Cuban Cigar Reviews

Country of origin: Cuba

Dimensions:  4 3/8 inches by 42 – ring gauge

Date smoked: Saturday 09/06/08

Time:  5:45 PM – 6:18PM

Location:  Afternoon at my smoking patio.

Accompanying drinks:  Filtered water, carbonated water, Cappuccino

Color of wrapper:  Light coco brown wrapper.  The seams held an earthen contrast as if dipped and the excess shaken.

Construction:  Very firm with one vexing knot toward the cap.  The cap was marked with beautiful contracting lines of thinning dark earth reminiscent of an artist’s dry brushing technique.  Thin veins in the dainty wrapper brought definition and added texture that was tactually pleasing.  A gem for the hand and eye.

Pre-light Aroma:  Floral with overtones of hibiscus

Cut:  Guillotine

Pre-Light Draw:  very slightly restricted airflow with Honey and wood.

Combustion:  Torch lighter.

Post Light Aroma:  Wisps of smoke arose, entreating me to a floral bouquet intertwined with nuts and clover honey.

Initial Draw:  I was pleasantly surprised to find my concern unwarranted stemming from the knot found close to the cap.  This cigar produced an even draw, albeit only a moderate volume of smoke.  Lightly toasted tobacco with honey sweetness lingered on the palate.   Buried in the background were ripe comice pears, toasted pine nuts, and clover honey.  Playing in the breezeless sky the smoke invited me to take in its pleasing bouquet.

First third:  The polite introduction of toasted tobacco gently expanded to heartier tobacco while never loosing its balance of floral nuttiness.    Moderate amounts of smoke were produced with the bouquet moving toward woodiness and ripe fruit.  The burn was acceptable, but not completely straight.  No attempts were made to correct the minor imperfections of the burn as the ash held perfectly tight.

Second third:  The second third opened with further expansion of toasted tobacco and burning apple wood.  Still maintaining balance, the fruit and nuts evolved to Christmas spice with roasted pine nuts dominating the ultra clean finish.  Tight white ash scored with black tiger stripes held firm.  The second third continued a stealthy increase of strength toward the finally.

Final third:  At no time overwhelming, this medium bodied smoke continued to escalate in strength.  Toasted tobacco, sweet clover honey, and veiled in an ultra clean finish was Christmas spice.  The end the smoke became increasingly hot and dry.  The last ¼ inch became slightly tannic.      

Synopsis:  Ramon Allones Small Club Coronas are balanced in flavor and strength from start to finish.  Medium bodied and perfect for an afternoon smoke this polite cigar boasts toasted tobacco, sweet honey, and woody spiciness.  In this reviewer’s opinion, the consummate companion for this little gem is coffee cut with milk and plenty of sugar.

Country of origin: Cuba

Dimensions:  5 ½ inches by 52 – ring gauge

Date smoked: Saturday 08/23/08

Time:  6:30 PM – 7:38PM

Location:  Afternoon at my smoking patio.    

Accompanying drinks:  Filtered water, carbonated water, Zaya Rum

Color of wrapper:  Darker than most Bolivars that I have smoked. Deep chestnut with hues of umber and abundant glistening oils which reflected glittering specks of bronze in the late afternoon sun. 

Construction:  Firm, yet not overly firm. The triple cap was neatly brought to a fine point.  Several petite veins ran the length adding texture and contrast to the swarthy wrapper.  Steeped in oil this well aged cigar was ripe.             

Pre-light Aroma:  Floral with hints of leather

Cut:  Using a Xikar X3 a precision cut was made

Pre-Light Draw:  Earth and spice were predominant with a bittersweet taste left lingering.

Combustion:  Torch lighter.

Post Light Aroma:  Floral and hints of earth. 

Initial Draw:  Just slightly resistive with enough pressure to produce a fine draw.  The initial draw was that of jasmine combined with peat with a lingering and unpleasant bitter finish.  My censorious nature was peaked finding fault with the initial unpleasantness of the finish. Still a first impression, however first impressions are difficult be undone. 

First third:  Typical of Bolivar profile heavy earth, piquant spiciness, and rich tobacco married with jasmine lingered on the palate. Voluminous plumes of smoke poured forth filling the cloudless, breezeless sky.  The bouquet was delightfully floral and nimbly contrasted the deluge of earth and spice.  The burn was crooked rejecting all attempts to be corrected and the bitterness experienced from the initial draw refused subside the entire first third.

Second third:  Coming into the second third the unpleasant bitterness completely disappeared.  The opening intensity mellowed gracefully to a mild leathery earth with overtones of coffee and a pinch of cayenne.  In the twilight of the second third and approaching the final third the intensity of the opening returned.  The volume of smoke remained unchanged, as well as the stubborn burn.

Final third:  The final third married the intensity of the opening with the gracefulness of the second.  Rich and heavy toasted tobacco and coffee stained leather dominated the palate while a welcome return of jasmine and lighter floral notes tickled the nose.  The smoke did become noticeably thinner but the burn eventually submitted.  There was light grey ash with cavernous black gorges.

Synopsis:  Bolivars are a cigar unto themselves.  Perfect when earth, leather, and rich tobacco married with mild floral tones are on your menu.  Overlooking the uncharacteristic bitterness presented in the first third of this smoke the profile fit the Bolivar template splendidly.  The molasses sweetness of the Zaya 12 year old Guatemalan rum brought balance to the spiciness of the smoke.  Bolivars are splendid when fresh and divine with 5 years or longer of age.  Approachable to the trained and untrained palate alike.      

This being my first official review for Cuban Lou’s, I would like to summarize the approach that I will take. However, let me first briefly introduce myself.  Having spent my formative years in the Southern United States I was raised with reverence toward tobacco.  Being immersed in tobacco cultivation and witnessing the skill required for an artisan to create a hand made cigar gave me this appreciation from a very young age.  I have had the privilege of smoking hand made cigars for more than half my lifetime.  My only regret is that I did not start earlier.  I now reside on the west coast and my desire for collecting and smoking the world’s finest cigars can only be matched in the pursuit of all things spirits and coffee.  A student of history I enjoy gardening, preparing southern cuisine and sharing my passions with friends and family.

With introductions taken care of I would like to elaborate on my review process.  Much is subjective and your experience may differ.  The intent of the review is to provide perspective from a seasoned palate, thus encouraging you to smoke the same cigar and form your own opinion.  I believe when reviewing a cigar that it should be smoked to completion, noting the evolving nuances as the smoke progresses. When reviewing, I attempt to smoke in the same location and time of day in order to reduce variables. A glass of filtered water and carbonated water are always nearby for refreshment of the palate. Regularly there will be a libation handy that compliments the cigar being reviewed. Disagreeing with a numerical value by which to rate cigars, a quantitative value will not be associated with these reviews.  Instead, the cigar will be evaluated and notes taken on the merits of presentation, construction, draw, and overall smoking experience.  Ever mindful of the knowledge and care that are taken to produce the world’s finest cigars, I humbly bring my perspective.  I welcome and encourage all comments in comparing your experience to the review. 

Sincerely,

Mark D.     

(Stored in cabinet humidor in a partially closed zip lock bag at 70deg/65RH)

Food: After a great pizza I retired to have a great smoke. I had a Sierra Nevada Pale Ale.

Drink: Sierra Nevada Pale Ale / Arrowhead bottled water

Location: Garage at my computer with the door cracked slightly for ventilation.

Pre light aroma: There were faint floral traces from the cigar although I had used a scented hand soap that interfered with the sensation of smelling the cigar truly.

Construction: This was a near perfect cigar, baring one very tiny tear in the foot. Coco brown wrapper and when cut drew very well. It just ever so slightly crackled between my fingers.

Light: The Xikar cigar made an exemplary cut. It left no jagged tears in the leaf and did not hamper the cigar quality in any way whatsoever. I used a Colibri torch lighter and toasted the foot. The cigar lit perfectly.

Taste: The initial draw was an immediate flavor of heavy cream and macadamia nuts. No change ¼ ways through the cigar. It had a nice grayish black ash that held tight. There was voluminous smoke upon each draw. I soon realized that the Pale Ale was doing NOTHING for this cigar and I switched to some bottled water. I had set the cigar down for about 5 minuets and it almost went out. Upon relight it was a little harsh so I relit and exhaled through the cigar for about thirty seconds. This seemed to help quite a bit. Half way through and the power started to kick in. It became slightly earthy and more leathery with the same heavy cream and nut flavor but had a slightly unpleasant aftertaste. Almost ¾ through the stick I came to realize that the “aftertaste” was akin to drinking whole milk which leaves a viscous paste lingering in your mouth. I can’t say I liked the aftertaste, but it only lingered for about 5 seconds after the draw. I had to correct the burn twice, but this cigar was rarely if ever rotated and that may be the cause of the uneven burn. I let the cigar expire on its own and the room smelled wonderful even after 20 minuets.

Synopsis: I enjoyed this cigar and while it may not be my “go to” piece I would not be against purchasing again. On a 1-10 rating with 10 being the highest I would give this cigar a 7.5. I was thinking it would be a perfect smoke for after a light meal, such as fish or grilled chicken. I would not have this after a big juicy steak. I would not recommend an IPA as a drink pairing.

Start: 11:15 PM Finish: 12:50 AM

Food: Proscuitto de Parma layered over fresh mozzarella and tomatoes on a bed of arugula with a splash of balsamic vinegar and cracked pepper (I love this salad and had to have it again tonight). Breaded 1 inch thick baked pork chop with sautéed spinach and an Indonesian rice pilaf. Desert was simple. 2 oz of organic dark chocolate and a 50 year tawny port.

Drink: S. Pellegrino over ice & Glenmorange 15 year old single malt scotch. Neat with 3 drops of water.

Location: Garage at my computer with the door ½ inch up.

Pre light aroma: This cigar was earthy with a healthy wallop of sweet spice.

Construction: This cigar appeared to be in good condition. It was ever so slightly box pressed. I was a little concerned with a small tear in the leaf near the band. It had the look rich leather and reminded me of a fine desk pad. When pinched it had just the right amount of give and felt properly humidified.

Pre Light: I made a clean cut with my Xikar cigar cutter and took a pre light draw. The pre draw revealed my second desert. Tastes of nutmeg and sweet earth rush to my palate! I was thinking that if this is the initial pre lit draw that I could hardly wait to toast this beauty! The draw was a tiny bit tight but was certainly acceptable.

Light: I used a Colibri torch lighter and toasted the foot. The cigar lit splendidly.

Taste: The initial draw was, well….heavenly. I was surrounded in sweet spice with the taste of Madagascar vanilla permiating the air. I was encircled in an aroma of syrupy ethereal smoke. I took each draw slowly as to savor each and every moment in time. I thought that if this was just the first 1/8 of the cigar I can’t wait to see how the rest unfolds! The tight grayish white ash was held in place with tiny black slits in contrast. While not as beautiful as the ash of the RyJ Ex#4 I had smoked earlier, it was a close second. The 15 year old single malt was a faultless accent to this cigar. It accentuated the hints of vanilla from the cigar. It was clean and had the taste of a refined smoke that is destined to improve with age. I smoked the entire stick without much of a change in the flavor profile. The strength was medium and never really developed into anything stronger. The flavor was maintained through the whole smoke and while I was hoping for something amazing to happen it never did. This was a fairly young stick and with a little age I could see that this could have some great potential. I want to lay these down for probably 3-5 years and revisit them. This was a joy to smoke.

Synopsis: This cigar is destined to stay in my. This is aproachable now, but I could only imagine what 3-5 years could yield! The argument for smoking right away is that you know what you are getting. You don’t have to concentrate on a complex flavor profile and can just enjoy the stick. This was a great cigar that can only improve with time.

(Stored in cabinet humidor 70deg/65RH)

Food Pairing: Chicken Tacos with Spanish rice and spicy white beans. Desert was a couple of Godiva truffles and a 20 year old tawny port.

Drink: Yalumbi Antique Tawny port.

Location: Garage at my computer with the door ½ up.

Pre light aroma: This cigar was sweet with a voluminous floral bouquet. I wasn’t sure rather to smoke it or to drizzle a little chocolate sauce on top and eat it.

Construction: This cigar appeared to be in good condition. It held an even milk chocolate color. There was one large vein that ran one quarter of the cigar. When rolled between my fingers it made a lovely crackling sound that usually means proper humidification. It gave to the touch and was not spongy. I could just see that the wrapper was a tiny bit loose ¾ up the cigar, but wasn’t something to worry about.

Pre Light: I made a clean cut with my Xikar cigar cutter and took a pre light draw. I got a little sweet earth but not much more. I did however make a perfect razor cut. This was one of the best cuts my Xikar has made to date. This is a tool that any serious aficionado should not be without.
Light: I used a Colibri torch lighter and toasted the foot. It lit perfectly.

Taste: The initial draw sweet wood. It was clean and had plenty of smoke. This cigar was a medium body and did not change much from initial light to the end. It was clean, woody, and sweet. It picked up a little steam toward the end. I could see this as a smoke after a nice breakfast and some coffee.

Synopsis: I enjoyed this stick quite a bit. I would like to add it to my rotation and would consider it a nice medium smoke. It reminds me on the RyJ Ex #4 but a bit more body and much more woody. I wouldn’t mind ordering a cab to have on hand

(Stored in cabinet humidor 70deg/65RH)

Food: Grilled chicken sandwich with Provolone and mushrooms.

Drink: Pellegrino & Glanmorange 15 y/o

Location: Garage at my computer with the door ½ up.

Pre light aroma: This cigar was sweet with a hint of cinnamon and barley detectable earth.

Construction: This cigar was flawless. It held an even milk chocolate color. It was accented with a few tiny veins. When rolled between my fingers it made a lovely crackling sound that usually means proper humidification. It gave to the touch and was not spongy.
Pre Light: I made a cut with my Xikar cigar cutter. It was a cut that a surgeon would have been proud of. It cut with no tears, or even loose bits. I took a draw before lighting and could taste all the spices. It looked to be perfect in construction as I received just enough resistance.

Light: I used my pebble torch lighter and toasted the foot. It lit perfectly.

Taste: Fair amount of smoke and fair amount of earth. Through the entire cigar it provided a balance of slightly sweet earth and very tannic flavor.

Synopsis: This was a very earthy cigar toward the end. It was quite tannic and at the end had quite a bite. This young cigar shows good potential for aging nicely. While very different from the Monte #2 it shares the sense of strength and balance between power and a rich flavor profile. I will revisit this in six months.

06/07/08: Start: 11:40 PM Finish: 12:35 PM

Food: Roasted Chicken w potatoes and carrots. Desert was a couple of
Godiva truffles and a 20 year old tawny port.

Drink: Yalumbi Antique Tawny port.

Location: Office Smoking Room.

Pre light aroma: This cigar was sweet with a light floral bouquet.

Construction: This cigar was in great condition. It held an even milk chocolate color. It was accented with a few tiny veins running just shy of half the length of the cigar. When rolled between my fingers it made a lovely crackling sound and gave ever so lightly to the touch.

Pre Light: I made a cut with my Xikar cigar cutter and a small amount of the wrapper cracked toward the cap. I took a pre light draw. I got a little resistance (usually a good sign) and a load of spice on the tongue. This really got my juices goin in anticipation.

Light: I used (3) long wooden matches. It lit perfectly.

Taste: The initial draw was sweet and woody. It was clean and had plenty of smoke. This cigar was a medium body and did not change much from initial light to the end. Clean tobacco, woody, and sweet best describes this treat. It picked up a little steam toward the end. I could see this as a smoke after a nice breakfast and some coffee.

Synopsis: I usually do not favor larger smokes but I enjoyed this giant quite a bit. I would like to add it to my rotation and would consider it a nice medium to full bodies smoke. I feel this box needs about another 5 years of age to really shine, so I will probably aquire a vintage box for any more I wish to smoke now. 10 years seems to be the magic number among my trusted friends when it comes to the majestic smoke. There is a reason that this smoke can bear the name of such a great man. It delivers without exception and can stand the test of time.

Start: 11:42 PM Finish: 12:21 PM

Food: Spicy chicken and rice. Desert a tasty Ice cream cake with warm caramel glaze and fudge icing.

Drink: S. Pellegrino over ice

Location: Garage at my computer.

Pre light aroma: This cigar was bounding with floral notes mixed with the light smell of sweet tobacco.

Construction: This was in good condition save the foot had about a ¼ inch crack. It had a beautiful coco brown color and had no visible veins or discoloration. When rolled between my fingers the cigar gave off what I have found to be the trademark of a properly humidified cigar.

Pre Light: I made a clean cut with my Xikar cigar cutter and took a pre light draw. It was just slightly tighter than I would like, but was by no means plugged or difficult to draw. I could taste the sweetness of this cigar before I even lit the stick.

Light: As usual the Xikar cigar made an exemplary cut. It left no jagged tears in the leaf and did not hamper the cigar quality in any way whatsoever. I used a Colibri torch lighter and toasted the foot. The cigar lit, but the burn had to be corrected for the first few draws.

Taste: The initial draw was sweet wood. It was clean and had no aftertaste whatsoever. For having a damaged foot it presented no real problems. I did have to correct the burn for the initial draw but after that it corrected itself. There was no change ¼ ways through the cigar. It was mellow and at this point the sweetness and slight wood flavor stood in favorable balance of one another. It had a very tight grayish black ash. There was ample smoke upon each draw but was not overwhelming. I was considering cracking my door so as to let a little fresh air in the room, however upon taking in the stunning bouquet; all I wanted to do was sit back and enjoy. A little more than ¼ way through and I picked up on some hints of coffee with a little bit of cream. The smoke was still not as heavy as I would have liked, but was acceptable. I was ½ way through and I wish I had taken a picture of the ash. This cigar looked like a work of art. The ash went from a charcoal grey to a snow white and clung tight. There was a heavy taste of coffee and an aroma that only God could describe in detail. Still woody and a faint taste of ripe fruit. I couldn’t lay my finger on the exact fruit flavor but overall this cigar was magic that hung on my palate. Still ½ way in and no aftertaste present at all. This was one of the cleanest tasting cigars I had ever smoked. The ash finally gave way and fell off to reveal a razor clean edge that held straight the rest of the smoke. The last ¼ of the cigar picked up some power. Rich earthy tobacco, leather, and heavy cream began to pour over my palate. This was a significant change from the laid back nature the cigar had showed up to this point. This mixed with the intoxicating aroma lingering in the air made me nearly melt in my chair. I smoked this beauty till my fingers burned an with my head slightly buzzing I allowed the cigar to expire on its own.

Synopsis: To say I enjoyed this cigar would be an understatement. From the lovely bouquet to the complex taste I found this smoke a delight. This was a perfect cigar to compliment a lighter meal. My only complaint would be the volume of smoke produced. I tend to favor cigars that produce copious amounts of smoke and that was not the case with this RyJ Ex #4. That was however my only complaint and it seems trivial compared to the almost divine experience of smoking this fantastic cigar.

Start: 11:40 PM Finish: 12:45 PM

Appetizer: Mussels in a white wine sauce;
Soup: Minestrone;
Main course: Lasagna with 4 cheese & chicken.
Desert: Tiramisu

Drink: Zaya 12 y/o rum

Location: Garage at my computer with the door 1/8 up.

Pre light aroma: This cigar was earthy with a ever so light floral bouquet.

Construction: This cigar appeared to be in great condition. It held an even milk chocolate color. It gave to the touch and was not spongy.

Pre Light: I made a clean cut with my Xikar cigar. I took a pre light draw and tasted coco and hints of leather.

Light: I used my new Blazer torch lighter and toasted the foot. It lit perfectly.

Taste: The initial draw earth and leather. It was clean and had plenty of smoke. 2/3 of the cigar was for the most part the same profile. It was earthy with leather and hints of dark chocolate. It has the smallest suggestion of sweetness and was balanced very well with the choice of rum. The last third of the stick picked up a little steam but never was overpowering. I smoked it to the nub and it was pleasant all the way to the end. It left no residual unpleasant aftertaste and was perfectly clean.

Synopsis: I enjoyed this stick quite a bit. VR are a stick unto themselves. To my knowledge there is not another torpedo that compares. To me if a BBF and a Dip #2 had a child it would be the VR Unicos. What a tasty smoke and a great day!

URL: http://www.cubanlous.com/vegas-robaina-unicos-cigars-p-290.html