Cigar Blog

Nestor Miranda Seconds Rothschild
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Size: 4½" x 50
Strength: Full
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Sun-grown Sumatra
Filler: Nicaraguan
Binder: Nicaraguan
Presentation: Bundle of 15 cigars
Location smoked: My garage
Paired with: Coffee w/cream & sugar

NOTE: For this week's review I have changed over to a number system. It seems more readers can relate more to a number score than symbols. - G~

Camacho Triple Maduro 50/4.5
Country of Origin: Honduras (Rancho Jamastran)
Size: 4½" x 50
Strength: Full
Wrapper/Filler/ Binder: Honduran Maduro
Presentation: Box of 20 cigars / 5-packs / Singles
Location smoked: Home
Paired with: Vodka & Orange juice

Appearance and feel: Excellent color, well-packed. Wrapper is thick, toothy, nicely oily, yet not overly so. Thick, rich-looking double band (black & silver). One at the neck and the foot. (90)

Avo LE 2009 Compañero
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Size: 6 x 54 ( Toro)
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Filler: Criollo Ligero, Piloto Ligero, San Vicente Ligero, Peruvian Seco
Binder: Dominican
Presentation: Boxes of 10 cigars (now discontinued)

Since March 22nd is Avo Uvezian's 86th birthday, I thought it would be appropriate to post this week's review on an oldie but goodie I've had in my humidor for about two years: An Avo 2009 "Compañero," still in its cello, too! If I remember correctly, this cigar was hailed as the strongest Anniversary cigar released by Avo since the immortal Avo 80th. Perhaps the time in my humidor mellowed it a little, since I found the smoke to be mostly on the medium-bodied side, but this cigar still looked great and tasted equally delicious. Let's run through the tasting criteria and I'll continue on the other side.

Recently, I came across an old blog in which I wrote that 60-ring cigars just weren't my thing, and my ring gauge limit stopped at around 54. I couldn't help but laugh, because at the time I noticed the statement I was smoking a 6 x 60 cigar.

To tell the truth, I have been smoking a lot of 6 x 60 cigars lately, and I'm starting to get used to this Double Toro shape. In fact, as I write this post I'm smoking one of the new E.P.C. Short Run 2012 Nitidos (6¼" x 60). So what am I getting at?

Arturo Fuente Hemingway "Signature"
Country of Origin: Dom. Rep.
Size: 6 x 47 Perfecto
Strength: Mild - Medium
Wrapper: African Cameroon
Filler: Dominican
Binder: Dominican
Presentation: Box of 25 cigars, 5-packs, singles
Location smoked: Leaf Cigar Bar & Restaurant
Paired with: Svedka Citron & Tonic w/Lime wedge

Appearance and feel: A bit rustic in appearance (see notes below), but wrapper was nice and silky.
Draw: Perfect
Pre-light flavor: Woody
Toasting & Light: Tip lit right up and took well.
First puff: Creamy and sweet.
Retrohale: smooth and nutty.
Base flavors: sweet cedar and nutmeg.
Aroma: Sweet.
Burn / Ash: Clean and even with a very firm ash.
Balance: Dead-on center