maverickdrinker Posted May 21, 2012 Posted May 21, 2012 I was intriqued when I read Rob's post on the cigar competition. Sunday night is usually 'restock the singles humidor night' to drybox cigars for the coming weeks. This time though, I took my time, looking not only for favorite cigars but also favorite memories. The cigar I have chosen to start off with is a 2009 Hamlet Robusto Extra Custom Roll. A quick story before I begin my review. I have been smoking cigars on and off since I started my profession however, I decided to make a commitment to stocking up on cigars in October 2008. In the summer of 2009, a bunch of friends invited me to see cuban cigar roller by the name of Hamlet. He was in Toronto for a couple of months, doing demonstrations. I had never met a cuban roller before so I went along to see what it was all about as Hamlet was a friend to a couple of my buddies. We met and started chatting. He told stories of how tobacco is brought from leaf to cigar. Talked about the history of rolling. He taught me about entubar style of rolling and demonstrated this as he rolled me a cigar to try. We found that we were both interested in watches and shared stories about our kids. It was a fun time. I mentioned that I haven't been to Cuba yet and was thinking of going in November. He said to come and see him at the RyJ factory. I didn't get to meet him during my first trip to Cuba however, I knew he had a son into sports. I asked a friend to drop off some clothes and sports equipment on my behalf. When we met up, he handed me a bundle of Hamlet's closed foot, pigtailed robusto extras. He said that Hamlet was touched and wanted me to smoke these. He mentioned that I would like the aromatic and flavour 'style' of the cigar. This would be the first of many bundles as well as many memories with Hamlet SInce then, we have become close friends. Everytime I go to Havana now, we take the time to catch up, share stories over dinner. I thought it would be fitting to start my journey down memory lane here. The 2009 Hamlet Robusto Extra Custom Roll is a long cigar. 7 inches by 48 ring gauge. It has a closed foot and pig tail triple cap. The wrapper itself is a gorgeous, golden hue of colorado brown. No visible veins and silky smooth to the touch. There is a little give when I sqeeze the body of the cigar. The aroma emanating from the wrapper reminds me a Jersey milk chocoate bar. Creamy, milk chocolate with a touch of coffee and toffee. The tobacco used for this has been aged 3 years and has been sitting for a year since it was rolled. I haven't smoked one in a while as I am down to my last 11 (now 10 after this LOL). This bundle has been aging for 3 years now at the bottom of one of my coolidors. My punch goes through the expertly constructed triple cap with ease. Inital cold draw reveals spice and chocolate covered almonds. The draw itself is perfect. An easy pull with slight resistance. Just the way I like it. Time to take this to the flame.
bacalao Posted May 21, 2012 Posted May 21, 2012 Enjoyed the back story. I have never had the pleasure of smoking one of his customs. I look forward to the rest of the review. Curious to why he named it a Robusto Extra with almost Churchill demensions?
maverickdrinker Posted May 21, 2012 Author Posted May 21, 2012 Initial puffs brings an instant memory of an Oh Henry Chocolate Bar. Waves of rich, creamy chocolate, nuts, and caramel. There is an faint touch of spice. Delightful. The smoke off of the cigar is significant. Copious amounts of smoke both through the head and foot. The draw is mesmerizing. Amazing that this cigar is fully hand rolled with no molds used at all. The burn line is razor sharp. A clean tobacco aftertaste lasts a long time. A little earthiness and expresso bean is starting to make an appearance. Starting to get into a zen like state as I watch the cars drive past my front patio.
maverickdrinker Posted May 21, 2012 Author Posted May 21, 2012 As I enter the 2nd third, all I can think about is a caramal mocha cuppucino with nutmeg. Beautiful flavours of expresso, creamy milk chocolate, caramel and spice in perfect harmony. Burn light continues to be razor sharp. Aromatics from the smoke reminds me of freshly baked molten lava chocolate cake. Delicious! Draw is incredible. The smoke itself has a cool mouthfeel however, the billows of smoke coming off of this cigar is impressive. Pairing this cigar with water to keep the flavours pure. The aftertaste is pure, unadultered tobacco. Fantastic!
Plato Posted May 21, 2012 Posted May 21, 2012 These are great. I only have three left. Next time I have the chance I will buy at least 20 of these amazing smokes. A must try in the world of cuban cigars. The smell and oily sheen on these when you first get them is unreal. Cuban tobacco personified. Happy smoking mates, Mike
maverickdrinker Posted May 21, 2012 Author Posted May 21, 2012 Entering the final third. In the home stretch now. I licked my lips and tastes expresso and cocoa. The cigar is still burning well. No touchups or relights required. The ash started off whitish is now a dirty grey. Little white bubbles has shown up on the ash. The core flavours of creamy, milky chocolate, caramel and nutmeg are still there however, they have taken a back seat to earthy, expresso flavours. The overall strength of the cigar has picked up as well. As I smoke through the final third, there is a bit of hay and cream coming through. Reminds me of a montecristo, just amplified. Nice robust flavours continue to keep me engaged in the journey. The aftertaste is strong expresso coffee and lasts even longer. It's like I am chewing the flavours. Final impressions to follow shortly.
maverickdrinker Posted May 21, 2012 Author Posted May 21, 2012 Enjoyed the back story. I have never had the pleasure of smoking one of his customs. I look forward to the rest of the review. Curious to why he named it a Robusto Extra with almost Churchill demensions? Hamlet calls everything a robusto extra. LOL. I bug him about it all the time. His response back is 'they are good and I like how robusto extra sounds. LOL getting him to roll a lancero however.....
maverickdrinker Posted May 21, 2012 Author Posted May 21, 2012 A total 180 at the end of the cigar. As the final third drew to a close, a wave of leather, earth, dried nuts,black coffee and spice came to the forefront. Didn't see this coming. An explosion of flavour like fireworks on the fourth of July! A total surprise! Final Impressions: In a word: awesome! 3 years in the humidor has done this cigar well. That last blast of strength makes me think back to when I initially received and smoked these. Pure power. A reminder of past cigars. Mucho Fuerte! The first 2 thirds brought me through a cornucopia of flavours, both robust and delicate. The final third really kept me guessing, particularly when I hit the boldness. A well made cigar. The final 10 will be earmarked to enjoy annually. A product of a truly great friend and roller.
ramon_cojones Posted May 21, 2012 Posted May 21, 2012 One of these days I will smoke a hamlet, nice story.
bassman Posted May 21, 2012 Posted May 21, 2012 Since Taboada retired, IMHO Hamlet makes the best custom rolls. He always seems to have access to superb tobacco. Still have a few left from an amazing bundle of Cervantes he rolled in 2008.
Puros Y Vino Posted May 22, 2012 Posted May 22, 2012 Great review Art. Cool opening back story. Hamlet's cigars are amongst the best I've ever smoked. He's a fine Cuban Cigar ambassador as well. He's entertaining to say the least and boy does he know his craft! I had one of his Salmones in Mexico a few weeks back. Smoked like a dream.
tdlfoto Posted May 22, 2012 Posted May 22, 2012 fantastic review Art - thanks for sharing the story too!
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