Nude N3 ROB HAM 19 (XNYRC)

[Meklown]

Today was a good day. The partner finally got doctor's clearance to be discharged so the hectic week can finally be brought to a close. Finally some peace of mind and the chance to sit down and have a cigar.

Also what's great was that my Nudies finally arrived yesterday. I know the 90 day rule has been preached but I just didn't want to overthink things and picked the cigar most within reach.

I also gave a stick to my dad (without telling him anything) and on the cold draw he immediately asked if it's a Partagas. After, I told him the backstory of this cigar and he was impressed with the blending to create such a fine cigar. It was also cool to see Rob and Hamlet's blending achieve exactly what they set out to achieve.

For me, there was a definite twang when I unwrapped the cigars. To me, that's the non-cuban twang. I rarely smoke NCs these days but it much reminded me of those I've nosed at the B&Ms. Pulled one out, perfect looking colorado wrappers. Not too oily, but kind of "just right". 

Chocolatey on the cold draw, with some sweet chili (Sriracha?) and barn smell.
First third presented a little astringency on the tip of the tongue. A very very slight tinge of ammonia (that's my fault for not resting it!), but the cigar was overwhelmingly earthy. Some very smooth dark chocolate as well - 85% Godiva?
Second third the ammonia was completely gone. The earthiness was more of the leathery kind, while also notes of wet hay and wet sheep. There is also emergence of some thick dark sweet cream. Absolutely delightful and luscious mouthfeel. For some reason there was a very fishy smell. Fish, rain, engine oil - a fish market near the coast somewhere in Scotland on a rainy day. Unusual, but I like it. This may just pair well with an Ardbeg, or Laphroaig.
In the final third the strength increased slightly. A tinge of citrusy orange to balance the earth, but not too much taste evolution in the cigar, so the taste is very much still on all things you'd find in a barn, and in that fish market.

Overall, a fantastic cigar. The burn was even and perfect throughout, and a really perfectly rolled cigar. Beautiful pyramids every time I tapped. While the cold draw gave me the NC twang, actually smoking it would have fooled me for 100% Cuban. It really got us wondering why the major NC producers couldn't blend something like this - it is generally either too strong/peppery, or too weak/characterless. It is however possible their blends are targeted to a specific market or taste profile that just isn't to my liking. 

Score a perfect 90/100. Had to take a point away for the whiff of ammonia (but again, that's my own fault), but give them proper rest and I imagine it would be a beyond perfect 92 on my scale. Bonus points for the creamy luscious mouthfeel and the citrus note for taste balance. Already a contender for cigar of the year. A week in the hospital really takes the juice out of you; a few days late, but Happy New Year FOH!

Apologies - lost my photo 

 

[anacostiakat]

Nice review.  Mine arrived New Year's eve.  Tucked them away for now. 

[Fugu]

Excellent review, thanks! I fear I'll never have a chance to try them.

[CampDelta369]

Great review thanks

[PigFish]

  On 1/3/2020 at 3:57 PM, Fugu said:

Excellent review, thanks! I fear I'll never have a chance to try them.

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... I have some coming. That means we will figure you a way to get a few! Thanks for the PM. Happy New Year to you my friend!

This will be the first NC cigar purchase for me in about 2 decades. My how time flies.

Cheers! -R

[Fugu]

Ray, you know - my pesky customs nazis...  But much appreciated, I shall drop you a note.

[PigFish]

  On 1/3/2020 at 5:25 PM, Fugu said:

Ray, you know - my pesky customs nazis...  But much appreciated, I shall drop you a note.

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... we will label the package, Brexit action kit and party hat and it will fly right through... -LOL

[Monocle]

Thanks for the note, certainly something to look forward to enjoying short-term.

[PigFish]

  On 1/4/2020 at 1:16 AM, gloverguy said:

Can’t wait to hear your review...something tells me you will be very honest and unbiased ...this based on some of your posts I’ve read ...cheers!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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Considering Rob has already blamed me for ruining his EL business, a jest I am sure, you really put some pressure on our friendship...! -LOL

Frankly I would love nothing more than to find a cigar made off Isla Cuba that I can call a good cigar. If anyone can pull it off, it would be my brother Rob. Not that we agree on all things, including cigars, but I know that he knows what a good cigar should be. I just cannot see him signing onto a cigar that is subpar.

While I am out here with my fly unzipped kissing his arse... you simply don't know what kind of a class act that he is unless you meet him and get to know him as I do. Rob and Lisa are rather like my siblings from the prison contentment. You just don't, really know what great people they are, unless you know them.

Sorry for going off topic... but I would not even consider these cigars if Rob was not involved in their making. Objective... yes, I would like to think so! But I cannot honestly say that I don't have a bias.

-Ray

[Habana Mike]

  On 1/3/2020 at 3:57 PM, Fugu said:

Excellent review, thanks! I fear I'll never have a chance to try them.

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Send me a note friend. Have a couple with your name on them.....

 

  On 1/4/2020 at 2:38 AM, Habana Mike said:

Send me a note friend. Have a couple with your name on them.....

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Ah, just noticed our porcine pescatarian also offered. No worries, if we both send perhaps one will get through the gauntlet ?

[Duxnutz]

Nicely written review! ?

[Fugu]

  On 1/3/2020 at 8:46 PM, PigFish said:

... we will label the package, Brexit action kit and party hat and it will fly right through... -LOL

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Haha, sounds like a plan!

  On 1/4/2020 at 2:38 AM, Habana Mike said:

Send me a note friend. Have a couple with your name on them.....

 

Ah, just noticed our porcine pescatarian also offered. No worries, if we both send perhaps one will get through the gauntlet ?

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Thanks for the kind offer Mike, much appreciated! Such a great community here, I just dropped a sentiment of sorrow (with no ulterior motive ... ) and members immediately jump by offering to help out. Really, I appreciate that very much, guys!

[MigsG]

Nice review that spurred me to light one up now.