Nice Tight Ash » New Ash

Rocky Patel 15th Anniversary

Chris — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 04:01:08 +0000

Today I’m firing up the new Rocky Patel 15th Anniversary which is scheduled to be released nationwide on July 30, 2010. A big thanks goes to Patrick Vivalo for sending me the two samples I had for this review. The 15th Anniversary comes from Rocky’s new Nicaraguan factory, which also makes the 1961. This cigar features an Ecuadorian grown Habano wrapper and Nicaraguan filler tobacco.

Name: 15th Anniversary
Company: Rocky Patel
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Jalapa, Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Price: $9.50
Comes in: Box of 20
Vitola: Robusto (5 x 50)

Pre-Light

Both of the samples had a dark, semi oily wrapper, that were absent of any major veins. In addition to the tangible oils, I also noticed an almost rough texture to the wrapper. Construction appeared to be great since I was unable to detect any hard or soft spots in the bunching and the cap was nicely applied. The only flaw I was able to find was a small pin hole in the wrapper, which could have easily happened during shipping. The aroma coming off the wrapper was a combination of a musty barnyard with a hint of chocolate sweetness. I took a few sniffs of the foot and found the amoma to me much less pungent with nothing more than a classic tobacco aroma. After snipping the end I took a few pre-light draws which coated the tip of my tongue with black pepper. Now for the fire.

Final Thoughts

The Rocky Patel 15th Anniversary is not your typical Rocky cigar. I say this because Rocky’s newest creation has a Nicaraguan flair that I can’t remember being in any of his other cigars. This stick was full of spice that was most heavy through the retro-hale but did present itself at different times on my palate. In addition to the spice I picked up on a combination of earth, espresso, and chocolate which really kept my mouth watering through the first two thirds of the cigar. However, things took a bad turn about halfway through the final third. The cigar began to taste sour in such a way that made me think the cigar may require some additional aging. Then again I was pretty deep into this cigar by the time this issue presented itself, so perhaps it’s a non-issue. Either way I think it’s worth mentioning.

All in all I thought the RP 15th Anniversary was a good stick, I just wasn’t wow’d. And although these two were freebies, I can honestly say I’d open up my wallet to purchase a handful or two. It’s my belief that only a bit more aging will make this an even better cigar.

If you’d like another opinion on the Rocky Patel 15th Anniversary you can check out Jerry’s post over at Stogie Review or Tony’s review at Casa Fumando.

La Aurora 107 Corona

Ben — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 11:30:54 +0000

The La Aurora 107 was released earlier this year to much acclaim. This new cigar was an anniversary cigar for the 107th anniversary of La Aurora cigars. This cigar uses an Ecaudorian wrapper, Dominican binder and Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers. When the cigar was first released, it didn’t have any smaller ring gauge vitolas. I always thought that a smaller ring gauge would really make this cigar blend pop. Well, La Aurora listened to its customers and has released the corona size. How does this cigar compare to the rest of the line? Watch the video and find out.

First Impressions: Nick’s Sticks

Chris — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 11:30:03 +0000

The other night Brian and I went to our local Tinderbox to pick up a few sticks and watch the U.S. Open. There were quite a few new cigars in the humidor, but one of the sticks that rally caught our eye was the latest offering from Perdomo, the Nick’s Sticks. Not only did these cigars look good but they also came in at under $4 for a robusto. I did a quick google search to find some infomation on these sticks and found out that Nick Perdomo produced Nick’s Sticks in his early years and only sold them in small part of Florida. The Nick’s Sticks are available with 3 differnt wrappers (Maduro, Sun Grown and Connecticut Shade) and 4 vitolas (Robusto, Toro, Torpedo and Chuchill). After we left the shop we decided to record this video and give you our first impression of this revived brand.

Cortez

Chris — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 16:00:10 +0000

Today I’m smoking a cigar from Cortez Cigars. Cortez Cigars is a small company that has a family history in both growing and rolling tobacco. Until a few weeks ago I had never heard of this company, but since my local Tinder Box was selling them for $5.00 a piece I figured it was worth a try.

Name: Cortez
Company: Cortez Cigars
Wrapper: Brazilian Olor Maduro
Binder: Unknown
Filler: Dominican Criollo 98
Price: ~$5
Comes in: Box of 25
Vitola: Robusto (5 x 50)

Pre-Light

Construction can’t get much better than this. The Cortez is flawless. The wrapper is uniformly colored, the wrapper seams are nearly invisible and the tobacco is bunched evenly. The wrapper was a medum shade of brown reminiscent a coffee with light creamer. Pre-light aroma was full of sweet hay aromas with hints of manure. In addition to having a solid feel the Cortez was both oily and smooth to the touch. Now it’s time to cut the head and fire up the cigar.

Final Thoughts

I really enjoyed smoking these cigars. Out of the five samples I smoked there wasn’t one that disappointed me. Construction was right on par with many of the premium cigar out on the market today. Also, the flavors were rich and complex. But What I felt was the best aspect of this cigar was the fact that I could tell the tobacco was well aged. I would completely recommend spending you hard earned dollars on these cigars, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

La Gloria Cubana Artesanos de Tabaqueros 652B – Contest

Ben — Wed, 26 May 2010 19:03:48 +0000

General Cigars has released an interesting new cigar to the La Gloria Cubana line up. This new cigar called the Artesanos de Tabaqueros, features two different wrappers over the same filler. The two wrappers are an Connecticut shade wrapper near the foot and an Ecuadorian Sumatra on the upper part of the cigar. Benji Menendez of Partagas fame, hand selected 18 master rollers from the El Credito cigar factory in the Dominican Republic to makes these cigars. The filler is a blend of tobaccos from the Dominican Republic, Honduras and Nicaragua. The tobaccos have been aged for 5 years. The cigar currently come in 3 sizes:

650 – 6 x 50 Toro
652B – 6 x 52 Belicoso
750 – 7 x 50 Churchill

This cigar is an intriguing concept, but is it contender or a marketing pretender? Watch the video and find out. Also, there is a contest at the end so make sure you enter!

Nestor Miranda 1989

Ben — Wed, 19 May 2010 19:16:12 +0000

Nestor Miranda has release a new cigar called the 1989 aimed at the more value conscious cigar smoker. Coming in at $5, this cigar represents a true value in today’s market. Named after the year Miami Cigar Company was started, Nestor Miranda ask Don Pepin Garcia to create a cigar with certain flavor profiles, yet remain low in cost for the consumer. Made in the My Father cigar factory in Nicaragua, this cigar features an oscuro wrapper with a Nicaraguan binder and filler from Esteli and Jalapa. How does his cigar compare to the other Nestor Miranda lines and is the value there? Watch the video and find out.

Room 101 “305″

Chris — Fri, 14 May 2010 09:30:36 +0000

Today I’ve decided to review a cigar that I actually named as one of my most disappointing cigars of 2009. This cigar had a lot of buzz leading up the the 2009 IPCPR show, and actually got some good reviews following the show. However, when I first sampled the cigar I was less than impressed. But since then I’ve smoked some more and now I feel like I can share my real opinions

Name: Room 101
Company: Room 101
Wrapper: Semilla 101 (Honduras)
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Dominican Republic & Honduras
Price: $7.60
Comes in: Box of 25
Vitola: “305″ Robusto(5 x 50)

I’ve decided against putting together a full written review for this cigar, mainly because I really wanted the video to do the talking. But for those of you that don’t have a chance to sit through the whole video, I wish you did, let me just say that I’m completely unimpressed with this cigar. With the exception of draw issues, these cigars get a thumbs up in the construction department. Unfortunately the construction can’t make up for he fact that the cigar is boring from beginning to end.

Then again, I am only one guy, so I’d love to hear your opinion.

262 Paradigm Torpedo

Ben — Mon, 10 May 2010 19:35:19 +0000

262 is a new cigar company to the scene and has called for a revolution in the cigar world. 262’s name is based on the Cuban trade embargo that started in February 2, 1962….2-62. After SCHIP and the FDA’s heavy handed move to oversee the cigar industry, 262 declares enough is enough….revolution. In support of this, 262 brought out a cigar called the Paradigm. This cigar features filler composed of seco and ligero from Esteli and Jalapa in Nicaragua and Cuban seed cubito from Columbia. The binder is Honduran and the wrapper is Brazilian. Its a medium-full bodied smoke and comes in boxes of 20. Is the cigar enough to rally the populace? Watch the video and find out.

Viaje Skull and Bones

Ben — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 22:11:47 +0000

Directly on the heels of the popular Reserva line comes the Skull and Bones. This cigar features a sun grown criollo wrapper and a Nicaraguan binder and filler. They come 25 to a box and sell for $9.00. Al Duffrin from Viaje cigars asked me to review these cigars and due to my affection for Viaje cigars, I, of course, accepted. Al explain that these cigar were Viaje’s answer for a more full bodied cigar from their fans. Did they succeed? Watch the video and find out.

CAO La Traviata Favorito

Ben — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 19:14:29 +0000

Today we are revisiting a cigar that made our top ten list of last year. The La Traviata robusto was a site favorite and CAO has released two new sizes for the line. Jon Huber, Director of Lifestyle Marketing, was kind enough to send me a fiver of each size.

Animados: 5 5/6 x 46 (corona gorda)
Favorito: 5 1/2 x 52 (petit belicoso)

Today I’m visiting the Favoritos. This is from the CAO press release:
“CAO La Traviata Favorito
Hot on the heels of multiple ‘93′ (“OUTSTANDING”) ratings, and the addition of the 5-5/8″ x 46 Animado,
comes this gorgeous 5-1/2″ x 52 Petit Belicoso. With a suggested retail price of $5.65, this is one cigar
you cannot afford to miss! La Traviata Favorito begins shipping May 1.”

CAO La Traviata Favorito
Vitola: Petit Belicoso
Size: 5 1/2 x 52
Wrapper: Colorado brown Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Cameroon
Filler: Dominican Republic, Nicaraguan (Pueblo Nuevo)
MSRP: $5.75

So, does a different size and shape make a difference in the flavor profile of a cigar? Watch the video and find out.