JohnS' Smoking Diary 2022

[JohnS]

Trinidad Fundadores RAG Abr 2019

Prior to the advent of the 2019 50th anniversary regular production additions to the Trinidad marca (i.e. the Media Luna, Esmeralda and Topes), the Trinidad Fundadores was considered the 'hot' cigar of the brand. I myself have enjoyed around a combined twelve ARS and RAG '17/'18 and '19 box code cigars in the last four years.

I've found that these ARS and RAG box code Fundadores to have more of a milk coffee and dough combination, unlike the more savoury and complex wood, grass, honey, coffee flavours I've picked up in Trinidad cigars I've smoked in the last 4 to 5 years or so.

I unwound the pig-tail on this Trinidad Fundadores and found the draw quite agreeable. It had a quintessential milk coffee, dough, cake and almond nut flavour combination to it which was at its peak in the first third. In the middle third the cigar picked up in its 'woodiness'. By the last third this 'woodiness' became more 'oak-like', so-to-speak, and the cigar was not as easy to smoke as it was in the first two-thirds.

Frankly-speaking, I still enjoyed this Fundadores quite a lot, over about two hours of smoking time. If it wasn't for the last third this would have been another exemplary long-and-skinny.

[JohnS]

Montecristo No.1 GEL Nov 2020

The last few times I've written a review on the Montecristo No.1, I've mentioned that if I had to guess what sells within the Montecristo marca, in terms of annual volume, in the original Montecristo line when it was first released in 1935, I would say the No.4 followed by the No.2 sell in the greatest numbers. The Montecristo No.5 would be next followed by a distance by the No.1 and No.3. The reason the last two would be less in demand, in my view, would be due to their vitola dimensions rather than how good a cigar they are. Lonsdales and coronas respectively don't currently sell in great numbers, hence their recent mass deletions in the last 15 to 20 years. I find it a great shame how 'under-the-radar' the Montecristo No.1 (and No.3) is, but I'd say that would be less so amongst enthusiasts on our forum.

Recent stocks of 2019/20 Montecristo No.1 have been smoking very well, as their sales on 24:24 listings in that time would attest to. I was low on Montecristo No.1 stock in my humidor so I acquired this GEL Nov 2020 quarter pack in the middle of 2021. I'm glad I did too, after all, this is only the third Montecristo No.1 I've smoked in the last two years!

This Montecristo No.1 was similar in its flavours as my last Monte 1 smoked six months ago. It was light in milk coffee and cocoa/chocolate, it had a distinctive citrus twang, leather, some nuttiness and a pleasing creamy texture on the palate. It was around mild-medium in strength, improved as it went along and only got a little spicy towards the very end. Still, it was a pleasure to nub to its final conclusion.

I still maintain that it's a pity the Montecristo No.1 doesn't get more attention from cigar enthusiasts. After all, it's only 10 millimetres (or two-fifths of an inch) longer than a Cohiba Siglo III but a lot better value in terms of price in comparison, especially since the changes in the pricing of the luxury Cohiba and Trinidad brands by Habanos S.A. in mid-2022.

[JohnS]

Partagás Lusitanias UEB Jun 2018

The Double Coronas is a vitola with a 49 ring gauge and 194 mm or 7⅝ inches length. It typically takes a long time to smoke, somewhere in the vicinity of two-and-a-half hours or more. Of the Double Coronas in regular production in the current Habanos catalogue, I would believe that the Partagas Lusitanias is rated the highest among our members. Of the remaining three, the question of what would be second is a subjective one. Perhaps I would guess it would be the Ramon Allones Gigantes (a cigar that of recent times has been speculated as a candidate for possible discontinuation). I would surmise further that the Hoyo de Monterrey Double Coronas and Punch Double Coronas may not receive as much acclamation because they've been more scarce in availability in comparison to the Partagas Lusitanias and Ramon Allones Gigantes in the last five years or more. At the present time, this may all represent a discussion that is quite hypothetical due to the downturn in current production of Habanos cigars in 2022. You see, since Habanos S.A announced their new pricing re-structure and diminished output in mid-2022, any four of these Double Coronas have been nigh on impossible to acquire.

This 'Lusi' was picked up in a quarter pack offering from a 24:24 listing in 2019. When I acquired them I was both surprised and pleased how 'colorado red' the wrappers were on each of them. I haven't smoked a cigar from this UEB Jun 2018 box code in eighteen months, however, I have had three outstanding Lusis from a UEB Abr 2019 box code in that time.

Even though it's been some time since I've had a Partagas Lusitanias from this box code, the flavours were consistently similar to what I had listed last time. Partagas sourdough, milk coffee, leather and caramel-like sweetness (what El Pres lists as nougat). The only difference I would note would be the fact that any paprika spice in this cigar was only evident in the last third, and it was much less than the last two UEB Jun 2018 Lusis I had.

Construction-wise, my last two Lusis from this box code had issues maintaining their ash, but did not suffer comparably in terms of flavour. This Lusis today ashed much better, but even so, it still didn't keep a consistent one inch ash. It didn't matter really though, the cigar really shined in its first two-thirds. The last third was more rudimentary as the leather and paprika spice were at the forefront of the flavours, but overall I considered this UEB Jun 2018 cigar better than my last two (UEB Jun 2018 ones, that is!). My last three UEB Abr 2019 Lusis was all better by comparison, though.

So, when was the last time you smoked a Double Coronas and if you have some in your humidor, are you reticent to smoke your stock given the current production hiatus of this vitola? I do hope you enjoyed reading this review as I readily admit that it may be some time before I next reach for a Double Coronas myself.

[JohnS]

Romeo y Julieta Petit Royales SMA Jun 2019

The Romeo y Julieta Petit Royales is a cigar I personally rate more highly in contrast to how its general received by cigar enthusiasts. For me, it's the type of cigar, lasting around 30 to 35 minutes, that I go to when I need something solid, reliable and most likely to give me consistency of flavours, construction and performance.

The SMA Jun 2019 Romeo y Julieta Petit Royales box code has been generally excellent to outstanding for me thus far. This is only my second RyJ Petit Royales from this box code I've smoked in 2022, as I have RyJ Petit Royales across four separate box codes in my humidor, but my last one I smoked two months ago was brilliant. This one had similar characteristics to that one; namely, an abundance of quality flavours such as cherry, fruit, chocolate, anise and a little turkish delight. From beginning to end, it was the type of Romeo y Julieta cigar-smoking experience you just simply appreciate its sublimity from beginning to end.

I think what I enjoyed the most was about this RyJ Petit Royales was the combination of milk chocolate and sweet cherries. It was a lot milder in its cocoa/chocolate notes than what I normally encounter.

I've mentioned in previous reviews on the Romeo y Julieta Petit Royales, across four different box codes in my humidor, that I can attest that no one code is better than the other. They continue to maintain a consistency that is quite remarkable.

[JohnS]

Partagás Serie P No.2 TLE Feb 2022

This is my second Partagas Serie P No.2 I've had from a 10-count TLE Feb 2022 box and the third Partagas P2 I've had in the last fifteen months. I had three in a short time in the middle of 2021 and rated them all highly, as there was a nice interplay in balance between their savoury and sweet flavours.

I had mentioned a year ago that amongst Piramide cigars, you would have to say that the Montecristo No.2 and Diplomaticos No.2 have the most following, with the latter of these two more so amongst cigar aficionados. The Partagas Serie P No.2 and H.Upmann No.2 would be in the next tier of following, if we were to categorise in terms of sales, in my view, with the Cohiba Piramides Extra and Vegas Robaina Unicos enjoying the least appeal. So, in terms of Piramides, the Montecristo No.2 would stand out by far, one would think, whilst the Cohiba Piramides Extra negates more of a following on account of its cost (which has appreciated even more in the meantime) and competition from alternative choices within the Cohiba marca. The Vegas Robaina Unicos might not garner more publicity due to Vegas Robaina being a minor brand within the Habanos catalogue. I wonder why, therefore, does the Partagas Serie P No.2 and H.Upmann No.2 not have more of a following? Maybe it's simply a case of the fact that there are other more high profile cigars within the Partagas and H.Upmann marcas. Having said this, I can confirm that both the Partagas Serie P No.2 and H.Upmann No.2 have enjoyed a loyal following amongst our forum members this year in 2022. This can be attested from the response to these cigars in recent 24:24 listings. (This may all change, of course, with the recent announcement of the H.Upmann No.2 being named in first place in the annual Cigar Aficionado Top 25 cigars of the year for 2022.)

The Partagas P2 stands out in within its marca due to its flavour profile. For me, the P2 emphasises a strong milky coffee base more and the sourdough is not its core feature. El Presidente has remarked in the past eighteen to twenty-four months that the Partagas P2 has been outstanding in 2020 and 2021 and he has been enjoying them due to their milk coffee, raisins and salted nuts profile. I would concur that this description is a wonderful parameter or guide to help us understand as to what tasting notes an average Partagas P2 has to offer.

My first Partagas P2 I smoked from this box three months ago had no chance to 'shine' due to its rolling. Sure, the wrapper had a wonderful Rosado hue and the leaf quality was 'top-notch' due to being flavoursome, but when a piramide is rolled with a slight under-filling around the centre, one will have a hard time preventing an acrid and bitter outcome. Thankfully, this second Partagas P2 was not like that at all.

As for this Partagas P2 I smoked today, I can confirm that it was an excellent 92 to 93-point cigar. This time around I especially enjoyed the sweet flavours of chocolate hazelnut (think Nutella), caramel and dried fruits, complimented by a milk coffee and sourdough bread core which made it quite easy to smoke on a mild Summer's day. What could have made it better? Perhaps a smattering or two of a salted peanuts flavour note. But in general, I can't complain!

[JohnS]

Arturo Fuente Hemingway Work of Art

I sampled my first Arturo Fuente Hemingway Work of Art three months ago. I was so enamoured with how it performed in its construction and smoking I decided to acquire a box. This is my first AF Hemingway Work of Art from that box.

The Arturo Fuente Hemingway Work of Art was ranked no.6 in Cigar Aficionado's Top 25 cigars of the year in 2018. Now, these lists can be subject to scrutiny, but it was Cigar Aficionado's take on the cigar that intrigued me below before I smoked my first in early September this year...

"Year after year, Arturo Fuente unapologetically creates perfecto after perfecto in his Hemingway series and unabashedly wraps them in Cameroon—sweet, spicy, tasty Cameroon. While the perfectos in the Hemingway series range in size, we had particular affection for the Work of Art, a charming little smoke with considerable curves and tapers. It’s one of the smaller models in the line (though not the smallest) but it’s very big on flavor.

Perfectos like this one are difficult to make, and in the 1980s they were few and far between. After coming across some old perfecto-shaped cigar molds, Fuente was intrigued and decided to start producing these shapely cigars. The first Hemingways came to market in 1983.

The Work of Art was a later addition to the line, and like all perfectos its combustion can be a bit slow in the beginning, as it takes a little while to fully light the skinny foot. But once the burn gets going past the bulbous taper, it really loads the palate with nutty, toasty smoke before blossoming with baking spices, citrus notes and the sweet-and-spicy properties that Cameroon wrapper is known for."

So yes, in my opinion CA got it right on this one in more than one area. Yes, it's difficult to roll yet Arturo Fuente still finds a way to maintain consistency in construction with these perfecto-shaped cigars. The Cameroon wrapper does indeed impart a wonderful sweetness to the blend and the shape of the cigar induces fantastic transitions on the palate.

The ring gauge of the Work of Art is 60 rg at its most widest, hits 56 rg at the midway point, and decreases to 46 rg around the band. It takes great skill for torcedores to create this complex vitola. That, there is no doubt! It's available in Natural and Maduro varieties. The wrapper, as mentioned, is of the Cameroon sweet variety and both the binder and filler contain aged Dominican tobacco.

The aroma of this box, which came impressively with a humidipak included, imparts the most gorgeous scent of quality cedar that it is in fact difficult to open without being overpowered by its scent. It's actually quite something to marvel at.

Once I managed to patiently light up just the small point at the foot, the flavour at the beginning of this cigar was instantaneous. That is: sweet shortbread and honey that was quite delicious. The cigar had a mild strength and light body. Truthfully, if the cigar stayed like this I would have been very content but as the cigar burned around its widest girth, just past the middle of the opening third, it evolved.

In the middle third, I got a cedar, hay and nut combination coming into the blend more. The last time I smoked an AF Hemingway Work of Art I got a touch of spice in the middle but this time there was none of that at all.

The last third changed again. The strength remained consistent but there was a hint of chocolate to compliment the cedar and hay. Once again, I had no problems whatsoever with the construction as the burn-lines were spot-on, ash-lengths were regular and I had no issue nubbing it.

In conclusion, I really like the AF Hemingway Short Story and Classic (even the Best Seller too) but this Work of Art again did not disappoint. It was a brilliant, sweet, complex and mild cigar that I can foresee smoking again very soon!

[Connoisseur Kim]

8 hours ago, JohnS said:

Montecristo No.1 GEL Nov 2020

The last few times I've written a review on the Montecristo No.1, I've mentioned that if I had to guess what sells within the Montecristo marca, in terms of annual volume, in the original Montecristo line when it was first released in 1935, I would say the No.4 followed by the No.2 sell in the greatest numbers. The Montecristo No.5 would be next followed by a distance by the No.1 and No.3. The reason the last two would be less in demand, in my view, would be due to their vitola dimensions rather than how good a cigar they are. Lonsdales and coronas respectively don't currently sell in great numbers, hence their recent mass deletions in the last 15 to 20 years. I find it a great shame how 'under-the-radar' the Montecristo No.1 (and No.3) is, but I'd say that would be less so amongst enthusiasts on our forum.

Recent stocks of 2019/20 Montecristo No.1 have been smoking very well, as their sales on 24:24 listings in that time would attest to. I was low on Montecristo No.1 stock in my humidor so I acquired this GEL Nov 2020 quarter pack in the middle of 2021. I'm glad I did too, after all, this is only the third Montecristo No.1 I've smoked in the last two years!

This Montecristo No.1 was similar in its flavours as my last Monte 1 smoked six months ago. It was light in milk coffee and cocoa/chocolate, it had a distinctive citrus twang, leather, some nuttiness and a pleasing creamy texture on the palate. It was around mild-medium in strength, improved as it went along and only got a little spicy towards the very end. Still, it was a pleasure to nub to its final conclusion.

I still maintain that it's a pity the Montecristo No.1 doesn't get more attention from cigar enthusiasts. After all, it's only 10 millimetres (or two-fifths of an inch) longer than a Cohiba Siglo III but a lot better value in terms of price in comparison, especially since the changes in the pricing of the luxury Cohiba and Trinidad brands by Habanos S.A. in mid-2022.

Dat tasty Montecristo No. 1 indeed, @JohnS 👍!

As a huge fan of Montecristo No. 1, I too agree that Montecristo No. 1 is such a fine and tasty long CC which makes me want to stockpile of them as much as possible (tastier than No. 4 IMHO). I also feel sad that No. 1 and No. 3 doesn't get much love compared to No. 2 and No. 4 or PE and Edmundo (No. 1 isn't even mentioned or available in Korea yet for unknown reason) 😭, but thank god that I still can get this wonderful Lonsdale CC from our host which at least soothes my mind. Hope my ROP JUL 21 Monte 1 box from our host will be tasty as yours and my previous Monte 1 experience.

For next Kimfessions Series, I'm thinking about puffing either 3yr old Punch 8-9-8 or Punch Mantua as my Bday is on the next January and these Punch ERs would be great for celebrating special moments like my Bday 🙂.

[JohnS]

13 hours ago, Connoisseur Kim said:

Dat tasty Montecristo No. 1 indeed, @JohnS 👍!

As a huge fan of Montecristo No. 1, I too agree that Montecristo No. 1 is such a fine and tasty long CC which makes me want to stockpile of them as much as possible (tastier than No. 4 IMHO). I also feel sad that No. 1 and No. 3 doesn't get much love compared to No. 2 and No. 4 or PE and Edmundo (No. 1 isn't even mentioned or available in Korea yet for unknown reason) 😭, but thank god that I still can get this wonderful Lonsdale CC from our host which at least soothes my mind. Hope my ROP JUL 21 Monte 1 box from our host will be tasty as yours and my previous Monte 1 experience.

For next Kimfessions Series, I'm thinking about puffing either 3yr old Punch 8-9-8 or Punch Mantua as my Bday is on the next January and these Punch ERs would be great for celebrating special moments like my Bday 🙂.

Indeed, the Montecristo No.1 deserves more love, @Connoisseur Kim! Those cigars you have lined up for your next Kimfessions series sound great also! 👍

[Connoisseur Kim]

8 hours ago, JohnS said:

Indeed, the Montecristo No.1 deserves more love, @Connoisseur Kim! Those cigars you have lined up for your next Kimfessions series sound great also! 👍

Much agreed @JohnS! Montecristo No. 1 absolutely deserves more love since it's more refined and tastier than No. 4 🙂.

For Punch 8-9-8 and Mantua, I'm really excited to puff either of them as they have many positive reviews 👍. Like Montecristo No. 1, I wish I have many boxes of them too in my CC collection.

[karp]

On 12/17/2022 at 12:03 AM, JohnS said:

So, when was the last time you smoked a Double Coronas and if you have some in your humidor, are you reticent to smoke your stock given the current production hiatus of this vitola?

Absolutely, I’ll still smoke these in the summer when the weather and time align. Especially this one, the Lusi is the perfect cigar when it’s good. Better to burn out than fade away no? 😬

[JohnS]

5 minutes ago, karp said:

Absolutely, I’ll still smoke these in the summer when the weather and time align. Especially this one, the Lusi is the perfect cigar when it’s good. Better to burn out than fade away no? 😬

Indeed, well said @karp! 😉

[JohnS]

Montecristo Petit Edmundo ESO Sep 2014

The Montecristo Petit Edmundo is a Petit Robusto (52 rg x 110 mm or 4⅜ inches in length), released in 2006. It was the second regular production Petit Robusto-sized cigar (and by that I am referencing its Common Name) after the Hoyo de Monterrey Petit Robusto was introduced in 2004. The Cohiba Magicos came soon after in 2007. After a spate of Regional Edition cigars were released from 2009 to 2011 utilising this vitola there's been a number of additions ever since to the regular production catalogue.

I only opened this ESO Sep 2014 box of Montecristo Petit Edmundos late in 2021. Overall, they've been consistently mild and smooth. Today's Montecristo Petit Edmundo was much milder and light-bodied than most other Montecristo Petit Edmundos I've smoked from this box.

I wrote in my last review on this cigar a few months ago that in general, as this box enters its eighth year, the fullness of flavours (especially when it comes to the Montecristo cocoa and coffee) has greatly diminished and now these have been mainly been nutty, leathery and there's been more room for any citrus twang to 'shine'.

These aged Montecristo Petit Edmundos have also acquired an additional creamy texture to the cocoa, nut and light coffee blend, which I quite like. If you desire stronger coffee and/or cocoa in your Montecristo cigars, then you are best to have them before the 3 to 5 year window, depending on the specific vitola of course. This is a generalisation of course. Bear in mind that today's Monte Petit Edmundo was dominant in quality milk chocolate and milk coffee and had much less leathery flavours. It smoked very much like an aged Montecristo cigar.

As it was, the mild milk chocolate and milk coffee, coupled with a hazelnut cream texture made this a very easy cigar to smoke. I had to draw on it more often to savour it on my palate. It only took about forty minutes to finish but I didn't feel that I smoked it too quickly. Aged cigars can smoke like that sometimes.

At the 10 to 15 year mark, the Montecristo brand can begin to develop floral notes and the nuttiness becomes more generic and less savoury, something akin to walnut or similar. At that point, you aren't likely to be enjoying any dominant coffee flavours. I have no desire to let this box age that long, though.

[JohnS]

Punch Short de Punch RAT Nov 2019

The Punch Short de Punch is a recent 2019 release by Habanos S.A. In my opinion, there's nothing 'short' about it. Firstly, its length is only 4 mm (or ⅙ of an inch) shorter than a robusto and secondly, it normally takes quite some time to smoke. Whereas a robusto would normally take me around 70 to 75 minutes to smoke the average Punch Short de Punch normally takes me around 90 to 105 minutes to finish!

This RAT Nov 2019 was the fourth cigar from a 10-count box I purchased a year ago (or so). I had the first two within the first two weeks and they were both absolutely stupendous! I smoked the third one around eleven months later and I can honestly admit that they are getting even better. Today's fourth one was smoked around four months later.

In regards to flavours, like the previous Punch Short de Punch cigars I've had, this was again all classic Punch...the sour cream, leather, cedar and Cuban twang was all there from beginning to end, and more so the sour cream and cedar notes. A little over a year ago I had noted that the leather in this cigar was more prominent, but now, I note that the cigar has settled and the traditional Punch cedar is more evident in the blend. This cigar was simply delicious today over fifty-five thoroughly enjoyable minutes!

Yes, I did mention that the cigar only took me fifty-five minutes and this was shorter than the time I usually take to smoke a Punch Short de Punch. I suppose the reason for that was because it was so mild from beginning to end and a little less fuller-bodied on my palate.

For me, the PSdP has been so good that I'm more than happy that I've acquired another box a little over a year ago knowing that I'll need them 'down-the-stretch!'

The Punch Short de Punch is by no means a complex cigar, but if you like Punch in general then I'd definitely recommend that you give this a try.

[JohnS]

Partagás Maduro No. 3 TUE Mar 2021

The Partagas Maduro No.3 was added along with the Partagas Maduro No.2 in 2018 to form the Linea Maduro with the Partagas Maduro No.1 introduced in 2015. It is a unique Maduro No.3 size with a 50 ring gauge by 145 mm (or 5¾ inches) length. This was my fifth Partagas Maduro No.3 from the box. I smoked my first three within three months of acquiring this box, waited ten months to have my fourth and a further five months since I've re-visited it.

Within the Partagas Linea Maduro (as it's called) I've had Partagas Maduro No.1s the most and in my view, the Partagas Maduro No.1 has been a refined cocoa, chocolate, coffee, anise and sour cherry smoke according to my palate, in general. I wouldn't categorise it as a classic Partagas-flavoured cigar, nor a complex cigar. Perhaps this last point is pertinent as a number of our forum members haven't exactly connected with this series for these reasons. I mean, think about it, when you think of the Partagas marca do you even think about the Linea Maduro?

Personally speaking, I haven't exactly been overly keen to re-visit this line (either the Maduro No.1, No.2 or No.3) because I've felt they've got a way to go until they reach a peak I'm satisfied with. Having said that, I haven't hated these releases either, unlike all my shocking entreactos-sized cigars I've had to put up with in the last few years that have had terrible construction issues (both the El Rey del Mundo Demi Tasse and Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo du Marie).

This fifth Partagas Maduro No.3 started off okay because instantly I got a hit of delicious cherry. That lasted about five minutes and then the cigar descended into what can only be best termed as an abomination. It's very rare for me to express my views within this blog in this way, however, how else could one describe the disgraceful construction that went into this Partagas Maduro No.3? As can be seen from the attached image above, this cigar started to burn unevenly, tunnel significantly down the middle and frankly, ash everywhere. And as for the flavour, no chance, that was a mess too. Basically it was charred tobacco and spice and generic nothingness. Why did I even bother to smoke this into the last third?

This is now my second cigar in a row from this box that was below average. At least the first three were fine. Okay, they might not have been spectacular but they all showed promise. This cigar today showed me nothing but disdain. Don't expect another Partagas Maduro No.3 review anytime soon!

[JohnS]

Padron 1964 Imperial Maduro

Padron is considered amongst enthusiasts as one of the most consistent Non-Cuban brands in both construction and blend. I think it is for this reason that one rarely encounters a bad review on a Padron cigar. Any criticism on the brand tend to be limited to its vitolas being one-dimensional in flavour. It's uncommon to cite a review mentioning draw issues or indeed a lack of flavour on the palate.  

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 honor of the age-old Cuban tradition of box-pressing cigars, the 1964 Anniversary line was introduced as a box-pressed series".

The smell of this cigar (and on the entire series of 1964 Anniversary Maduro cigars I have that came from this sampler box) on the cold draw continues to appeal to me. Basically-speaking, it is a unique musty, cedar smell that in itself doesn't sound enticing but in a cigar like this, trust me, it's ideal.
    
The Padron 1964 Imperial Maduro is the same length as the Torpedo at 6 inches (or 152 mm) but its ring gauge is slightly bigger as 54 rg and its head (or cepo) is obviously not tapered like a torpedo-shaped cigar. Despite the large ring gauge on this cigar it didn't seem that big. I suppose that's an indication of how acclimated we've become to larger ring-gauged Habanos cigars in the last ten to fifteen years. Normal 42 ring-gauged coronas can seem like toothpicks in comparison!

The first few puffs of this cigar greeted me with some typical mocha chocolate, coffee and cedar but surprisingly next to no pepper or spice. The flavors were once again smooth and well-balanced, no one flavour dominated the others. The draw, of course, was perfect and I got huge plumes of smoke per puff. Did I mention how full-bodied and how much flavour there was? Trust me, a lot!

As I smoked this Padron 1964 Maduro Imperial into the second third I picked up a little spice in addition to the aforementioned flavours in the first third. The burn and draw continue to be as reliable as ever and the fulsome flavour on the palate doesn't diminish at all in the middle of the smoke.

At the start of the last third, the cigar became more intense in its woody characteristics. The full-bodied flavour stays consistent, as does the volumes of smoke. I gladly nubbed this around 75 to 80 minutes. Perhaps that was a little quicker than I would expect from a cigar of this size (as indicated above; 54 ring gauge x 152 mm or 6 inches; slightly bigger than a Cohiba Siglo VI, but not by much due to the box-pressing).

In conclusion, due to this cigar being made with aged aged leaf and rolled with a slightly bigger ring gauge, I found it slightly milder in strength than other Padron Anniversary 1964 Maduro cigars I've sampled recently. Having said this, it was no less full-bodied in its flavour, though. Again, I wouldn't rate the blend as overly complex but this Padron 1964 Maduro Imperial proved to me that this was no doubt another quality cigar and the kudos that is often meted out to this small family-owned company is well-justified.

[JohnS]

Montecristo No.5 ESL May 2018

The Montecristo No.5 was of course one of the original five cigars of the Montecristo line first introduced in 1935 along with the No.1, No.2, No.3, No.4. It's a 40 ring gauge x 102 mm (or 4 inches) in length perla. The typical smoking time for a small cigar like this would be around 30 to 45 minutes.

The first Montecristo No.5 I had from this ESL May 2018 box was in May this year. At four years of age it was replete in cocoa but it had no harsh edges to it, the coffee was mellow and it was not cream-textured in any way. It didn't have any citrus twang either. It was constructed well, smoked well and most importantly, was quite impressive in its balanced flavours, even if it was not overly complex.

This second one from the box a month later was every bit as outstanding. It had the same fine balance of chocolate and coffee, only it had a slight creamy texture which made it even more pleasurable to smoke.

This third one, smoked three months later, continued the trend in establishing what you want from an outstanding example of a Montecristo No.5. Again, it had the ideal balance of milk coffee, cocoa or milk chocolate, a little creaminess and even nut. It goes without saying from my description of it that I enjoyed it a lot!

This fourth one, smoked again three months later, started off sensationally. It had a soft milk chocolate, milk coffee and cream texture opening and I had high hopes for it continuing that way. Unfortunately, around five minutes in the cigar developed issues with some bunched leaves up one side and subsequently burned unevenly. This resulted in the cigar smoking a little harshly thereafter until the burn evened up. After this, the cigar returned to a strong quality cocoa and coffee concoction that I actually appreciated.

What a shame. I had envisaged that I would have another excellent cigar from this box after the first three were outstanding, but it was not to be. Still, I'm confident that the next one will smoke very well, providing there are no construction issues.

[JohnS]

Partagás Serie D No.4 ROP Feb 2020

This is the fifth Partagas Serie D No.4 from a 10-count box I acquired around ten months ago. The Partagas Serie D No.4 is considered the number one selling Habanos cigar in the world today, overtaking the Montecristo No.4. It's certainly come a long way since, because of its size (50 ring gauge x 124 mm or 4.9 inches), it sold only 5000 boxes annually as recently as the mid-1980s.

In general, I prefer Partagas on the mild side and well-rested, unless it's a Lusitanias because these Double Coronas are usually big on sourdough, light on spice or pepper and medium-mild or less in strength, even when young. Therefore, I haven't had many Partagas Serie D No.4s in the last few years. I say this, however, as a result of the fact that I've had many Partagas cigars young in the past that have been more vibrant in flavour and especially strength, and I note that these Partagas Serie D No.4s that have been produced in the last two or three years have not been like that at all. In fact, I've found them quite approachable from very early on.

This fifth Partagas Serie D No.4 was every bit as excellent as the first three. I suppose that was due to the fact that it was a simple cigar that delivered and satisfied after I had construction issues with my previous cigar smoked before this one (a Montecristo No.5). Again, I got a nice balance of coffee, sourdough and leather and construction-wise this was about perfect.

I wrote in my last few reviews that the first three cigars from this box were probably some of the best Partagas Serie D No.4s I've ever had and I could easily smoke them more regularly when they are like this. I'd still contend that this box of Partagas Serie D No.4 represents some of the best product that is available from Habanos S.A in regular production right now, especially after four of the five cigars I've smoked from this 10-count box have been so uniformally brilliant!

[Goodfortune]

On 12/22/2022 at 11:12 AM, JohnS said:

Partagás Maduro No. 3 TUE Mar 2021

Thanks for the review, John. Unfortunately, my experience with these have been the same as yours. I want to like them, but the 4-5 examples that I have smoked of various vitolas, have mostly ended in disappointment. I have 2, No. 2 remaining. Maybe I’ll revisit a few years down the road. Cheers 🍻

[LLC]

@JohnS, it’s been great reading the reviews. Hopefully you have some special cigars lined up for the holidays to enjoy. All the best to you and your family. 

[JohnS]

12 hours ago, Goodfortune said:

Thanks for the review, John. Unfortunately, my experience with these have been the same as yours. I want to like them, but the 4-5 examples that I have smoked of various vitolas, have mostly ended in disappointment. I have 2, No. 2 remaining. Maybe I’ll revisit a few years down the road. Cheers 🍻

I guess we've been spoilt for many other Habanos options when it comes to chocolate/cocoa and sweetness in a cigar. I'm with you in re-visiting these down the road too, @Goodfortune!

9 hours ago, LLC said:

@JohnS, it’s been great reading the reviews. Hopefully you have some special cigars lined up for the holidays to enjoy. All the best to you and your family. 

Thank you, @LLC! You've made me reflect on how precious each holiday period every year is with family and friends and so yes, I will look for something special to smoke from my humidor.  Thanks for the suggestion!

Oh, and I look forward to some pics of your special upcoming lunches, drinks and cigars on the forum!

[JohnS]

DesNudos N1 Colorado Rosado Lancero

In 2019, the original Nudies N1 Lancero and N3 Carlota were released. The N1 Lancero aimed to replicate the blend of the long-discontinued Partagas Serie du Connaisseur No.1 and No.2. The N3 Carlota replicated the Partagas Serie du Connaisseur No.3.

They were well-received by our members, with the consensus opinion that they were remarkably 'Cubanesque' for cigars utilising Non-Cuban tobacco. Construction on these cigars were consistently sound, the small team of rollers responsible for the rollout no doubt contributed to this consistency.

The DesNudos second version of Nudies had an additional Maduro-wrappered release for each vitola. I acquired a Colorado Maduro and Colorado Rosado version of both the N1 Lancero and N3 Carlota in March 2022 and left these cigars to rest for around eight months prior to smoking the DesNudos N3 Colorado Rosado and Maduro Carlota and nine months to smoke the DesNudos N1 Colorado Rosado Lancero today, a 38 ring gauge by 192 mm (or 7½ inches) in length vitola.

Notice that the DesNudos N1 Colorado Rosado and Colorado Maduro Lanceros both have pig-tails. This is no doubt a reference to the cigar that these were both blended in homage to, the Montecristo Especial. The only difference between the Rosado (keep in mind that if these were Cuban cigars we'd be calling these 'Natural' instead of the Non-Cuban term 'Rosado') and Maduro versions is the wrappers themselves. The same blend of seco and volado leaf go into both cigars.

Unlike the DesNudos N3 Colorado Rosado Carlota (itself a cigar based in blend to replicate the Montecristo Especiales No.2), which I found quite 'rounded' when I smoked it a month ago, this DesNudos N1 Colorado Rosado Lancero was quite 'grassy'. In fact, I couldn't believe how herbaceous it was. It reminded me more of a Cohiba Lanceros than a Montecristo Especial. It also had a cocoa and nutty sweetness to it, but no spice.

These 2021 Version Two DesNudos releases were blended with a sweetness profile in mind that differed slightly based on their wrappers. In regards to the DesNudos N1 Colorado Rosado Lancero the sweetness was aimed at imparting a creamy/nutty sweetness on the palate, whereas the DesNudos N1 Colorado Maduro Lancero was intended to leave a cocoa-type sweetness in its mouthfeel.

In regards to this DesNudos N1 Colorado Rosado Lancero I can safely affirm that it did succeed in what it intended to be today; that is, a sweet creamy/nutty textured long-and-skinny cigar. I now look forward to comparing its fraternal twin brother, the DesNudos N1 Colorado Maduro Lancero to compare the resultant similarities and differences, just like I did with the DesNudos N3 Colorado Rosado and Maduro Carlotas a month ago.

[JohnS]

DesNudos N1 Colorado Maduro Lancero

I sampled the DesNudos N1 Colorado Rosado Lancero recently, so I felt it's only natural to want to smoke its fraternal twin, the DesNudos N1 Colorado Maduro Lanceros, just like I did with the DesNudos N3 Colorado Rosado and Maduro Carlotas a month ago.

I've mentioned this point previously in reviews on the DesNudos series, though it bears reiterating, that the difference in wrapper shades, therefore, between these two releases is in fact the only point of variation between these cigars. In other words, the leaves inside contain the exact same blend. Keep that in mind the next time you smoke a DesNudos N1 Colorado Rosado Lancero and a DesNudos N1 Colorado Maduro Lancero or DesNudos N3 Carlota 'back-to-back' (or one after the other).

This DesNudos N1 Colorado Maduro Lancero had a grassiness core flavour upon its opening, much like the DesNudos N1 Colorado Rosado Lancero I smoked immediately prior to this cigar, but the maduro wrapper on this cigar imparted a very much different flavour upon the cigar because that aforementioned flavour profile was much more in the background in comparison.

The maduro shade wrapper gave this cigar a sweet flavour of cocoa from beginning to end. It smoked well, the draw was easy and the ash consistent. In comparison to a Montecristo Especial, which this cigar replicates, the cocoa element to it was more heavy, otherwise it's a simple-blended yet quality option for a long-and-skinny cigar. (The Maduro version of the Desnudos N1 Lanceros in fact tries to combine aspects of the Montecristo Especial and Trinidad Fundadores.)

So, in summary, I'm glad I've given this a little time to rest prior to smoking it today. These DesNudos releases will continue to get better with age on them so if you have more than one bundle of these try to set aside some down-the-track. Somewhere in the vicinity of the twenty-four month mark is about where I envisage these 'rounding off' even more and becoming even more interesting on the palate.

[JohnS]

Cohiba Panetelas LGR Dic 2017

Ever since Habanos S.A. re-adjusted their pricing sharply for their luxury brands in Cohiba and Trinidad in mid-2022, sales for cigars like the Cohiba Panetelas (and other shorter cigars) have seemingly 'fallen off a cliff'. Thankfully, I acquired this box prior to these announced price increases.

The Cohiba Panatelas is just 115 mm long (or 4½ inches) and carries a minuscule 26 ring gauge. At such a thin ring gauge, it probably wouldn't surprise you to know that it can suffer draw issues and be prone to 'plugging' as well as having inconsistent and uneven burns. I consider myself lucky to having received these with four-and-a-half years of age on them. I didn't press my luck expecting to receive them in a varnished boite nature box of 25 cigars. No, I was just happy to have them in the more usual display box of 25 cigars in 5 cardboard packs of 5 packaging.

I've had four Cohiba Panetelas so far (in six months) and overall they've been quite good. They've also all drawn well.

This fifth one was more dominant in Cohiba grass than my previous Cohiba Panetelas.The flavours were once again bold and the body was within the medium to medium-full range. The mocha aspects were in the background and any honey sweetness to be had here was on the light side.

Still, for a short smoke it was fine. I wouldn't acquire another box though, unless they came down sharply in price. It wouldn't surprise me in the slightest if Habanos S.A applies discounts to these shorter Cohiba and Trinidad cigars in 2023 as the market is indicating currently that they are greatly over-valued. If you want to acquire a box, I suggest you hold off a little longer. Who knows, you may find your patience rewards you!

[JohnS]

Partagás Maduro No. 2 TUE Dic 2020

The Partagas Maduro No.2 was added along with the Partagas Maduro No.3 in 2018 to form the Linea Maduro with the Partagas Maduro No.1 introduced in 2015. It is a Short Piramides with a 55 ring gauge by 120 mm (or 4¾ inches) length. If the large ring gauge concerns you, rest assured, the conical head makes it much easier to smoke after cutting than it would otherwise. In my case, I use a Colibri V-Cutter which makes a deeper v-cut in cigars than typical V-Cutters.

If you are wondering in what way the Partagas Maduro line differs from other standard Partagas cigars, rest-assured I've had quite a few of these cigars in the last year or so, and in my opinion, I wouldn't necessarily classify them as a classic Partagas-flavoured cigar. For example, you're not likely to get spice or pepper out of them.

This was the seventh Partagas Maduro No.2 from the box I've had. The first six were smoked between April and November 2021 and they all shared a similar flavour profile.Those Party Maduro 2s had more strength and more body or fullness of flavour than the Partagas Maduro No.1 or Partagas Maduro No.3 I smoked during that time. Think of strong cocoa/chocolate, hints of charred wood, some anise, sour cherry and coffee. No, it doesn't sound like a classic Partagas cigar at all, does it?

I've waited a little more than twelve months to smoke this cigar since my last one. In that time, I found today's cigar has naturally diminished in strength a little and the flavours have melded more. I guess this is to be expected. Overall, it was basically chocolate and wood, with the anise and sour cherry on the edges. There was very little in the way of coffee. Personally, I would have wanted the chocolate and wood to recede more and the anise and sour cherry flavours come more to the fore.

Perhaps I'll give this another six months or so to see what the next stage of development here is. At least this smoked very well in terms of its even burn and consistent long-ashing.

In regards to smoking time, normally I would give myself around 60 to 65 minutes for the Partagas Maduro No.2. This one took me about that time to finish.

[JohnS]

E.P. Carrillo Encore Valientes

The E.P. Carrillo Encore line debuted at the 2016 IPCPR Convention and Trade show. It differed from the La Historia line in that it was created with an aged, all-Nicaraguan blend using tobaccos from Estelí, Condega and Jalapa. It was withdrawn to allow for additional fermentation time on the wrapper and was released two years later in 2018. The Encore line was the first Nicaraguan puro that E.P. Carrillo ever released, which you would think is rare and unique for a factory based in the Dominican Republic.

The Encore line is available in regular production in four different vitolas, each of which comes in 10-count boxes. The Encore Majestic (the 2018 Cigar Aficionado cigar of the year) is a 52 ring gauge x 135 mm (or 5⅜ inches) in length Gorditos-sized box-pressed cigar. The Encore Celestial and Valientes are both 155 mm long (or 6⅛ inches) but the Celestial is a 50 ring gauge parejo (similar to a Double Robusto in size) whereas the Valientes is a 52 ring gauge piramides (with similar dimensions to a Habanos piramides except it is box-pressed). The El Primero is a large 54 ring gauge x 175 mm (or 6⅞ inches) in length parejo. There are also two limited edition releases; the Encore 656, which is a 56 ring gauge x 152 mm (or 6 inches) in length Double Robusto and 10th Anniversary Perfecto, which has the same ring gauge but is half an inch longer.

I smoked the Encore Majestic six months ago and the Celestial three months after that. The Celestial, being essentially 20 mm longer (or four-fifths of an inch), smoked even milder than the Majestic, and trust me, the Majestic was mild for a cigar that utilises all-Nicaraguan tobacco leaf.

I used my Colibri V-Cutter to cut the sharp, conical head of this E.P Carillo Valientes today.The first third started off with some cedar, dried fruits and baking spice. It was quite mild, even more so than the same-length Celestial.

In the middle third, this Encore Valientes continued on its way in being a mild blend of oak wood, light coffee and some hints of 'Earthiness'.

The last third increased in body and strength a touch I noticed some black pepper at this point. I had no issue nubbing this to its conclusion.

In regard to pepper I understand that the E.P Carillo Encore series can be peppery but I wouldn't necessarily subscribe this cigar in the category of peppery Nicaraguan puros. If you are seeking this type of cigar, trust me, there are many other options out there!

The construction and burn were again impeccable. Like the E.P Carillo Encore Majestic and Celestial I smoked prior to this, this Valientes is a quality cigar, albeit with a less complexity. Like the Majestic, I wouldn't hesitate to smoke it again if given the opportunity to do so.