Cuban Cigar Reviews

Habanos has introduced a product exclusively for the travel retail channel based on a selection of what it calls “trendy” sizes from three different cigar brands.

The Travel Retail Selection Pack contains three of the company’s most successful cigar launches within the past four years.

The core of the selection is the Robusto (50 ring gauge and 124mm long) which offers a short smoke, in keeping with the current trends of the global cigar market, Habanos said.

Petit Edmundo from Montecristo (girth of 52 x 110mm in the length) provides the flavour and blend of a renowned premium brand in a short cigar with a medium to full flavour.

Romeo y Julieta Short Churchills is a classic Robusto (girth 50 and 124mm long) made from a balanced and aromatic blend of selected leaves from the Vuelta Abajo region, making it a medium-bodied Habano.

Petit Robusto from Hoyo de Monterrey is aimed at consumers who want a delicate, aromatic Habano that is lighter to the taste but with elegance and complexity. It is made from a selection of leaves from the Vuelta Abajo region.

With preservation as the key factor, the pack was specially made with the latest “Double Chamber” humidifier tube, so that the cigars are evenly humidified from the bottom to the top. Furthermore, dry Habanos can be “recovered” in only one week, according to the company.

For the pack design, each tube carries its brand logo on the side printed on a sleek surface for optimum presentation.

Produced in limited quantities, the product was launched in October 2008 at the TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes and is now available to the duty free market.

Rumors that the founder of the Cuban Revolution Fidel Castro is dead or that he is in dire health conditions have been dismissed.

Rumors began surrounding the former Cuban leader last week after Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez announced that the aged leader was unlikely to be seen in public again.

Uncertainty about Fidel’s health further grew following the fiftieth anniversary of Cuban revolution which saw only a terse one-line message to the Cuban people from Castro.

Chavez, however, dismissed the rumors during his weekly address on Saturday, saying that the ex-Cuban leader is alive and active.

The Venezuelan president told supporters that Castro had written to him “just a little while ago.” “Sure, there are once again some rumors that Fidel died,” Chavez said, but he described Castro’s state with a slang term that translates roughly as “alive and kicking,” the Associated Press reported.

Fidel Castro has so far outlived ten US presidents — who never neglected imposing harsh economic embargos on the Island.

The 82-year-old Castro has not appeared in public since undergoing intestinal surgery in July 2006. He ceded power to his younger brother, Raul, shortly after.

Country of origin: Cuba
Dimensions:  4 3/8 inches by 42 – ring gauge

Date smoked: Saturday 09/19/08
Time:  6:18 PM – 7:01PM
Location:  Evening at my smoking patio.
Accompanying drinks:  Filtered water, carbonated water.

Color of wrapper:   Creamy brown wrapper.  Construction:  Appeared to be well constructed and firm but overly.  It gave slightly to the touch and had faint traces of oil.

Pre-light Aroma:  Coco, with a hazelnut and coffee overtone.

Cut:  Guillotine
Pre-Light Draw:  Nuts, hay and barn yard earth greeted my palate.
Combustion:  Torch lighter.
Post Light Aroma:  From its opening moment the bouquet produced hazelnut cappuccino married lightly to barnyard earth.

Initial Draw: The initial draw greeted me with a distinctive evolution of flavor.  Lightly toasted tobacco moved toward hazelnut and heavy toffee creaminess which lingered on my palate only to return to a more subtle toasted tobacco finish.   Plentiful smoke rose and entreated me to a bouquet of tobacco and toasted nuts.  Slightly resistive with an effortless draw, this cigar was off to a great start.

First third:  The lightly toasted tobacco became more pronounced, opened up and moved into a mature barnyard flavor.  Diminishing in strength from the initial draws, the heavy toffee and hazelnut offered a refreshing sweetness in contrast to the earthiness of the toasted tobacco.

Soon, the burn became crooked and when flame was applied to correct, in what appeared to be outright defiance on the cigars behalf, the ash became flaky and the wrapper began to open like a Christmas present.  Not wishing to make things worse I decided to allow the burn to run its course without further attempts at correction.

Second third:  The second third grew in intensity with heartier tobacco moving further in the foreground.  Still diminished from its opening the toffee and creaminess formed a melodious sweet punctuation to each draw.
Remaining defiant, the ash was flaky and the burn continued to be stubborn.  The wrapper did cease to open and since the first attempt to correct the burn ended with the potential for disaster no further correction was attempted.

Final third:  Large volumes of smoke poured from the final third.  The very prominent toasted tobacco remained consistent with hay and barnyard aromas permeating my smoking patio.  The sweet hazelnut and creamy texture albeit even more subdued than earlier continued to offer appropriate contrast.  The ash finally tightened and attractive grayish black tiger striping was visible.  I finished this cigar only when my fingers caught fire.

Synopsis:  Having smoked many San Cristobal cigars, the San Cristobal El Principe did not disappoint.  From beginning to end I was impressed with the progression of pure tobacco counterbalanced by the undercurrent of creaminess and sweetness.  Yes, the rebellious burn and ash diminished some satisfaction; however, the blending of the tobacco and delivery of the flavor profile forgave many sins.  I completely recommend this cigar for consumption now and would be interested to see what some years of aging will bring.    

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.

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.