JohnS' Smoking Diary 2022

[JohnS]

Ramón Allones Small Club Coronas ETP Mar 2017

The Ramon Allones Small Club Corona is a reputable (42 ring gauge x 110 mm or 4⅜ inches in length) minutos which I've quite enjoyed of late. I think I've had around six RASCCs in the last six months or so and overall I've rated them quite well for their flavours and smoking time.

This RASCC was a little better than the last one I had. I've found that they've tended to have a balance of quality nut and dried fruit, like raisins, combined with light cocoa, wood and leather. Again, the construction was spot-on here; both the burn and draw, with a smoking time of around 50 to 55 minutes.

Like I mentioned in my last review on this cigar, the Ramon Allones Small Club Corona of recent times provides an astute example of how much value these smaller minuto-sized cigars have when they pack so much flavour, over a longer-than-expected smoking time, in such a small cigar.

[JohnS]

Bolívar Coronas Junior MSU Jul 2019

Of the four Bolivar vitolas I have sampled in the last eighteen to twenty-four months including the Bolivar Tubos No.1, Bolivar Belicosos Finos, Bolivar Petit Corona, I would rate the Bolivar Coronas Junior as perhaps the best (but maybe only just a little better than the others) for how consistent they've been for me.

I've not found my recent BCJs smoked as particularly 'Earthy'. This still had those other core Bolivar flavours of light cocoa, leather, espresso coffee and cedar, but perhaps very little to no sweet Cuban twang. However, this cigar was again medium-full in body with premium flavour. It took me an hour to smoke which I consider great value for a minutos-sized cigar in terms of smoking time.

In summary, this Bolivar Coronas Junior was not as exceptional today as my last one smoked from this box but I would have no issue rating it as a 90 to 92-point cigar.

[JohnS]

Romeo y Julieta Belicosos ATE May 2018

I believe that this is the first Romeo y Julieta Belicosos I've had in quite some time, certainly within the last five or six years. The Romeo y Julieta is a Campanas cigar, a piramide-shaped cigar with a 52 ring gauge x 140 mm (or 5½ inches) length. It's the same ring gauge as regular piramides cigars such as the Montecristo No.2, for example, but just under two-thirds of an inch shorter.

In regular production, we have four Campanas cigars: the Bolivar Belicosos Finos, Romeo y Julieta Belicosos, San Cristobal de La Habana La Punta and Sancho Panza Belicosos. All of these cigars are pre-Revolution (i.e before circa 1960), except the SCdLH La Punta, introduced in 1999. Of these, the Bolivar Belicosos Finos is currently widely available, the RyJ Belicosos and SCdLH La Punta less so and the Sancho Panza Belicosos enjoyed a 'heightened' reputation on our forum in 2018/19 but hasn't been seen much since.

Romeo y Julieta is a marca that has amongst the widest range of acceptance on our forum. Members either love them or loathe them but in general, the marca is a global brand and sells well for Habanos S.A.

Personally-speaking, I quite like the Romeo y Julieta brand but only the 'quality' offerings such as the RyJ Churchills, Exhibicion No.4 and Petit Royales, which are in my regular rotation. I have also enjoyed the RyJ Petit Churchills, Short Churchills and Wide Churchills on occasion.

This Romeo y Julieta Belicosos was different to my regular rotation RyJ cigars, it was much milder. Also, it didn't have that quintessential RyJ fruitiness but it did have a core cocoa, sourdough and wood flavour which was quite pleasant. It was very easy to smoke.

So, in conclusion, if you favour milder Habanos cigars then by all means seek these out, but if you enjoy stronger cigar such as the Bolivar Belicosos Finos then perhaps this cigar is not for you.

[JohnS]

Diplomáticos No.2 RAT Jul 2020

It's been some time since I've smoked a relatively youthful Diplomaticos No.2. Of recent times I have been smoking through a EML Ago 2014 box, but the LGR Ago 2018 Diplomaticos No.2 I smoked through in 2018 were very bit as good, if not quite different in texture and flavours.

This RAT May 2020 Diplomaticos No.2 had a darker wrapper, was more viscous on the palate and more savoury than my 2014 Dip 2s, but again it was quite excellent. This was mainly sourdough, capsicum and paprika, although I wouldn't characterise it as been spicy. It was a joy to nub!

Due to its dimensions, and its relationship to the Montecristo marca, the Diplomaticos No.2 is often compared to the Montecristo No.2. I've definitely found the Diplomaticos No.2 to be more consistent over the years; both in flavours and construction. However, a great Montecristo No.2 is like a 'unicorn' cigar in the regular production Habanos catalogue, hence why I always have them on hand in my humidor.

Still, when you have a Diplomaticos No.2 smoke as well as this one today, the comparison is very much 'mute'. It really doesn't matter.

[JohnS]

Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado

The Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado won Cigar Aficionado’s #1 Cigar of 2014 with a rating of 96 and some very high praise. I actually sampled one in 2015 and I remember it as a peppery two-hour smoke; albeit, a good one.

This Figurado-shaped cigar is tapered at both ends and is box-pressed. It is 152 mm (or 6 inches) long and has a 52 ring gauge. It comes with an impressive Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper. The binder and filler are both Nicaraguan.
    
On the cold draw I got some coffee, earth, and cedar notes. I suspect that this Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado is somewhat aged as it doesn't have the distinctive white pepper that I remember the last time I smoked one years ago.

The first third opened with a medium-mild bodied smoke replete with coffee, almonds or walnuts and cedar. There was a sweet note that was akin to vanilla on my palate. I found the blend quite agreeable.

Toward the middle of the cigar I got some fresh bread, almonds, and a little bitter dark chocolate. These flavours supported the main core flavours I picked up in the first third and were quite delicate, they didn't overpower the smoke. I was also impressed with the burn which remained completely straight and the ash held on average for an inch to an inch and a half.

Moving in to the final third, body and strength both increased to a little over medium. The cigar at this point became a little more woody and but the flavour profile remained consistent and desirable to my palate.

Overall, this was an excellent and delicious cigar enjoyed on a pleasant weekend afternoon over one hour and fifty minutes. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this cigar to sample for regular Habanos cigar smokers as a change of pace. I'm confident you won't be disappointed.

[JohnS]

Bolívar Belicosos Finos TAO Nov 2020

If you weren't aware, I had written previously in my last review on the Bolivar Belicosos Finos that it topped the poll for the tastiest cigar of 2019 on our forum not once, but twice! It's simply been a superlative and dependable cigar in the last few years and it remains a Friends of Habanos forum favourite. Even with the current adjustments upwards to the pricing of Habanos cigars, you'll tend to find that demand is strong on our forum for the BBF when it is listed on 24:24 sales. In the FOH top 26 of 2021 poll as endorsed by El Pres, the Bolivar Belicosos Finos still managed to come in at a very respectable eleventh.

Your average Piramide (also known colloquially as a Torpedo) is 52 ring gauge x 156 mm in length, the BBF is a Campanas and so is slightly smaller at 52 ring gauge x 140 mm in length. I continue to find them quite reliable in construction and flavour delivery over the years, on the odd occasion I have one.

In general, I've had excellent smoking experiences with BBFs in 2019/20 but of late I've only had three in a little over eighteen months, I believe. I think the reason for this is because I had intended resting them, albeit not for this long though. Then again, I have been distracted by other Bolivar options in my humidor such an early-2017 box of outstanding Bolivar Petit Coronas and an equally dependable half-box of mid-2019 Bolivar Coronas Junior!

This BBF was very light on cocoa, but it did dominate in those big BBF flavours; bitter malt, nutmeg, Earth and leather which made it quite ideal cigar for a change-of-pace from my usual 'go-to' cigars.There was no real 'licorice' sweetness or extra spiciness in the back-half of this BBF today, like I have had with other BBF's in the past. On oft times I have also enjoyed a marshmallow texture to this cigar but this BBF was much fuller. I think it would appeal to those of us who like a stronger Habanos cigar, on occasion (or even more regularly!).

As I mentioned in my last review; again, I didn't mind this BBF; I just think that I prefer my other Bolivar cigars in my humidor for the time being (e.g. early-2017 Bolivar Petit Coronas, mid-2019 Bolivar Coronas Junior and mid-2015 Bolivar Tubos No.1) .

[JohnS]

My Father Le Bijou 1922 Torpedo Box Pressed

The My Father Le Bijou 1922 Box Pressed Torpedo is mostly known of late for winning the Cigar Aficionado No.1 cigar of the year in 2015. My Father cigars were created by Jaime García in honor of his father José Pepín García. The Le Bijou 1922 line is marketed as being more bolder and fuller in flavour and strength than the original My Father line.

The Le Bijou 1922 series have Nicaraguan Habano Oscuro wrappers which are dark, oily and leathery, as opposed to the usual Ecuadorian Habano Rosado wrappers found on other My Father cigars. These wrappers impart a more profound cocoa and coffee flavour on the cigar.

“Le Bijou” means “The Jewel” in French and 1922 is the birthdate of José Pepín García’s father. Therefore, this is Pepín’ García’s homage to his own father in the same way Jaime did with the original My Father line. I can't help but feel the French name of the cigar is also a reference to the more common practice, at the time, of labeling prestige cigars as luxury products befitting a French name that was more common in Habanos culture post-Depression. Examples of this include the Hoyo de Monterrey des Dieux and the El Rey del Mundo Choix Supreme.

The cold draw had some bold spice, pepper and cocoa flavours and I knew thereafter (from experience) that I was in for a strong cigar. In the first third I got some sweet oak and coffee flavors from the 'get-go'. Surprisingly (for a Non-Cuban), I got a very Cubanesque uneven burn but this corrected itself by the end of the first third.

By the middle third I still got some spice, sweetness, and coffee but the flavours were not as bold as the first third. However, the strength remained and even turned up a notch.

The final third carried much the same flavours, with the coffee and oak very much dominating. I took an hour and fifty minutes to nub this.

In summary, according to my preferences, this is the type of cigar that I would lay down for quite some time prior to smoking it. Mind you, I still enjoyed smoking it down. If you prefer a cigar with bold flavours and plenty of strength, then this is the cigar for you.

[JohnS]

Cohiba Panetelas LGR Dic 2017

The Cohiba Panetelas is probably best classified as the 'forgotten' Laguito cigar. I say that for two reasons; one, I wouldn't think too many people would be aware that its factory name is 'Laguito No.3' and secondly, that it has been around since 1967. Of course, I'd opine that a lot more people would know the Laguito No.1, the Cohiba Lanceros and the Laguito No.2, the Cohiba Coronas Especiales. Both these latter cigars originated in 1964 and 1967, respectively.

Along with the slightly bigger Cohiba Exquisitos, the Cohiba Panetelas is a thin ring-gauged cigar commonly overlooked within the Cohiba marca. Recent changes to the pricing of the Cohiba and Trinidad marcas by Habanos S.A., denoting both as luxury brands, has meant that cigars such as the Cohiba Panetelas and Exquisitos have become better known. Then again, maybe that's because these two vitolas and the Cohiba Siglo I are just about the only Cohiba products available at the time of writing this review.

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'. Personally-speaking, I was only prompted to get a box of these on account of the recent price changes to the Cohiba brand, and fortunately I did so at the old pricing. What's more, I was even luckier to receive these with four-and-a-half years of age on them already. 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.

So how did the first cigar from the box smoke today? Well, I'm pleased to say that this cigar had a voluminous and 'chewy' smoke. The ash was of a dark grey colour and held very well for a small, thin ring-gauged cigar.

The first half was mainly dark coffee, honey and Cohiba grass. The finish was spicy and sweet, and despite being rich it was not harsh but I want to clarify this on the proviso of how important it is to smoke these type of cigars slowly. Otherwise, you will guarantee a spicy and bitter smoking experience.

The second half saw the traditional Cohiba grassy merge with some deeper mocha notes. The flavours remained bold and the body was within the medium to medium-full range.

In summary, this Cohiba Panetelas was a relatively complex cigar despite its short size, with plenty of strength and with distinctive Cohiba flavours. If you were to acquire a box I would recommend letting them rest for awhile, however. After all, this is only a 30 minute smoke and you don't want to waste it on a potentially expensive, plugged and bitter cigar!

[JohnS]

Partagás Serie D No.4 ROP Feb 2020

This is the second Partagas Serie D No.4 from a 10-count box I acquired four 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. However, this is my second Party D4 in just over a month from this box, and at just over two years of age, this was again obviously outstanding and similar to a young Lusitanias; this was big on sourdough, coffee and leather flavours, had no spice or pepper whatsoever and was medium in strength.

I wrote in my last review that the first cigar from this box was probably one of the best Partagas Serie D No.4 I've ever had and I could easily smoke them more regularly when they are like this. I'd add even further that this second one confirms that this cigar is currently one of the best or 'hottest' cigars in my humidor right now. I don't think it should surprise you if I reach for a third one soon!

[JohnS]

My Father Flor de Las Antillas Toro

The My Father Flor de Las Antillas line was released in May of 2012 and the Toro size was named “Cigar of the Year” by Cigar Aficionado in 2012.

The origin of the name of the cigar comes from Cuba being the largest of the Greater Antilles islands, which includes Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. And so, because of its beauty it was named “Flor de las Antillas” or "the Flower of the Antilles" in English.

The My Father Flor de Las Antillas has a sungrown wrapper that is closest to Colorado to Colorado Maduro in shade. Both the binder and filler are Nicaraguan. It has a slight box press.

The first third of this cigar had earth, coffee, cedar and a creamy finish. It was quite mild, especially for a Non-Cuban.The second third had a milder retrohale but a very pleasant faint chocolate flavour with a longer finish. The final third was slightly more savoury, with some leather and tobacco in this simple blend overall.

In conclusion, if you are looking for strong, bold flavours and complexity then look elsewhere. The My Father Flor de Las Antillas is a simple cigar best enjoyed without too much expectation of greatness. It's not great, but then again, it's not bad either.

[JohnS]

Montecristo No.2 PMS Abr 2015

Around seven years ago I purchased two 10-count PSP standard PMS Abr 2015 Montecristo No.2s from a 24:24 listing. I smoked through the first box between 2018 and late 2020. The wrappers on these cigars were a colorado/colorado rosado shade (i.e. one step short of colorado maduro) so I was expecting a strong cocoa and coffee hit when I 'cracked open' the first box in 2018, which was the case. There was some nut and leather, but no cream texture to those first few cigars smoked, unlike some lighter-wrappered Montecristo No. 2's I've had this past few years.

The best Montecristo No.2 from that first box was the last one smoked. The reason it was so good was because it was well-balanced, there was ample amounts of nut, coffee, cream and even citrus twang on the edges but it was the generous serving of quality cocoa which made it stand out for me.

Fast forward twelve months and the first cigar from this second box was very different to all ten cigars smoked from the first box. After six years the cocoa and coffee had receded and what we have now is the next stage of development in a cigar of this age. A mild-bodied cigar with some nut, leather and citrus twang which I feel may not be everyone's 'cup-of-tea' when it comes to smoking a Montecristo No.2 but I don't mind it like this.

This second Monte 2 from this second box today was smoked eight months later and I can assert that this cigar had now reached it's turning point, what many enthusiasts consider a cigar's 'peak'. By that we mean a cigar has reached a certain point in its rest or aging whereby the flavours have melded, some flavours have receded whilst others have come to the fore and the body of the cigar is still preferable. In other words, the cigar is finely balanced. Simply put, that is the best way to describe how superlative this Monte 2 smoked today.

So what made it so? Well, it was the balance of flavours in the cigar. No one flavour dominated and I could tell how the flavours have melded so that the chocolate, milk coffee and cream where perfectly meeting some nut, soft leather and floral notes indicative of the next stage of this cigar's journey. It was all simply sublime!

People in life seemingly try to reach daily for a perfect cup of coffee, a baseball pitcher strives for an ever-elusive perfect game but in my mind, a cigar enthusiast invariably tries to experience a perfect Montecristo No.2. Believe me, there's nothing like it. I'm afraid that the rest of the box might not live up to this Monte 2 today. If you strive for a perfect Montecristo No.2 you would understand what I mean by this.

[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 last Montecristo No.5 I had was the first one from this ESL May 2018 box last month. 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 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.

Who would have thought that I would have two fantastic examples of Montecristo cigars in one day (witness the Montecristo No.2 review above) and two superb examples of Montecristo cigars from the same box like the first two ESL May 2018 Montecristo No.5s from this one. See, it's true...lightning does indeed strike twice in the same spot!

[Connoisseur Kim]

18 hours ago, JohnS said:

Partagás Serie D No.4 ROP Feb 2020

This is the second Partagas Serie D No.4 from a 10-count box I acquired four 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. However, this is my second Party D4 in just over a month from this box, and at just over two years of age, this was again obviously outstanding and similar to a young Lusitanias; this was big on sourdough, coffee and leather flavours, had no spice or pepper whatsoever and was medium in strength.

I wrote in my last review that the first cigar from this box was probably one of the best Partagas Serie D No.4 I've ever had and I could easily smoke them more regularly when they are like this. I'd add even further that this second one confirms that this cigar is currently one of the best or 'hottest' cigars in my humidor right now. I don't think it should surprise you if I reach for a third one soon!

I feel glad that these recent D4 keep delivering Partagas flavour bomb. Although my Clearance D4 box's wrapper shade is lighter, I'm sure they'll be tasty as your 10ct D4s 😃😄

[JohnS]

1 minute ago, Connoisseur Kim said:

I feel glad that these recent D4 keep delivering Partagas flavour bomb. Although my Clearance D4 box's wrapper shade is lighter, I'm sure they'll be tasty as your 10ct D4s 😃😄

Haha...I certainly hope so, Kim! 😉

[Connoisseur Kim]

19 minutes ago, JohnS said:

Haha...I certainly hope so, Kim! 😉

Definitely mate! I'll let you know when I puff 6er HQ D4 and Clearance D4 😄.

[99call]

On 6/26/2022 at 2:33 PM, JohnS said:

a cigar enthusiast invariably tries to experience a perfect Montecristo No.2. Believe me, there's nothing like it.

Strange isn't it.  If someone asked me "is the Monte 2 the best cigar in the world?"  I would scoff and say......."Weeeeelll thats a difficult one, not in my book". however they are a strange, strange beast.  In my mental black book of cigar memories, I would have to say the Monty 2 was responsible for a handful of jaw droppingly excellent cigars.   I don't necessarily even like the vitola either, but the sheer weight of body, and class elevates them. 

It's a strange calculation to make but I would average you'd probably have to smoke 3 boxes of 25 to experience one of those 100 pointers, Thats not to say the rest of the cigars are not good, but I can't think of any other cigar that when you have a truly excellent one,  it sort of discombobulates your brain......you think. "can I really afford the large ratio of misses to hits...........yes.....yes I believe I can!"

A true enigma

[JohnS]

8 hours ago, 99call said:

Strange isn't it.  If someone asked me "is the Monte 2 the best cigar in the world?"  I would scoff and say......."Weeeeelll thats a difficult one, not in my book". however they are a strange, strange beast.  In my mental black book of cigar memories, I would have to say the Monty 2 was responsible for a handful of jaw droppingly excellent cigars.   I don't necessarily even like the vitola either, but the sheer weight of body, and class elevates them. 

It's a strange calculation to make but I would average you'd probably have to smoke 3 boxes of 25 to experience one of those 100 pointers, Thats not to say the rest of the cigars are not good, but I can't think of any other cigar that when you have a truly excellent one,  it sort of discombobulates your brain......you think. "can I really afford the large ratio of misses to hits...........yes.....yes I believe I can!"

A true enigma

Well said! 👍

[JohnS]

Cohiba Siglo I MEL Dic 2016

I had written in my previous review on this cigar, two-and-a-half months ago, that the Cohiba Siglo I is the smallest of the Siglo range. A perlas (like the Montecristo No.5 and Rafael Gonzalez Perlas), it is slightly smaller than a minuto (like the San Cristobal de La Habana El Principe or Partagas Shorts) at 40 ring gauge x 102 mm or 4 inches in length.

I've also stated that, for me generally, the Siglo I tends to be the strongest of the Linea 1492 range (i.e. Cohiba Siglo I, II, III, IV, V and VI). That doesn't necessarily mean that it gets above medium to medium-full, rather they are more intense in those typical Cohiba flavours than other cigars in this line. In fact, in general, I'd rate the Cohiba Siglo I at five years of age as stronger comparably even to similar-aged minutos and perlas such as the San Cristobal de La Habana El Principe, Rafael Gonzalez Perlas or Montecristo No.5, in general.

This Siglo I was atypical for its age as whilst it had notes of mocha coffee, some honey, some elements of Cohiba grass or hay with a little citrus twang, it was much smoother to smoke and therefore much more desirable too. The addition of some vanilla bean and baking spice on the nose made this perla a real 'pearler' once I had finished it. (Forgive my jest, I simply had to add that pun!) I know that most Cohiba Siglo I's I've sampled in my lifetime have not smoked as smoothly as this one, yet maintained so much smoke and flavour per puff. I only wish it'd happen more often.

[JohnS]

Cohiba Siglo III TUE Jun 2020

I have stated before that the Siglo III is and remains my favourite of the linea 1492 series. The reason is simple, the vitola is 42 ring gauge by 155 mm (or 6.1 inches) in length and that, I feel, is the ideal cigar size for me. This was the second cigar I've had of a quarter-pack acquisition from mid-2021.

The Linea 1492 series was announced in November 1992 as the new line of Cohiba intended to replace the premium Davidoff Chateau series which concluded in 1991. When these cigars did hit the market (in 1994), the Cohiba Siglo III, a coronas grandes cigar with a 42 ring gauge x 155 mm (or 6⅛ inches) length was the replacement cigar for the Davidoff Château Mouton Rothschild cigar in the Chateau series.

Today, the Cohiba Siglo III is only one of two regular production coronas grandes cigars in existence (the other is the Montecristo Tubos). The last one deleted from Habanos S.A's catalogue, the highly-regarded cigar enthusiast favourite, the Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo des Dieux was discontinued in 2014 but most coronas grandes-sized cigars were discontinued in the early-2000s soon after Habanos S.A. was 50% acquired by Altidis in 2000.

With this mid-2020 Cohiba Siglo III, the Cohiba grass was minimal but so were the other flavours such as the honey, citrus and mocha coffee. It didn't really have a creamy texture to it at all, unlike my last Cohiba Siglo III smoked a few months ago. Nevertheless, this was fine. In contrast though, I can't help but feel that most of my Cohiba Siglo III's I've smoked over the years have definitely ranged above average to very, very good to exceptional. I wouldn't go as far as saying that I was disappointed after finishing this cigar; yet, I didn't feel inspired or 'overwhelmed' by it either. Trust me, I've had better!

[JohnS]

Cohiba Espléndidos PLM Oct 2006

Of all the recent changes to pricing by Habanos S.A., especially in regard to their premium marcas Cohiba and Trinidad, I would opine that this vitola would be amongst those that Habanos enthusiasts would still perhaps buy on a special occasion but would very rarely smoke. The Cohiba Siglo VI maybe another vitola I would categorise into this newfound classification.

As it is, I find I smoke a Cohiba Esplendidos very rarely, not even once or twice a year. At that rate, I would surmise I have enough for a lifetime. It's understandable though, isn't it? We are talking about a cigar that would auction at around $US70 a stick on Bond Roberts in 2020 if it was more than ten years old to costing around $US130 a stick if auctioned on the same site today. (And who knows if they would auction for even more?) Heck, a brand new box of current Cohiba Esplendidos retails for just under $US80 a stick nowadays. Who can afford such a venture? Well...yes, there are people out there, probably just not you and me!

In light of all this, I would like to warmly thank you @Trevor2118 for gifting me this incredible cigar! This cigar comes from circa late 2006, and at just under 16 years of age, it didn't lack in any way in terms of flavour.
 
It was a touch over mild in strength, so the question of flavour or 'expiry' is but a moot point. I got some very typical Esplendidos flavours, consistent with the Cohiba Clasica line, such as milk coffee or mocha, butter, honey and vanilla. There was no real spice nor Cohiba grass/hay, which you can get in these Clasica line cigars at times, but which I find more consistent in the Siglo line. Of course, I nubbed it as far as the safety of my fingers allowed me to!

After smoking this Cohiba Esplendidos I thought to myself that the days of smoking Cohiba cigars as regularly as I once did are definitely over (ironically I have smoked 5 examples in the last month!). Nevertheless, I take comfort in the fact that we have other wonderful Cuban (and Non-Cuban) cigars to explore and appreciate into the future!

[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). The last Punch Punch I had was around two months ago. It was the first of a newly acquired 10-count box of Punch Punch Tubos and frankly, it was quite 'run-of-the-mill' or average. However, despite having said this, Punch Punch at the present time is worthy of one's attention simply for the fact that at present it's reputably smoking so well, in general.

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 did have notes of sour cream and leather, and thankfully this time, the cedar and that quintessential sour citrus 'Cuban Twang' we all know and love when it comes to Punch was there too. It was nothing too complex, it stayed fairly much the same throughout the thirds but I quite enjoyed it nonetheless.

After I smoked my first Punch Punch from this box two months ago, I surmised that I had smoked that first offering down whilst pondering on my next opportunity to smoke the second one, confident that it will turn out better. In fact, it turned out much better!

[JohnS]

E.P. Carrillo Encore Majestic

The E.P. Carrillo Encore Majestic debuted at the 2016 IPCPR Convention and Trade show, but it didn’t end up going to market for nearly two years. It was basically withdrawn to allow for additional fermentation time on the wrapper. Subsequently, as many of you know, this cigar was rated the Cigar Aficionado No.1 cigar of the year in 2018 with a very high rating of 96 points. Now, we could argue the merit of such a rating but I'd rather just simply describe for you what type of Non-Cuban cigar it is and possibly offer some insight into its critical response.

According to the Cigar Aficionado, The Encore line is made entirely from Nicaraguan leaf, the wrapper containing tobaccos from Estelí, Condega and Jalapa; the binder is from Estelí; and the wrapper is from Jalapa. It is the second release in the “Perez-Carrillo Series,” a series of cigars, “created from generations’ worth of knowledge, poured into unique blends, and which culminate as the creations of Ernesto Perez-Carrillo himself.” The Encore line is available in four different vitolas, each of which comes in 10-count boxes. The Encore Majestic is a 52 ring gauge x 135 mm (or 5⅜ inches) in length 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 whereas the Valientes is a 52 ring gauge piramides. The El Primero is a large 54 ring gauge x 175 mm (or 6⅞ inches) in length parejo.

The first installment in the Perez-Carrillo Series was the La Historia and this was highly-rated too.

Immediately upon lighting this Encore Majestic I noted how similar it was to my previous cigar smoked prior to this one, the Punch Punch. This was mild, it had sweet hay and cedar notes in the first third, joined by some floral and leather notes in the middle third, along with some nuttiness. The cigar finished much the same way as it was in the middle third.

I did not read any reviews on this cigar prior to smoking it so that I could keep an open mind on how it performed. I noted afterwards that a number of on-line reviews mentioned how peppery this cigar could be. I guess time has really smoothed out the blend here because I noted no pepper at all today whilst smoking it.

Overall, I certainly wouldn't rate this as a 96-point cigar; however, it actually does a good job of mimicking a smooth and mild, sweet Habanos cigar not unlike the Punch Punch, for example. I very much enjoyed this and wouldn't hesitate to smoke it again.

[JohnS]

Montecristo Especial LTO Mar 2021

Together with the Cohiba Lancero (and perhaps the Trinidad Fundadores), the Montecristo Especial is the epitome of the 'long-and-skinny', a Laguito No.1 with a slender 38 ring gauge by 192 mm (or 7.6 inches) in length. I had the first cigar from this LTO Mar 2021 box in mid-2021, and maybe another three cigars within two months after that, but this only my second one in perhaps nine months or so. Still, I must admit that I very much look forward to these when I get the chance to light them up.

This Montecristo Especial opened peculiarly with a distinctive spiciness of which I must say I was quite unaccustomed to. I was hoping it would settle down and thankfully it did within the first third. This time I got more of a citrus twang and the coffee aspect to this cigar than my last one. There was also a typical soft cocoa/milk chocolate aspect to this, but I didn't really get a creamy texture to this cigar, like in my previous cigars from this box.

These are by no means complex cigars, but that hasn't affected how enamoured I've been with the simple blend of flavours I continue to experience when I smoke them.

Construction, ash-length and burn line were all fine. I did not have to re-light at any point and the draw was ideal for my liking.

I consider myself very fortunate to have the opportunity to smoke this cigar as the Montecristo Especial was in 'semi-hiatus' was quite some time prior to my acquisition of this box. Personally-speaking, I can't see more been produced, at the present time, given the current state of the Cuban Cigar Industry at the time of writing this review.

[JohnS]

My Father No.4 Lancero

Of course I'm a fan of Laguito No.1 lanceros such as the Cohiba Lanceros, Montecristo Especial and Trinidad Fundadores, so I thought I'd give this similarly sized 38 ring gauge x 192 mm (or 7 inches) in length My Father No.4.

Prior to lighting, I noted that the wrapper on this was an oily, colorado-maduro shade. It didn't look too dissimilar to a First release 2019 Nudies N1 Lancero, but let me reassure you, that's where the similarities end!

This lancero was somewhat rudimentary in its blend. It had leather, espresso coffee and some light pepper. In the middle I could say that I got hints of nuttiness. At least there was plenty of smoke per puff.

Perhaps the constant re-lights after the middle third and the fact that I couldn't hold an ash detracted from my overall enjoyment of this cigar. In general, the My Father No.4 is simply not as sweet or flavoursome, according to my palate, to hold my attention in comparison to a Nudies N1 Lancero, which I enjoy much more.

[JohnS]

Bolívar Tubos No.1 ULA Jun 2015

As I've stated in previous reviews on this cigar, the Bolivar Tubos No.1 was a medium-full Corona cigar discontinued in 2017. It was one of the last Coronas, a 42 ring gauge, 142 mm (or 5⅝ inches) in length cigar that was packaged in aluminum tubes in larger-than-average 25-count dress boxes. You may be struggling to account for the Coronas that we do have left in regular production to this day. Cigar enthusiasts may remember the Montecristo No.3 and Quai d'Orsay Coronas Claro, but would they remember the Romeo y Julieta Cedros De Luxe No.2? Perhaps, no? I know, I still wonder myself why the Romeo y Julieta Cedros De Luxe No.2 is still around and the Bolivar Tubos No.1 is not. (Granted, I am aware poor sales would obviously have something to do with it!)

The Bolivar Tubos No1 was noted as an elegant cigar of better-than-average construction (probably as less were made) and provided lots of complexity in aromas, especially floral ones. The flavours tended to be Earthy, wood, some spices, leather and even bitter chocolate.

After having this box in storage for approximately five years I can tell you that none of the Bolivar Tubos No.1s I've had from it have been necessarily bitter chocolate, leather, Earth and spices in their blend. Nor have they exhibited sharp, distinct and fulsome flavours. On the contrary, pretty much like my last cigar from this box, this Bolivar Tubos No.1 was all chewy, soft caramel-marshmallow with some Bolivar Earth and leather and a touch of spiciness on the edges. I had to marvel even at how much smoke per puff I got. Trust me, it was plentiful!

As I said last time, it goes without saying that I continue to rate this cigar highly, lament its deletion and look forward to lighting the next cigar from this box, whenever that is!