maduro addition to the natural (or Colorado Rosado as is the common parlance in Non-Cuban circles) N1 Lancero and N3 Carlota. In 2022, a pilot N4 Colorado Maduro Marevas was released. Like me, I'm sure you're grateful for having the option to sample these releases, especially since the downturn in Habanos cigar production after the first third of 2022.

At around three years of age, this N1 Lancero I smoked today was brilliant; in fact I would say it was the best from the 25-count pack thus far. It had minimal sweet cocoa and leather, splashings of sweet sourdough and no Partagas-type spice to speak of. There was a delectable sour lemon citrus that complimented and did not embitter the blend from the beginning, together with a quality cedar flavour. The last third saw a change in the blend with the addition of a woody and star anise-type flavour.

This was every bit a quality cigar but unfortunately it was my last one from this 25-count pack. Naturally, I am a little sentimental about that. Luckily, I have some second release DesNudos N1 Colorado Rosado and Colorado Maduro Lanceros (and Carlotas) to open and keep me occupied into 2023.

[JohnS]

Montecristo No.2 OLM Nov 2013

I would like to thank an anonymous benefactor for gifting me this aged Montecristo No.2 (you know who you are). This cigar came from a late-2013 10-count box and had a dark brown colorado maduro-type wrapper shade. Apart from the typical cocoa one gets from Montecristo cigars, the cold draw had a tea cake sweetness which made me eager with anticipation to light it up.

The first third started well as that tea cake sweetness didn't take long to transpire into a gorgeous citrus twang/cointreau-type flavour. This complimented the coffee and cocoa well. The burn, ash and draw was ideal. There was plenty of smoke and flavour per puff.

The second third saw this Montecristo No.2 settle into a coffee, cocoa and Cointreau/citrus core delight. The smoke was slightly cream-textured. The ash was like dime stacks. At around the halfway point I didn't know what more I could ask for from this cigar other than, "more of the same"!

The final third, therefore and of course, was not 'more of the same'. This didn't prove to be a deterrent to the enjoyment of this Monte 2. On the contrary, there was nothing wrong with the sweetness of the cigar 'backing off' a bit and getting more leather towards the end of the cigar.

Isn't it funny, don't you think, how varied one's experience can be in smoking a Montecristo No.2 (or a Montecristo No.4 for that matter)? On the one hand, they can be so mind-numbingly average; yet, on the other they can be simply empyreal (or out of this world). Just like this Montecristo No.2 today.

[oneizzzz]

12 hours ago, JohnS said:

empyreal

[KCCubano]

On 11/16/2022 at 6:49 AM, JohnS said:

Padron 4000 Maduro

The Padron Maduro 4000 is a large Double Robusto-sized cigar with a 54 ring gauge x 164 mm (or 6½ inches) length. It's the type of cigar that you need a good hour-and-a-half to two hours to appreciate. Whilst not as well known as the premium 1926 and 1964 series from Padron, the 'Thousands' line (i.e. 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000) is part of the original Padron Series founded in 1964, after founder Jose Padron was forced to leave his family plantation in Cuba in 1961, and are fairly popular with Padron smokers because they offer a consistent smoke and a more competitive price.

With the recent high condensation and humidity in my home town of Sydney, Australia of late, I was reticent to smoke anything other than a Non-Cuban cigar today. The reason for this is because I feel that Habanos cigars really need less ambient humidity to appreciate their flavours. I've had friends, who I consider experienced cigar enthusiasts of many years, tell me that Habanos cigars always seem to smoke better outside of Cuba (where ambient humidity is obviously higher) and I believe this adage to be generally true.

I last smoked a Padron 4000 around four months ago and found it to be strong, full-bodied cigar. This was no different. The initial third was a mix of espresso coffee and strong malt stout, the middle third had a touch of spice and oak wood 'join the mix' and the last third was a little 'earthy'. Overall, this was a solid cigar to smoke over two hours.

I mentioned in my last review that if I were to compare this cigar to a Habanos marca I would choose the Ramon Allones brand simply because this cigar reminded me of some of the stronger Ramon Allones Specially Selected Robustos I've smoked in the past, only the Padron 4000 obviously lacked the 'stewed fruit' profile of the Ramon Allones. Still, I can understand why this cigar has its fans. Simply put, it delivers.

They are excellent if you put 5+ yrs on them. 

[JohnS]

26 minutes ago, KCCubano said:

They are excellent if you put 5+ yrs on them. 

That's great to know, thank you! 👍

[JohnS]

Davidoff Grand Cru No.2

According to Davidoff, The Grand Cru series embodies total sophistication. It brings you a depth and character second to none – an enchanting mild to medium-body experience. In regard to the coronas-sized Grand Cru No.2, they describe it as a Corona Larga shape (n.b. this is Davidoff's term for the size of the Grand Cru No.2. Larga is Spanish for 'long'.) This slightly longer than usual Corona format allows for a higher proportion of Ligero tobacco, lending the complex flavours of nuts and woods extra strength and depth, without overpowering the sophisticated aroma.

The Davidoff Grand Cru No.2 consists of an Ecuador Connecticut wrapper, a Dominican Republic binder using Piloto Seco leaf and a Dominican Republic filler which uses San Vicente Seco, Piloto Seco and Olor Seco. It is a 43 ring gauge x 143 mm (or 5⅝ inches) in length Coronas-sized cigar. (Again, Davidoff describes it as a Corona Larga on their website)

If you aren't aware, the Davidoff Grand Cru line is considered mild, so keep that in mind in case you've never sampled it. The Winston Churchill Late Hour Series, by comparison, is fuller-bodied and medium strength. In other words, two very different lines of cigars. I sampled the Davidoff Grand Cru No.5 perlas-sized cigar around three months ago and quite liked it and a David Grand Cru No.3 (which is about the same size as a Montecristo No.4) and I found that okay. I thought both cigars had some discernible characteristics which were similar to a Habanos brand Fonseca cigar.

The first few puffs of this cigar highlighted its typical sandalwood core flavour. As I smoked through the cigar there were notes of milk coffee, straw or hay, floral notes, white pepper, as well as that core sandalwood. In the middle third those hints of white pepper died down so that there was only a smidgen of spice on the edges. The final third was very simple; basically it was a concoction of wood and straw or hay. Overall, this was very easy to smoke and easy to appreciate, especially in regard to its mildness and mellow flavours.

Davidoff's website suggests that the Grand Cru No.2 may be enjoyed over a thirty minute smoking time. On the contrary, I took about sixty minutes to finish it. In general, I quite enjoyed the Davidoff Grand Cru Nos. 5, 3 and 2 that I smoked these past few months. They were the type of cigars you'd start the morning with, with a cup of coffee to compliment them. Of the three, the No.5 was my favourite because it was the most flavoursome, yet unique smoking experience for a perlas-sized cigar. The No.3 and No.2 followed close behind.

In my opinion, if you are looking for a mild Non-Cuban cigar for a change of pace, you can't go much wrong with trying the Davidoff Grand Cru series.

[JohnS]

Nudies N3 Carlota

I'm almost at the end of my acquisitions of the initial 2019 run of Nudies N3 Carlotas (I now have one left after smoking this specimen today) and truthfully they keep getting better with age.

The original intention was to make a cigar utilising Non-Cuban leaf to mimic, as closely as possible, the now long-discontinued Partagas Serie du Connaisseur No.3. And 'by God' have El Pres and Hamlet succeeded! After almost three years down this cigar truthfully just keeps developing!

It is by no means a complex cigar but it wasn't blended that way. For me, it continues to deliver a simple easy-smoking experience over 75 to 90 minutes. Sometimes I get a nice lemon citrus twang, like I did today (and like the last one I smoked three-and-a-half months ago), to compliment the Partagas sourdough and leather flavours and sometimes I don't. Sometimes I've found them a touch 'grassy'. I don't even think it matters as they are great either way.

I now have a single 2019 Nudies left (yes, one solitary N3 Carlota) but I have no qualms about that. I have a second run of 2021 Desnudos (Colorado Rosado and Colorado Maduro Lanceros and Carlotas) resting away and I look forward to smoking those, at some point, to continue this fun journey begun with the Nudies N1 Lanceros and Nudies N3 Carlotas. Before then, I would say I will sample the Nudies N4 Mareva Fuerte 'Pilot' which was a test blend that evolved very well with a Colorado Maduro wrapper.

[JohnS]

Padron Serie 1926 #6 Maduro

The Padron 1926 series was introduced in 2002 to commemorate founder Jose O.Padron's 75th birthday the year before. (He was born in 1926.) This series is offered in a box-pressed format with tobacco specifically aged five years as a minimum. Since its release it has rated highly and won a number of awards. Furthermore, cigar enthusiasts have consistently rated the 1926 Series highly also.

The Padron Serie 1926 No.6 Maduro seems comparable to a San Cristobal de La Habana El Principe but it is actually about the same size as a Punch Short de Punch (i.e. 50 ring gauge x 120 mm or 4¾ inches in length). That's where the similarities end, however, as the box-press and almost oscuro-type shade on the wrapper on the Padron Serie 1926 No.6 Maduro make it look and feel quite unique.

The cold draw offered a strong cocoa and leather taste, with a hint of pepper.

The first third naturally brought with it a plume of smoke and flavour, as is to be expected with Padron cigars. I assumed that I would get some pepper or spice in the first third but this was not so, instead; the flavour was basically a mix of strong cocoa and dark espresso coffee. The volume of smoke necessitated a slowed-down smoking style. Basically I took a few sips from the back of the head every few minutes and that was enough to coast my palate with a rich, full flavour.

The middle third saw the cigar diminish a little in strength but maintain its full flavour. The core strong cocoa and coffee remained, joined by some Earthy notes and dark cherry. As is usual with Padron cigars, the construction was ideal with ash-ridges symmetrical and each ash-length a consistent length.

The final third had coffee, bitter chocolate, some cedar and Earth with a hint of pepper. The strength remained consistent but the plumes of smoke and full flavour continued until I nubbed the cigar after an hour.

After finishing the cigar I reflected on how this is the type of cigar best suited to experienced cigar enthusiasts, on account of its medium-full to full body. It's certainly not an overly complex cigar, and for the price point I would opine that there are better options amongst Non-Cuban cigars, but the Padron 1926 series grows on you in the same way perhaps as taking your morning coffee strong without milk or sugar does after drinking coffee for a number of years.

If you enjoy the 1964 anniversary series, think of the 1926 line as an amplified version of what the 1964 line has to offer. Both lines are quality options, yet they are quite distinct from each other.

[JohnS]

Bolívar Petit Coronas ETP Mar 2017

I opened this box a little over two years ago, gone through sixty percent of the box, yet this is just the second Bolivar Petit Coronas I've had in the last twelve months. It's not because they haven't appealed to me; rather, I think my box of mid-2015 Bolivar Tubos No.1 caught my attention in the meantime and have distracted me!

This box is now five-and-a-half years old and they've now entered a new stage of their development, in my opinion, as today's BPC was the first from this box to start off with a caramel marshmallow texture. I thought to myself upon lighting that I was in for a classic cigar today, but it didn't quite turn out that way.

Soon after I drew down on this cigar I picked up the strongest combination of forest floor, bitter malt and clove flavours, which was a distinct contrast to its opening. This interplay between these soft, mellow flavours and strong, earthy ones continued for a little while until end of the first third. After this, the cigar settled into a mild caramel marshmallow, malt and dried berries classic. The last third was a bit more leathery, but still it smoked fine until the end.  

I can't say that what occurred in the first third; with the juxtaposition between the flavours, is something I've really experienced before. My best guess is that some off-cut leaves were rolled into the cigar. Honestly, I can't say for sure, but I have heard of this contrast in flavours in a cigar in an old video review from El Pres on the FOH.tv YouTube video channel. Anyway, I'm sure that my next Bolivar Petit Coronas will be more rudimentary the next time I reach for one!

[JohnS]

Romeo y Julieta Exhibicion No.4 ABO Ago 2018

If you've ever wondered why I seem to smoke a Romeo y Julieta Exhibicion No.4 immediately after a Bolivar Petit Coronas in this Cigar Review Series, the answer is simple: These two cigars are stored near each other in my humidor and I tend to reach for both when I open this humidor. Like the Bolivar Petit Coronas I smoked before this RyJ Exhibicion No.4, I believe this is just my second sample of this cigar smoked this year in 2022.

What I typically look for in a quality Romeo y Julieta Exhibicion No.4 is a tart 'fruitiness' that is a defined characteristic of this marca. The key to the 'fruity' flavours, I believe, is to ensure one gets a box of these with rosado-hued wrappers. It makes all the world of difference to the a RyJ Ex4 cigar, in my opinion.

This RyJ Ex4 had a little sour cherry throughout it with some cocoa and anise but it was the oat biscuit that really stood out amongst the flavours. I got an undesirable vegetal or herbal flavour that unbalanced the cigar one of the last times I smoked this cigar, but thankfully there was no evidence of that here today.

I could sense this Romeo y Julieta Exhibicion No.4 was going to give me a 'nicotine kick' in the last third; something I rarely encounter, but it didn't quite eventuate. Still, the cigar was a bit 'heavy' to smoke towards the end. Otherwise, this RyJ Exhibicion No.4 was quite good.

[JohnS]

Montecristo Petit Edmundo SMA Oct 2018

I had the first Montecristo Petit Edmundo of this SMA Oct 2018 10-count box last month after I had been going through an eight year-old 25-count ESO Sep 2014 box of MPEs of late and I must admit it was quite brilliant to smoke. That cigar was perhaps a touch under medium, with dark cocoa, milk coffee, leather and vanilla bean notes. It took me a whopping eighty minutes to finish it due to the large volumes of smoke per draw.

This second cigar started off quite mellow in its milk coffee, cocoa and cream texture and I initially thought that it would remain that way throughout the smoke. However, halfway through the first third the cigar 'ramped up' in strength, with subsequent dominant notes of dark cocoa and leather. Again, there was a tremendous volume of smoke per draw so there was plenty of flavour on my palate after every puff and I didn't have to draw as often to savour the cigar.

I finished the cigar after a barely believable ninety minutes, which is a long time for a cigar of this size. I did enjoy this MPE, but it was very different to the ESO Sep 2014 box I've been smoking in the recent past. The difference is quite stark and quite remarkable, yet I'm glad I have both varieties of Montecristo Petit Edmundos in my humidor.

[JohnS]

Hoyo de Monterrey Escogidos 2018 - La Casa del Habano Exclusivo SOU Dic 2020

According to Habanos S.A (and Cuban Cigar Website), La Casa del Habano is an internationally registered trademark, property of the Corporation Habano S.A.; it’s design and concept are founded in ‘know how’, and have been pivotal in Habanos’ successful development into an International Chain of Franchises in just a brief period of time.

La Casa del Habano are models for successful businesses around the world. An ample number of cigar boutiques rebuilt using norms and parameters of identity set by the Franchiser, Habanos S.A., using it’s image and excellent service, have successfully promoted the pleasures of smoking cigars along with the knowledge of it’s culture to consumers, while still maintaining the capacity to adapt itself to the characteristics and culture of the country in which it functions.

In 1990, the first international La Casa Del Habano began operating in Cancun, Mexico.

From that date to the present it’s business concept has evolved. In the beginning it functioned as a store especially dedicated to the selling of famous Cuban tobaccos commercially recognized around the world. Presently, this store not only sells tobaccos, but is also characterized by numerous other services and personalized attention provided to experts in the art of smoking cigars as well as to those beginners interested in learning about these products, it’s culture and it’s history.

Initially the LCdH releases were standard productions cigars produced in unlimited numbers.

Since 2011 a new policy of releasing special La Casa Del Habano Exclusives (La Casa Del Habano Exclusivo) in limited numbers was established. Prior to this, releases such as the 2006 San Cristóbal de la Habana Muralla, San Cristóbal de la Habana Mercaderes and San Cristóbal de la Habana Oficios and the 2007 Bolívar Gold Medal were produced in limited runs and not continued. The 2007 Partagás Culebras, 2008 Partagás Salomones, 2009 H. Upmann Noellas and 2010 Ramón Allones Allones Superiores were amongst the first LCdH releases to benefit from the 2011 change in policy and hence have been in regular production ever since.

Since 2011, the annual La Casa del Habano Exclusive releases have been:

H. Upmann Royal Robusto (2011)
Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure de Luxe (2012)
Bolívar Libertador (2013)
Romeo y Julieta Cedros de Luxe (2014)
La Gloria Cubana Pirámides (2015)
La Gloria Cubana Robustos Extra (2015)
Hoyo de Monterrey Elegantes (2016)
Trinidad La Trova (2017)

The Hoyo de Monterrey Escogidos, which means 'selected' in Spanish, was the 2018 LCDH Exclusive release, although it did not come to market until late-2019. It’s a 49 ring gauge x 180 mm (or 7⅛ inches) in length Pacos, which is around half an inch shorter than the Hoyo de Monterrey Double Coronas. Like the rest of the LCDH releases, it features a secondary brown band that has the La Casa del Habano logo. It comes packaged in a 10-count semi boîte nature box.

This was the third cigar from this box I've sampled but the first I've had in a little over a year. I'm still remain puzzled as to why Habanos S.A felt compelled to release a Pacos-sized cigar for a marca that already contained a Double Coronas. After all, plenty of other marcas have no Double Coronas or Churchills option, why not release a Pacos for one of those? I guess that since cigars of this size have been steadily discontinued in the 21st century I should be at least grateful that a LCDH Exclusive release should enjoy this vitola dimensions.

Like the greater majority of Hoyo de Monterrey cigars, this was again on the lighter side in terms of strength; yet, this HdM Escogidos was medium-bodied in terms of flavour. Over the course of one and three-quarter hours this cigar had a consistent combination of light cocoa, cedar, nut, cloves and spice from beginning to end. In my last review on this cigar, written a little over twelve months ago, I stated that the cloves and spice in the blend alluded to the old-school classic Hoyo de Monterrey flavours of the late 20th century which I most appreciated and ensured that this cigar was nowhere as cream-textured, nor as sweet as my last few Hoyo de Monterrey Double Coronas I've had. This was again true today.

So, in summary, this lived up to its La Casa del Habano Exclusive reputation in terms of satisfaction. And it was better than the first two HdM Escogidos I had from the box thus far. When this was first released critical reviews were a little underwhelming (mainly due to a general blandness in smoking performance) but I'm encouraged with how this cigar is developing based on how it smoked today.

[LLC]

19 hours ago, JohnS said:

Romeo y Julieta Exhibicion No.4 ABO Ago 2018

If you've ever wondered why I seem to smoke a Romeo y Julieta Exhibicion No.4 immediately after a Bolivar Petit Coronas in this Cigar Review Series, the answer is simple: These two cigars are stored near each other in my humidor and I tend to reach for both when I open this humidor. Like the Bolivar Petit Coronas I smoked before this RyJ Exhibicion No.4, I believe this is just my second sample of this cigar smoked this year in 2022.

What I typically look for in a quality Romeo y Julieta Exhibicion No.4 is a tart 'fruitiness' that is a defined characteristic of this marca. The key to the 'fruity' flavours, I believe, is to ensure one gets a box of these with rosado-hued wrappers. It makes all the world of difference to the a RyJ Ex4 cigar, in my opinion.

This RyJ Ex4 had a little sour cherry throughout it with some cocoa and anise but it was the oat biscuit that really stood out amongst the flavours. I got an undesirable vegetal or herbal flavour that unbalanced the cigar one of the last times I smoked this cigar, but thankfully there was no evidence of that here today.

I could sense this Romeo y Julieta Exhibicion No.4 was going to give me a 'nicotine kick' in the last third; something I rarely encounter, but it didn't quite eventuate. Still, the cigar was a bit 'heavy' to smoke towards the end. Otherwise, this RyJ Exhibicion No.4 was quite good.

I have an ABO OCT 18 box I haven’t opened yet but I’ve had a few from a TES MAR 17 box that have all been very good. In the last few years I’ve really come to enjoy the RyJ Exhibicion No. 4 👍

[JohnS]

9 hours ago, LLC said:

I have an ABO OCT 18 box I haven’t opened yet but I’ve had a few from a TES MAR 17 box that have all been very good. In the last few years I’ve really come to enjoy the RyJ Exhibicion No. 4 👍

Definitely, I know what you mean, After all, it only seems like yesterday that POU 13 RyJ Exhibicion No.4s were the 'hottest' habanos cigar in the mid-2010s. Every time they came up on 24:24 listings they'd sell out quicker than the Quai d'Orsay Nos. 50 and 54 in 2018/19 even.

[JohnS]

Normally I save my thanks and gratitude for your support of this blog at the end of each year. I thought I would give a peak into what's coming up for the last month of 2022 for your interest:

• 2006 Cohiba Siglo II, Siglo III, Siglo IV and Siglo V
• Nudies N4 Marevas
• Desnudos N1 Lanceros and DesNudos N3 Carlotas, both Rosado (i.e Natural) and Maduro versions
• Comparison of the new Oliva Serie V Melanio Lancero in Natural and Maduro versions with the Oliva Serie V Lancero
• Plus more!

This blog will be updated at least twice weekly up until the end of December 2022. Thank you again for your support.