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Posted

When I was on the forum earlier in the week and read about Robs comp for members to do a review of a cigar and then post it up for the chance to win a 5 pack of aged sticks, to my humi I went to select a cigar that was interesting enough to warrant reviewing but simple enough that I would have to work too hard at it. As it turned out, my best laid plans fell by the way side after a Friday night drinking session with my friend Stewie. He went to my dry box and was about to reach for my last Por Larrananga Robusto when I told him that one was off limits as it was going to be the cigar Id review for this comp.
He laughed at me and said if youre going to play super taster at least make it interesting as he reached into his cigar case and removed an unbanded Robusto. Here, smoke this, review it, and see if you can tell what it is. Ill give you another if you guess right.

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Fast forward 24 hours and I find myself with this naked looking Robusto in my hand. Lighter poised at the ready to get this show on the road.

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The cigar is a classic Cuban Robusto with a triple cap and decent construction. There is a medium sized vain running down the centre of the wrapper leaf but the bunch looks good and there are no soft spots to be found. The cigar has a classic Cuban Smell to it, and while Im not prepared to leap to that conclusion yet, it does narrow down the field for me.

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I cat the cap and take a draw. A touch on the firm side but nothing too bad. I get subtle notes of mild hay and soft tobacco. I strike my lighter and take a draw. The opening of the cigar greets me with a slight slated caramel sweetness and touches of youth. There is a twang note to the first couple of draws, adding to my theory that this is a Cuban cigar. As it is smoking I grab my phone and text Stewie, Smoking that mystery cigar, give me a bloody hint, why dont you!? A couple of min later I get a reply: youre a sook. Fine. Box code is POU JAN2013. Ah Ha! A Cuban Cigar. My suspicions were right! Now all that is left for me to do is figure out what Cuban Robusto I am currently holding in my hand This could be tricky.

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The first third is well underway and I dont have clue what this cigar is. Im getting notes of ash and gritty earth on the pallet with a salted spice through the nose. The finish is dirt and ash. Not a great profile if Im honest. It smokes well though, the draw has opened up a touch and now is a little closer to my ideal resistance. The construction is also decent, the ash holding on for around an inch and a half before I tap it into the ash tray. Its just a pity the profile isnt as good.
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The second third of this cigar begins, and Ive turned off the movie I was watching in an effort to devote my full attentions to the cigar. The burn has taken a turn for the worst and now requires a bit of a touch up. The profile has descended further into chaos, only offering me notes of Ash and youth on the pallet with that same salty spice from the beginning present through the nose. Im starting to think this cigar could be a D4. This assumption has nothing to do with the profile, its just most of the Cuban Robustos Ive ever had are much better constructed with better profiles than this. If it was a RASS or CoRo, Im pretty sure Id be able to pick it, even with its relative youth. Its not an Edmundo as its too thin (I compared it to one I already had in the humi). It could be a Trinidad, as Ive never had one before but have been told the quality of the whole marca has been woeful of late. Knowing Stewie, it could be some Regional Edition from the other side of the world, handed to me specially to trip me up. If Im honest, I have no real idea what this is.

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The final stage of this cigar begins with me making yet another touch up to the cigar. The profile has turned into hot, harsh dirt both through the nose and on the pallet. There is a touch of black coffee on the finish, but I think thats more a combination of the dirty ash flavour soaking into my tongue, rather than a component of the blend. The burn is all over the place and the cap has come apart in my mouth as I smoke it. Im not having much fun if Im honest. I still have no idea what this cigar is but whatever it is, its not their finest work. I toss the cigar out of my front door and into the garden bed opposite. It was a decent cigar to start with, but I cant say it finished well, whatever it was.
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Final Score:
Appearance- 18/25
Construction- 20/25
Profile- 10/25
Overall Impressions- 15/25
Final Score- 63/100
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Post Script- I had Stewie over for a coffee this morning and begged him to tell me what the cigar was. Turns out it was a Partagas D4. Guess I should stuck to my original theory afterall

  • Like 2
Posted

My guess is a Juan Lopez No. 2

Posted

Nice eye test, sorry you got a dud.....

Posted

Perhaps it's not fair or helpful to mention which cigar I was imagining, but I had one or two come to mind.

I had a PSP2 with my dad and neighbour today. Along the way we talked about how each cigar is unique and even when you've got a top brand cigar, things can happen either with the plant itself or the construction or any of the steps along the unique path each cigar takes on its way to your lips. Our cigars were great, but variation happens. Perhaps I haven't learned to only buy PSP, but that's what makes the pursuit of a mind blowing cigar so compelling.

Your buddy sounds like a character. After all that, I wondered if he would have told you what it was!

Posted

I knew it was a D4 as soon as I read "dirt," "gritty," and "salty spice." That's about what I get out of them. I really want to like them but every time I try one I'm just left wondering how they get so much hype.

Posted

I knew it was a D4 as soon as I read "dirt," "gritty," and "salty spice." That's about what I get out of them. I really want to like them but every time I try one I'm just left wondering how they get so much hype.

You and me both.

Posted

Toss it and grab a Padron 1964 Anniversary series. Much better construction and much more enjoyable.

Posted

D4 is the single cigar I've smoked the most in the past few years (about four boxes from different years and codes) and although they have varied greatly in taste and characteristics, I've truly enjoyed all but a few. They just hit me right, either when sweet, spicy or earthy. Usually paired with red wine...

Taste is quite a personal thing. Such a great journey to figure out what you enjoy ;)

  • Like 1
Posted

Final Score:

Appearance- 18/25

Construction- 20/25

Profile- 10/25

Overall Impressions- 15/25

Final Score- 63/100

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Interesting ride he took you on with that one, there!

I'm most curious about the cigar smoking log that you are using. Is that self-made? Can I obtain one for myself? Cheers.

Posted

Interesting ride he took you on with that one, there!

I'm most curious about the cigar smoking log that you are using. Is that self-made? Can I obtain one for myself? Cheers.

Its not self made

It was a gift from a friend a few years back

I'm sorry to say that I'm not sure where he got it from

I think Cigar Aficionado mentioned them a couple of years back

Posted

D4 is the single cigar I've smoked the most in the past few years (about four boxes from different years and codes) and although they have varied greatly in taste and characteristics, I've truly enjoyed all but a few. They just hit me right, either when sweet, spicy or earthy. Usually paired with red wine...

Taste is quite a personal thing. Such a great journey to figure out what you enjoy wink.png

Same here I have bought about 4 box's last year all but one was great and that box is ageing,it has improved some,I need to try the P-D-5 I've heard a lot of good things!

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