JohnS' Smoking Diary 2023

[Lamboinee]

12 hours ago, JohnS said:

Both state that Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro is used for the wrapper

I think it's def Connecticut broadleaf. I would bet $10 on it. But I thought the CA references were particularly odd, if they are errors, then even more so. Generally I prefer the longer thinner hemmi cams or the Don C's. The WoA can get "charry" sometimes. I would smoke the Maduro if offered, but I'd grab the cammi first 100%.

Unsolicited info: there's also a WoA vitola with a barber pole broadleaf and Connecticut wrapper combo. I believe it was blended by, or to celebrate, or in combination with, jr.'s daughter. I've smoked one. It was decent.  Quasi hard to find, so some say. I'd still grab the cammi wrapper first. 

Smoke on! 

 

 

[KCCubano]

On 2/12/2023 at 11:53 PM, JohnS said:

Romeo y Julieta Short Churchills LAT Feb 2018

There's an adage in our hobby that a cigar can improve over time and become great, but only after they start off being good. In other words, if you encounter a box of Habanos cigars that are smoking ordinarily within the first twelve months, don't count on them to 'blow you away', so-to-speak, after the three to five year mark. It can occur, but it's not likely.

The last Romeo y Julieta Short Churchill I had was around sixteen months ago.  Today's example was a little better than my previous Romeo y Julieta Short Churchills smoked from this box code, but still not up to the class of my ABO Ago 2018 Romeo y Julieta Exhibicion No.4 box.

What kept this cigar interesting for me was the hint of some nice turkish delight, anise and berry notes, together with wood and bitter chocolate. What let this cigar down was the multiple re-lights and the slightly tight draw. Paradoxically, despite being a little harder to smoke there was an above average smoke output per puff which easily coated my palate with flavour. A normal Robustos takes me 70 to 75 minutes to finish. This particular one took me two-and-a-half hours!  

Again, in comparison to other Romeo y Julieta cigars I've smoked, this Short Churchill was medium-mild but still faithful to its marca profile, which allowed me to persevere through smoking it. It's just that I've been more enamoured by some quality RyJ Churchills, Exhibicion No.4 and Petit Royales of recent times. Don't be surprised if I return to these aforementioned vitolas in the coming months!

I picked up 3 boxes of the Petit Royales way before any major price increases. My current favorite RyJ. Letting them age as don't see myself buying anymore down the road. 

[JohnS]

Oliva Serie V Melanio Maduro Churchill

There's a saying that "where there's no risk, there's no reward". It doesn't seem that long ago that Oliva was struggling in the cigar business. It wasn't until the company took a risk in utilising Nicaraguan tobacco that they remained afloat. The cigar line that really brought it attention was the Oliva Serie V, which debuted in 2006. Produced with a small rolling team and blended for strength and style, the Serie V line immediately took off. In 2012, in tribute to the first family patriarch to grow cigar tobacco, Oliva introduced the Melanio version, which differs from the original Serie V line by its Sumatra-seed wrapper grown in Ecuador.

The next year, in 2013, Oliva developed a new variation of the Melanio line by incorporating a Mexican San Andres Maduro wrapper covering the same Nicaraguan binder and filler used in the original Serie V Melanio line. In 2014, Cigar Aficionado announced the Oliva Serie V Melanio Torpedo as the No.1 cigar of the year. The publicity afforded by this occurrence cemented it current lofty reputation, in my opinion. Furthermore, as for the Oliva Serie V Melanio Maduro Churchill, it was Cigar Aficionado’s 2021 No. 7 “Cigar of the Year” with a 93-point rating.  I got this cigar from a Melanio six-pack sampler released in October 2022. It contained three natural and three maduro Melanio Lanceros, Figurados and Churchills.

The Oliva Serie V Melanio Maduro Churchill is box-pressed but has a normal straight foot and a slightly curved head with a 178 mm (or 7 inches) length and 50 ring gauge, which is a little bigger than the traditional Habanos girth for a Churchill-sized cigar that is usually 47 rg. As mentioned, it comes with a Mexican San Andres Maduro wrapper but it is the binder and filler which makes a difference to the Melanio line. Both the binder and the filler use Nicaraguan Jalapa tobacco which is said to impart more flavour and less strength.

The cold draw revealed some nutmeg and cedar. In the first third, I especially enjoyed the now-welcomed walnut texture to these Serie V Melanio cigars, together with an oak and cocoa profile.

In the second third, the intensity increased a touch, with that walnut-textured core flavour remaining dominant. The cocoa/chocolate aspects to this cigar, no doubt as a result of the Maduro wrapper, unveiled themselves too more prominently in this section of the cigar.

The last third of was more herbal in nature, with that oak wood and spice coming through more. I must admit that this last third wasn't as appealing as the first two-thirds. Then again, the first two-thirds were quite exquisite so I wasn't complaining that much.

Overall, I feel the Oliva Serie V Melanio Churchill is a very good cigar. Personally-speaking, I'm quite content with my standard fare Ecuadorian Sumatra-wrappered Oliva Serie V Melanio Churchills. However, if you opt for the Maduro version I don't think you'd come away after smoking one too disappointed.

[JohnS]

Diplomáticos No.2 RAT Jul 2020

Apart from smoking a relatively youthful Diplomaticos No.2 in the middle of 2022, of recent times I have been smoking through a EML Ago 2014 box, which I've found different in texture and flavours to younger examples of the Dip 2.

This RAT May 2020 Diplomaticos No.2 had a lighter wrapper than my last one from this box code. It was a typical colorado shade and was less viscous on my palate and less savoury than my 2014 Dip 2s, but once again it was quite excellent. This had mainly sourdough, wood, capsicum or bell pepper, nutmeg and a little paprika spice, although I wouldn't characterise it as been spicy. Even though it had more resistance in the draw than what I would have liked, it was a joy to smoke!

Due to its dimensions, and its relationship to the Montecristo marca, the Diplomaticos No.2 is often compared to the Montecristo No.2. I've definitely found the Diplomaticos No.2 to be more consistent over the years; both in flavours and construction. However, a great Montecristo No.2 is like a 'unicorn' cigar in the regular production Habanos catalogue, hence why I always have them on hand in my humidor.

Still, when you have Diplomaticos No.2s smoke like this one today, the comparison doesn't really matter.

[JohnS]

Romeo y Julieta Belicosos (circa 2021/22)

I believe this is only the second Romeo y Julieta Belicosos I've had in the last five or six years. The Romeo y Julieta is a Campanas cigar, a piramide-shaped cigar with a 52 ring gauge x 140 mm (or 5½ inches) length. It's the same ring gauge as regular piramides cigars such as the Montecristo No.2, for example, but just under two-thirds of an inch shorter.

In regular production, we have four Campanas cigars: the Bolivar Belicosos Finos, Romeo y Julieta Belicosos, San Cristobal de La Habana La Punta and Sancho Panza Belicosos. All of these cigars are pre-Revolution (i.e before circa 1960), except the SCdLH La Punta, introduced in 1999. Of these, the Bolivar Belicosos Finos is currently widely available, the RyJ Belicosos and SCdLH La Punta less so and the Sancho Panza Belicosos enjoyed a 'heightened' reputation on our forum in 2018/19 but hasn't been seen much since.

Romeo y Julieta is a marca that has amongst the widest range of acceptance on our forum. Members either love them or loathe them but in general, the marca is a global brand and sells well for Habanos S.A.

Personally-speaking, I quite like the Romeo y Julieta brand but only the 'quality' offerings such as the RyJ Churchills, Exhibicion No.4 and Petit Royales, which are in my regular rotation. I have also enjoyed the RyJ Petit Churchills, Short Churchills and Wide Churchills on occasion.

As mentioned, this is my second RyJ Belicosos. My first one I had six months ago was different to my regular rotation RyJ cigars, it was much milder. Also, it didn't have that quintessential RyJ fruitiness but it did have a core cocoa, sourdough and wood flavour which was quite pleasant. It was very easy to smoke.

This second one was very much different. It started off again quite mild but this time it was a little 'grassy' in its opening. This wasn't off-putting, rather it was actually appealing to the senses because it was somewhat unique in comparison to most Habanos cigars I smoke. That core cocoa, sourdough and wood was light in body and there was a little fruitiness which I enjoyed.

At the halfway point, the cigar really 'ramped up' and it became quite dominant in its wood and spice. I had to slow down my smoking because there was a heavy presence to each puff on the palate, any grassiness or soft cocoa disappeared. It was like the cigar was 'a tale of two halves', like in the famous Jekyll and Hyde story.

So, in conclusion, I'm not really sure what to make of this RyJ Belicosos today. Perhaps I need another one 'soonish' to re-evaluate it.

 

[JohnS]

Arturo Fuente Añejo Reserva No. 49

If you've ever wondered what makes the Arturo Fuente Anejo line special within this brand, its origin story will no doubt enlighten you. In 1998, Hurricane George devastated the Dominican Republic region, including the Chateau de la Fuente estates, where the wrapper leaf for Fuente Fuente Opus X cigars are grown. A few years later, as a consequence, there was a severe shortage of Opus X wrapper. Carlos Fuente Jr. opted for a creative solution. He decided to use a specially aged Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper over the Opus X blend of vintage Dominican binder and filler tobaccos, while at the same time resting the selective Broadleaf wrappers inside cognac barrels for an extended period to impart an added sweetness and distinctive character. And 'voila', the Anejo series was conceived.

The Anejo line is deliberately kept to a small production run each year, twice a year; just before Father’s Day (in the United States in the middle of the year), and again before Christmas. Within this line, the Anejo No. 77, known as The Shark, is amongst the most demanded vitola within the Arturo Fuente range. This Arturo Fuente Añejo Reserva No. 49 I smoked today, is a 49 ring gauge x 194 mm length (or 7⅝ inches) Double Coronas-sized cigar with the same dimensions as a Partagas Lusitanias. Trust me, it takes just as long to finish smoking it!

Upon removing the cedar I found the cigar to be extraordinarily smooth, yet full of flavour. The blend was a combination of cocoa, leather, oak and marzipan. The ash was grey-white and held together well. When it fell off it was flaky but construction-wise this cigar was okay.

In the middle third, the blend remained much the same, as it did in the last third. There might have been a little spice on the edges here and there but overall, this smooth, easygoing cigar was one-dimensional to its core. It also lasted two-and-a-half hours!

The best way to compare this line is to reflect on the Davidoff Late Hour Series, which similarly utilises tobacco that is aged for six months in Speyside scotch barrels. This cigar reminded me of the Davidoff Winston Churchill Late Hour Churchill I smoked in mid-2022. That too was full flavoured and smooth, but for me, one-dimensional.

In summary, when it comes to Arturo Fuente I prefer the Hemingway or Don Carlos lines rather than the Anejo line. However, this cigar may appeal to you, if you are lucky enough to acquire it when it is released bi-annually.

[JohnS]

Bolívar Belicosos Finos TAO Nov 2020

The Bolivar Belicosos Finos remains a Friends of Habanos forum favourite, years after topping a Forum poll twice in 2019 declaring members' favourite cigar. Even with the current adjustments upwards to the pricing of Habanos cigars, you'll tend to find that demand is strong on our forum for the BBF when it is listed on 24:24 sales. In the FOH top 26 of 2021 poll as endorsed by El Pres, the Bolivar Belicosos Finos managed to come in at a very respectable eleventh.

Your average Piramide (also known colloquially as a Torpedo) is 52 ring gauge x 156 mm in length, the BBF is a Campanas and so is slightly smaller at 52 ring gauge x 140 mm in length. I continue to find them quite reliable in construction and flavour delivery over the years, on the odd occasion I have one.

In general, I've had excellent smoking experiences with BBFs in 2019/20 but of late I've only had four in a little over two years, I believe. I think the reason for this is because I had intended resting them, albeit not for this long though. Then again, I have been distracted by other Bolivar options in my humidor such an early-2017 box of outstanding Bolivar Petit Coronas and an equally dependable half-box of mid-2019 Bolivar Coronas Junior!

This BBF was again very light on cocoa, yet it did have those big BBF flavours; bitter malt, nutmeg, Earth and leather which made it a good option for a change-of-pace from my usual 'go-to' cigars. Like my last BBF, there wasn't any 'licorice' sweetness or extra spiciness in the back-half of this BBF today, like I have had with other BBF's in the past. On oft times I have also enjoyed a marshmallow texture to this cigar but this BBF was much fuller. I think it would appeal to those of us who like a stronger Habanos cigar, on occasion (or even more regularly!).

In terms of construction, this cigar burnt inconsistently. Sometimes the wrapper would remain stagnant, other times it burned as per normal. I had to re-light two or three times. Coupled with the more potent strength on evidence today, it made me wonder why I bother to persevere with Habanos cigars sometimes. Yes, it can get quite frustrating, especially after you've enjoyed a spate of Non-Cuban options whereby each and every single one burn magnificently.

In conclusion, I didn't mind this BBF; but I still prefer my other Bolivar cigars in my humidor for the time being (e.g. early-2017 Bolivar Petit Coronas, mid-2019 Bolivar Coronas Junior and mid-2015 Bolivar Tubos No.1) .

[alephilmac]

On 2/12/2023 at 11:58 AM, JohnS said:

Thank you. True, it will be fun. Even though my acquisition of Habanos cigars with post mid-2021 box codes is much less in comparison to my other inventory, I believe the reviews will remain relevant for the greater majority of our members, nevertheless.

They have been helpful for me. Thank you!

[JohnS]

Oliva Serie V Melanio Churchill

Oliva famously gained credibility and publicity via its win for the Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado with Cigar Aficionado in 2014 and recently it has brought out a sampler release in October 2022 in the Melanio line which includes six cigars in Natural and Maduro wrappers: one each of the Churchill, Figurado and new Lanceros. I decided to acquire this release, specifically to compare the Lancero cigars against the standard Oliva Serie V Lanceros. This Oliva Serie V Melanio Churchill is the last cigar I've smoked from this six-pack sampler. Perhaps I've saved the best for last!

The Oliva Serie V Melanio Churchill was Cigar Aficionado’s No.8 cigar of the year in 2018 and 2020, with scores of 93 and 95 respectively. I've been so impressed with the Oliva Serie V Melanio Churchill cigars I've smoked in 2022 that I decided to acquire a 10-count box in the meantime. The Churchill size is a vitola I quite like for when I feel like a long smoke and as we know, we aren't exactly 'flush with options' when it comes to Habanos Churchill-sized cigars right now.

The Oliva Serie V Melanio Churchill is box-pressed but has a normal straight foot and a slightly curved head with a 178 mm (or 7 inches) length and 50 ring gauge, which is a little bigger than the traditional Habanos girth for a Churchill-sized cigar that is usually 47 rg. It comes with the now accustomed, yet impressive, Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper but it is the binder and filler which makes a difference to the Melanio line. Both the binder and the filler use Nicaraguan Jalapa tobacco which is said to impart more flavour and less strength.
    
As usual, on the cold draw I was impressed with the exquisiteness of this cigar's aroma, the sheen on its wrapper and frankly, how well these are made.

The cigar opened with some chocolate and cedar and developed in the first third with the addition of coffee and leather. In the last third I got a little spice and the cigar was a tad more 'woody', but honestly not too much, the flavour blend stayed much the same. Throughout the cigar there was a nutty texture akin to almonds or walnuts and the strength of the cigar was mild. It was effortless to smoke and retrohale through the nose.

As I alluded to earlier in this review, Habanos S.A. have very few Churchill-sized cigars left; in fact, just three in regular production (Cohiba Esplendidos, H.Upmann Sir Winston and Romeo y Julieta Churchill). These all enjoy a ‘lofty’ reputation within the Habanos catalogue, Although, this wasn't brilliant as potentially those Habanos cigars, it was still a pleasure to smoke over 110 minutes. I very much enjoyed it and I'm glad I acquired a box.

In my opinion, I feel the Oliva Serie V Melanio Churchill is a quality addition to my collection of other Habanos Churchills in my humidor. Within this six-pack sampler of Oliva Serie V Melanio cigars too, I can assert too that this cigar was the best of the Natural and Maduro Melanio Lanceros, Figurados and Churchills I sampled.

[JohnS]

Cuaba Exclusivos (circa 2021/22)

Cuaba...it's not just a marca that evokes strong polemic reactions amongst cigar enthusiasts, I would argue that it is the No.1 Habanos marca that frankly divides down the middle. You either don't mind it or you downright hate it. Within this marca, the Divinos and Distinguidos has the most support on our forum. The large 57 ring gauge x 184 mm (or 7¼ inches) in length Salomon is also quite popular when it invariably is available on 24:24 listings; albeit, this doesn't occur too often.

The Cuaba Exclusivos is a smaller 46 ring gauge x 145 mm (or 5¾ inches) in length perfecto. It is slightly smaller in ring gauge and half an inch smaller in length than the recent 2020 Cuaba APAC Regional Edition. It's also similar in shape in being taco-shaped, with the head more elongated than the Distinguidos, for example.

Amongst all the Cuaba vitolas I've sampled over the years I would opine that the Exclusivos is amongst the very mildest. Initially, I thought I would have draw problems because the foot and the first third was so 'packed' but once I lit the cigar and smoked past the opening it drew okay. Sure, it was a little tight but I could still get a decent amount of smoke, at least.

In terms of flavours, it's been said that the last third of this cigar can be one-dimensional. There is much wisdom in this saying for I found it to be true. Otherwise, it has a combination of peanut, toasted tobacco, some grassiness and a hint of spice to it. What it lacked, in comparison to recent Cuaba APAC I smoked, was some sweetness akin to Cointreau and/or chocolate, caramel or nougat. Still, for me, it wasn't too bad for a change of pace.

I smoked this down over 75 minutes and it ashed well. I couldn't help thinking though that if Cuaba is not to your liking, you may find this blend horribly bland. It's that type of cigar.

[JohnS]

Arturo Fuente Don Carlos - Eye of the Shark

In 2015, Arturo Fuente released two limited production cigars that commemorated the 80th birthday of family patriarch Carlos Fuente Sr.  Around the same time, Arturo Fuente's Don Carlos brand turned forty years of age in 2016. The two cigars, of course, were the Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Personal Reserve Robusto and the Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Eye of the Shark. The latter cigar went on to attain widespread attention after being named as Cigar Aficionado’s No.1 Cigar of the Year for 2017.

The Shark is unique because it's box-pressed, yet at the same time, its head carries a sharp apex around its belicosos tip. As a result of how intricate it is to roll this vitolas, the AF Don Carlos Eye of the Shark is produced in limited qualities. Due to its relatively ubiquitous critical acclaim, especially after receiving the Cigar of the Year prize from Cigar Aficionado magazine in late December 2017, it's not that easy to acquire either as demand for it is quite high amongst cigar enthusiasts.

The Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Eye of the Shark has a Cameroon wrapper with Dominican binder and filler. Cameroon wrappers are known to impart a sweeter flavour on the cigars they are used on. It is 52 ring gauge x 5¼ inches (or 133 mm) in length according to Arturo Fuente's website. Please note, that this cigar was quoted as being half an inch longer in many on-line articles after it's Cigar Aficionado No.1 cigar of the year award, but currently it is in fact slightly shorter than a Bolivar Belicosos Finos or Romeo y Julieta Belicosos, both of which measure 5½ inches in length. (The Anejo No. 77 Shark, by comparison, is longer 5⅞ inches). It comes packaged in 20-count ornate boxes.

I used my Colibri V-Cutter to make a satisfactory deep cut into the head. The draw was ideal. This AF Don Carlos Eye of the Shark began with notes of cedar, nuts, leather and lemon citrus. The ash length was consistently long at around an inch and the texture of the smoke on the palate was rich, yet smooth. It had all the hallmarks of a quality cigar.

During the second third, those flavours mentioned at the start of the cigar followed through, with the cedar and leather profile being foremost. The cigar continues to be very, very easy to smoke. I would add that it could possibly have been one of the most comfortable of cigars to retrohale on the nose; it was that 'easy'.

The last third saw the Eye of the Shark add some 'Earthy' notes to its profile. There was also a touch of pepper which greatly complimented the taste and did not spoil the subtleties of the smoke in any way.

I smoked this cigar over one hour and fifty minutes and immediately thought to myself that I could easily smoke another one straight after. Mild, containing quality tobacco and gentle on the senses, the Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Eye of the Shark is a cigar that will most probably impress you. I know it certainly impressed me!

[JohnS]

Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story

I must say, I've really 'taken' to the Arturo Fuente Hemingway series since I've added various vitolas from this line to my regular rotation in 2022. The one feature of this series is their Perfecto shape, which is a 'throwback' or an homage to the popularity of this vitola amongst Habanos cigars prior to the 1930s.

The Short story was introduced a few years after the 1983 debut of the Hemingway Series and it has since become the top seller in the line. All Arturo Fuente Hemingway cigars feature West African Cameroon wrapper and Dominican filler and binder. (That is, the Natural-wrappered varieties.)

According to the Arturo Fuente company, the extra workmanship involved in producing these cigars means that they take longer to make and also utilise leaf that is aged longer than normal leaf.

Like the similarly-shaped Cuaba Perfectos, lighting the heavily tapered foot is sufficient to light the cigar. The Short Story is tapered gradually from being 42 ring gauge at the head to being 49 ring gauge at its widest near the foot. It has a short length at 4 inches or 102 mm. This doesn't necessarily mean its a quick thirty to forty minutes smoke however.

This is my second Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story from this box since I smoked my first one three months ago. These cigars have come from a 15-count box (with its own humidipak contained within), with their mild and sweet, balanced flavours very much resonating with me.

This particular Short Story opened with a usual hay and cedar taste and was again light and mild. It was slightly less sweet than previous AF Short Story cigars I sampled.

In the middle of the cigar the smoke picked up some light spice and a touch of leather to compliment the hay. This was very much in line with what occurred the last time I smoked this cigar three months ago. What can one say about this? If you get consistency in construction you're likely to be pleased, but when a cigar is consistent in its flavour transitions even, well I'd say this is quite impeccable.

I've mentioned, as an aside, in previous reviews on the Arturo Fuente Hemingway Series, that Cameroon wrappers can impart a combination of spice and sweetness, so if this doesn't appeal to you, then I'd say that you won't enjoy any of the Hemingway line.

In summary, this second cigar from this box amply asserts that this is a quality cigar. The Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story easily competes in excellence with short-sized Habanos cigars and this example was again better than any Cuaba cigar I've ever had, principally in construction and the volume of smoke output per puff. This cigar took me a around fifty-five minutes to smoke. Once again, I think that's pretty good for its size, no?

[JohnS]

Cohiba Siglo V (circa 2020)

This specific review can be considered a 'treat' because you are unlikely to see another one of its type within this year's review series. You see, the Cohiba Siglo V would have to be the one specific vitola within the Cohiba marca that I have had the most difficulty acquiring in my lifetime, even before the current production crisis of Habanos cigars occured in mid-2022. Apart from two aged examples I smoked last year in 2022, the last time I smoked a regular Cohiba Siglo V that was aged three years or less, like this cigar, was three-and-a-half years ago! And that was to commemorate my son's 21st birthday!

The Cohiba Siglo V would have to be my second favourite of the Linea 1492 range after the Cohiba Siglo III. At 43 ring gauge x 170 mm (or 6¾ inches), a dalias, it represents a vitola that is only shared by the Partagas 8-9-8 currently in regular production. For those of you who are experienced enthusiasts, do you still remember the Bolivar Inmensas (discontinued in 2009) and the La Gloria Cubana Medaille d'Or No.2 (discontinued in 2014)?

I believe that, in general, the dalias vitola is rarely produced as both the Cohiba Siglo V and Partagas 8-9-8 have been periodical in their availability for quite some time. At least we were fortunate enough for Pacific Cigar Company to approve a Punch 8-9-8 regional edition release in 2018 so that we could enjoy a quality 'long-and-skinny' Habanos cigar, like we did yesteryear, for those more experienced among us, when these type of cigars were in plentiful supply.

This particular Cohiba Siglo V came in a tubo and was gifted by a dear and generous friend (yes, you know who you are!). The cold draw had an exquisite barnyard and milk coffee profile. Upon lighting, the cigar quickly settled into typical Cohiba flavours of mocha coffee, honey and a little citrus.

In the second third, it continued in much the same vein, only the mocha coffee increased in the blend and the citrus spice on the edges, more notable through retrohaling, was more evident.

In the final third, the honey sweetness and citrus dropped off and the mocha coffee was more dominant but overall, this cigar didn't go over medium in strength at any point.

I took 1 hour and 55 minutes to finish it and yes, it was stunning smoke. I'm not just saying that because it was Cohiba cigar or because it was a rare Siglo V. It deserved its accolades because this cigar's construction was spot-on (unlike many more popular vitolas within the Habanos regular production range currently being manufactured) and its flavours didn't disappoint.

[KCCubano]

18 hours ago, JohnS said:

Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story

I must say, I've really 'taken' to the Arturo Fuente Hemingway series since I've added various vitolas from this line to my regular rotation in 2022. The one feature of this series is their Perfecto shape, which is a 'throwback' or an homage to the popularity of this vitola amongst Habanos cigars prior to the 1930s.

The Short story was introduced a few years after the 1983 debut of the Hemingway Series and it has since become the top seller in the line. All Arturo Fuente Hemingway cigars feature West African Cameroon wrapper and Dominican filler and binder. (That is, the Natural-wrappered varieties.)

According to the Arturo Fuente company, the extra workmanship involved in producing these cigars means that they take longer to make and also utilise leaf that is aged longer than normal leaf.

Like the similarly-shaped Cuaba Perfectos, lighting the heavily tapered foot is sufficient to light the cigar. The Short Story is tapered gradually from being 42 ring gauge at the head to being 49 ring gauge at its widest near the foot. It has a short length at 4 inches or 102 mm. This doesn't necessarily mean its a quick thirty to forty minutes smoke however.

This is my second Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story from this box since I smoked my first one three months ago. These cigars have come from a 15-count box (with its own humidipak contained within), with their mild and sweet, balanced flavours very much resonating with me.

This particular Short Story opened with a usual hay and cedar taste and was again light and mild. It was slightly less sweet than previous AF Short Story cigars I sampled.

In the middle of the cigar the smoke picked up some light spice and a touch of leather to compliment the hay. This was very much in line with what occurred the last time I smoked this cigar three months ago. What can one say about this? If you get consistency in construction you're likely to be pleased, but when a cigar is consistent in its flavour transitions even, well I'd say this is quite impeccable.

I've mentioned, as an aside, in previous reviews on the Arturo Fuente Hemingway Series, that Cameroon wrappers can impart a combination of spice and sweetness, so if this doesn't appeal to you, then I'd say that you won't enjoy any of the Hemingway line.

In summary, this second cigar from this box amply asserts that this is a quality cigar. The Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story easily competes in excellence with short-sized Habanos cigars and this example was again better than any Cuaba cigar I've ever had, principally in construction and the volume of smoke output per puff. This cigar took me a around fifty-five minutes to smoke. Once again, I think that's pretty good for its size, no?

I'm starting to really like the Cameroon wrappers. The cigars I have smoked with them have been well balanced on my palate

[JohnS]

2 hours ago, KCCubano said:

I'm starting to really like the Cameroon wrappers. The cigars I have smoked with them have been well balanced on my palate

Oh definitely. I've enjoyed the subtlety to them. They never seem to overwhelm the palate.

[JohnS]

Romeo y Julieta Belicosos ATE May 2018

The Romeo y Julieta is a Campanas cigar, a piramide-shaped cigar with a 52 ring gauge x 140 mm (or 5½ inches) length. It's the same ring gauge as regular piramides cigars such as the Montecristo No.2, for example, but just under two-thirds of an inch shorter.

In regular production, we have four Campanas cigars: the Bolivar Belicosos Finos, Romeo y Julieta Belicosos, San Cristobal de La Habana La Punta and Sancho Panza Belicosos. All of these cigars are pre-Revolution (i.e before circa 1960), except the SCdLH La Punta, introduced in 1999. Of these, the Bolivar Belicosos Finos is currently widely available, the RyJ Belicosos and SCdLH La Punta less so and the Sancho Panza Belicosos enjoyed a 'heightened' reputation on our forum in 2018/19 but hasn't been seen much since.

This is only my third RyJ Belicosos. My first one I had six months ago was different to my regular rotation RyJ cigars, it was much milder. Also, it didn't have that quintessential RyJ fruitiness but it did have a core cocoa, sourdough and wood flavour which was quite pleasant. It was very easy to smoke.

The second one was very much different. It had some grassiness to compliment its core cocoa, sourdough and wood, which was light in body. There was a little fruitiness which very much appealed to me until the halfway point when the cigar became all 'wood and spice'. I figured that I should refrain from making a generalised judgement on the RyJ Belicosos until I had another opportunity to smoke one. Alas, today represents that welcome outcome.

This third RyJ Belicosos, smoked three weeks after my last one, was much more consistent in its strength, flavour profile and construction. Construction-wise, it ashed and smoked well. The draw had a touch of resistance which is what you come to expect from Habanos cigars. (As a comparison, Non-Cuban cigars tend to draw 'looser'). Its strength was around the medium mark or just under. In terms of flavour, it was a little grassy, had a distinctive cocoa, sourdough and wood blend but lacked the deeper chocolate or fruitiness you'd come to expect in other Romeo y Julieta cigars to various degrees.

So, in conclusion, if you are looking for a Campanas-sized cigar that is the opposite of a Bolivar Belicosos Finos, for example, then I'd suggest the Romeo y Julieta Belicosos is for you. If you need or should I say, require a berries profile in your Romeo y Julieta cigar then perhaps it would be best to look elsewhere. Otherwise, when you need a RyJ cigar lighter in strength and flavour, then the Romeo y Julieta Belicosos may be what you need.

[JohnS]

Trinidad Fundadores (circa 2005)

The Trinidad Fundadores, like the Trinidad marca itself, has a compelling history. I'm not entirely sure that I could do it justice by referencing it in a short review such as this one. In my view, it may require an in-depth article in a magazine such as Cigar Aficionado or Cigar Journal just to begin to make sense of it. In brief, though, according to Habanos S.A. the Trinidad marca was born in 1969 and until 1997/98 the Fundadores served as a cigar for Diplomatic gifts in bundles of 100. Around 1995 this was reduced to bundles of 50. Until 2003, when the Reyes was introduced, the Fundadores was the only vitola in the Trinidad marca, after it went on public sale in early 1998. In 2019, Habanos S.A. formally commemorated the 50th anniversary of Trinidad as a marca.

Did you get all that? Simple, right? Now read on, below, the contrasting counter story to the official history provided by Habanos S.A.

In 1905, Diego Trinidad founded Trinidad y Hermanos as a tobacco company. In 1958, the company was legally incorporated as TTT Trinidad. This proved quite a sage precedent in light of the Cuban revolution in 1959, whereby the Trinidad family were forced into exile (like many other Cuban cigar family businesses) and partnered with Fuente to make Non-Cuban Trinidads from 1968 to 1978. These never really took off, but in 1997, coincidentally the year that Trinidad went public as a marca, the Trinidad family once again partnered with the Fuentes to produce a Non-Cuban Trinidad cigar. This again floundered, but in 2001 the Trinidad family won a long court battle in the United States to use the TTT Trinidad brand in the USA market. In 2002, the rights to the brand in the USA was sold to Altadis USA. Again, in 2003, quite coincidentally mind you, Habanos S.A. decided to upgrade its basic black and gold cigar band from TRINIDAD to an embossed yellow and black TTT TRINIDAD cigar band. Surely, this had nothing to do with losing that US court case to the Trinidad family in 2001, right?

I suppose the colloquial saying that 'there's always two sides to every story' is pertinent here, no?

Furthermore, there's no real concrete evidence that Trinidad existed as a cigar in Cuba prior to 1992. Even then, they were being produced in runs of 20 100-count boxes a year as Diplomatic gifts. I would advocate in all this that there's less myth in Homer's 'Iliad and the Odyssey' then in this Trinidad origin story I've entertained you with. By the way, it's the Trinidad family origin story that is the real one!

Anyway, in regards to the Trinidad Fundadores, this cigar is considered the flagship of the brand. Prior to 2003 these were produced solely in the El Laguito factory. From 2004 onwards, production was also diverted to the Francisco Donatien factory, due to greater demand. Trinidad Fundadores from 1998 to 2003 is generally considered the best of its kind, especially the original run of 1997-98.

I haven't had an aged Trinidad Fundadores since September 2017. That was a gifted 1999 example. At the time I wrote that it was a complex cigar replete with a myriad of flavours: Coffee, Spice, Wood, Floral, Grass, Vanilla and Citrus all melded together beautifully like cake. I wrote too, at the time, that Trinidad could be a complex-flavoured marca, and when they are ordinary the flavours can be 'muddled', so-to-speak, but this definitely was not the case with that 1999 specimen.

Prior to 2003, Trinidad Fundadores were also known to have more strength and were fuller in flavour, as well as being complex. Frankly, they were perfect for aging. This aged Trinidad Fundadores, from circa 2005, was generously gifted by Trevor Leask, the founder of Cuban Cigar Website. This cigar was very different to my recent 2017/18 RAG and ARG box code Trinidad Fundadores which in general have had rounder coffee, dough, tea cake and almond nut flavour profiles.

This Fundadores was constructed well. After 2004 the Fundadores was prone to under-filling when production changed factories. This was not the case here. I clipped the pig-tail with my thumb easily. The cold draw was akin to sweet hay and tea. In two words you could sum it up as, "simply gorgeous!" The cigar drew well throughout and the flavours were not complex at all. The Trinidad Fundadores from this era has been known to impart Cedar, Earth, Coffee and Butter textures. There was none of that here. No, this cigar started out with a wonderful combination of Tea, Condensed Milk and Nutmeg and it continued that way over two hours and twenty minutes. Perhaps one could assert that there was a little Cedar in the back half, but honestly if there was, it wasn't too noticeable.

The only objection I could raise to how exemplary this cigar was today is to state that it needed two or three re-lights in the last third. Other than that, it was a 'proverbial dream' to savour and smoke. Thanks to the changes in pricing and the re-branding of Trinidad in mid-2022 as a luxury marca, I would surmise that this Trinidad cigar today represented one less of its kind that I have left remaining in my inventory, as I am unlikely to replace it with more Trinidad acquisitions as things currently stand (in regards to pricing, of course) moving forward. Nevertheless, I'm pleased to have had at least smoked this cigar today reflecting on how great these have been in the past, even if they are unlikely to continue to be so, for me personally, in the future.

[JohnS]

Montecristo No.5 ESL May 2018

The Montecristo No.5 is a 40 ring gauge x 102 mm (or 4 inches) in length perla. The typical smoking time for a small cigar like this would be around 30 to 45 minutes.

The first Montecristo No.5 I had from this ESL May 2018 box was in May last year. In fact, the first three Monte 5s I smoked from this 10-count box all had various degrees in balance of chocolate or cocoa, milk coffee, nut, citrus twang and a fine cream texture. Judging by that description I'm confident that you wouldn't be surprised in my assessment that they were generally excellent to outstanding according to my tastes.

The fourth one, smoked three months ago, started off sensationally. It had a soft milk chocolate, milk coffee and cream texture opening and I had high hopes for it continuing that way. Unfortunately, around five minutes in the cigar developed issues with some bunched leaves up one side and subsequently burned unevenly. This resulted in the cigar smoking a little harshly thereafter until the burn evened up. After this, the cigar returned to a strong quality cocoa and coffee concoction that I actually appreciated.

Okay, so this fifth one, smoked three months short of five years, was different again to all the others. This one entered what I'd label as the 'second phase' of the development of a Montecristo cigar. This is the period whereby your typical Montecristo vitola loses its coffee and cocoa flavours and its baking spice, nut, leather and citrus twang flavours become more evident. This Monte 5 had no construction issues and it smoked this way for around an hour.

The blend description above of this 'second phase' is not to everyone's preference. A great many of you may opine, indeed, that you desire a distinguishable coffee and chocolate/cocoa core flavour in your Montecristo cigars. For me, this period of a Montecristo cigar is quite providential. In other words, I quite like my Montecristo cigars this way. Yet, I wouldn't admonish if you don't share my evaluation that this particular Montecristo No.5 smoked wonderfully.

I could further avail you by mentioning the next phase of the long-term aging of a Montecristo cigar. That 'third phase' whereby the cigar becomes floral and the leather and nut remain. However, I think I'll save that discourse for another day. In the meantime, if you smoke a Montecristo cigar that is aged around five to seven (maybe eight) years and it smokes like this Monte 5 today, well, either you're going to like it immensely or not. Otherwise, make a concerted effort to smoke your Montecristo vitolas in your inventory prior to this 'second phase'.

[JohnS]

Partagás Serie D No.4 ROP Feb 2020

This is the sixth Partagas Serie D No.4 from a 10-count box I acquired one year ago. The Partagas Serie D No.4 is considered the number one selling Habanos cigar in the world today, overtaking the Montecristo No.4. It's certainly come a long way since, because of its size (50 ring gauge x 124 mm or 4.9 inches), it sold only 5000 boxes annually as recently as the mid-1980s. In light of the reappraisal of Habanos cigar production in mid-2022, whereby Habanos S.A. radically increased prices and reduced production, I'd argue that the Partagas Serie D No.4 (along with the Montecristo No.2 and No.4) is more important than ever in keeping the Habanos cigar industry 'afloat', at the present time.

In general, I prefer Partagas on the mild side and well-rested, unless it's a Lusitanias because these Double Coronas are usually big on sourdough, light on spice or pepper and medium-mild or less in strength, even when young. Therefore, I haven't had many Partagas Serie D No.4s in the last few years. I say this, however, as a result of the fact that I've had many Partagas cigars young in the past that have been more vibrant in flavour and especially strength, and I note that these Partagas Serie D No.4s that have been produced in the last two or three years have not been like that at all. In fact, I've found them quite approachable from very early on.

This sixth Partagas Serie D No.4 was every bit as excellent as the first three and the last one I've smoked from this 10-count box. I suppose that was due to the fact that it was a simple cigar that delivered and satisfied after I had construction issues with my fourth cigar smoked.

In summary, with this Partagas Serie D No.4 today, the first third shone with its sourdough and thereafter it settled in the middle with a nice hit of coffee until the leather took over in the last third. The cigar lasted a credible seventy-five minutes.

I'd still contend that this box of Partagas Serie D No.4 represents some of the best product that is available from Habanos S.A in regular production right now, especially after five of the six cigars I've smoked from this 10-count box have been so uniformally brilliant!

[JohnS]

Cuaba Piramides 2008 - Edición Limitada (circa 2008/09)

The first thing you notice about the Cuaba Piramides is that it's not a Perfecto. By that I mean that it is not tapered at both the head and foot, just the head. If you aren't aware, Cuaba is a marca that includes vitolas that are all Perfectos. The second thing you'd probably notice is the 2008 Edicion Limitada band. How exactly did Cuaba warrant a limited edition release? I'm not entirely sure, but I do know that it hasn't been repeated since. Heck, the 2020 Cuaba Asia-Pacific APAC was the first Cuaba 2020 Regional Edition release. So no, Cuaba isn't a marca that has enjoyed too many special releases since its inception in 1996.

This is just my second Cuaba Piramides after @Luca gifted me one to smoke four years ago. At that time I noted that it had a core citrus/orange tang to it that stayed with me for quite some time afterwards. It was muted on nut and bread flavours and obviously contained chocolate flavours due to the maduro-shade wrapper.

The Cuaba Piramides did not garner accolades until at least five to seven years had passed after it was released. At first, it was considered a 'hotch-potch' of grass, cocoa, coffee and toasted tobacco. Prior to 2007, wrappers used for Limited Edition cigars were of higher quality and then aged two years, with darker wrappers than usual. After 2007, all tobacco used in the cigar, that is, the wrapper, binder and filler were aged two years. Perhaps these potent flavours needed time to meld in this cigar because time has certainly been kind to the Cuaba Piramides in the ensuing years.

I'd like to acknowledge @Fuzz for kindly gifting me this cigar. At fifteen years of age, this Cuaba LE has developed into a refined cigar you'd be proud to have in your humidor. Chances are though, you probably don't! If that's the case, reading that it has now become a cedar, light coffee, nut, bread and citrus twang gem will most likely not enthrall you. Realising that those flavours stayed consistent for around 100 minutes of this one hour and fifty-five minute cigar will not assuage you either. The last fifteen minutes were a little generic, just like how Cuaba can be, but what came beforehand more than made up for that.

I can't foresee that I'll ever smoke another Cuaba Piramides LE in my life again. At least I got the chance to smoke this one!

[JohnS]

Arturo Fuente Hemingway Classic

The Arturo Fuente Hemingway Classic is a Perfecto measuring ¾ of an inch in diameter (i.e. 48 ring guage) and 7 inches (or 178 mm) in length. It's shaped more like a Habanos Perfecto such as a Salomones than a Taco-type cigar and thus, the AF Hemingway Classic is only slightly tapered at the head but it is predominantly tapered at the foot. There is a common urban-like adage that some have advised to snip the foot to open up the cigar and make it easier to light. Trust me, this is unnecessary. All one needs to do is light the foot with a single-flame lighter, draw and the cigar will take care of itself.

The Arturo Fuente Hemingway Classic has most probably become one of my very favourite Non-Cuban cigars, and seemingly in a short time. After enjoying two of them in late 2022 I acquired a 10-count box in late October. I waited four months to have the first AF Hemingway Classic from this box today. Why I waited so long is a mystery as honestly I should have helped myself sooner!

According to Arturo Fuente, the Hemingway natural line employs a combination of patiently aged Dominican filler and binder encased in a select African Cameroon wrapper. The line is said to be medium-mild to medium in body.

The aroma from this cigar box upon opening was overwhelming. The hit of cedar was all-encompassing, it was in fact quite something to experience.

I first smoked this cigar seven months ago and was greatly impressed. At that time I noted that the cold draw had notes of hay. That cigar was quite simple in its flavours; basically sweet hay, cedar and creamy texture. There was a sweetness which I categorised as hints of hazelnut and vanilla on the edges. The cigar was mainly mild until the beginning of the last third whereby it ramped up in intensity to be medium-bodied; less sweet and more cedar and leather in profile. The second cigar, smoked four months ago, was much the same; simple, yet it had more spice to it which was a bit like white pepper.

This third AF Hemingway Classic started off beautifully sweet, like vanilla with hay, cedar and a touch of spice on the edges. In the middle third it was mainly cedar, hay and spice whereas the last third had the spice ramp up a touch. Again, it was simple but I wouldn't hesitate to smoke another straight afterwards!

Construction-wise, Arturo Fuente cigars are well-known for their consistency and this was much the same. Even burn, consistent ash and decent flavour per draw. What more could you want?

I finished the cigar after 1 hour and twenty minutes, around ten minutes shorter than last time. I said four months ago that this line from Arturo Fuente reminds me of the H.Upmann Connossieur series and I continue to hold that view.

I apologise in advance if you don't subscribe to the same adulation I have for the Arturo Fuente Hemingway series. As it is, I envisage that the 2023 Smoking Blog will see a number of entries from this line of cigars this year.

[joeypots]

14 hours ago, JohnS said:

Arturo Fuente Hemingway Classic

Just before I got the Cuban cigar bug I was, if I remember correctly, loving AF and specifically the Hemingway Classic a lot. I brought a box of regular old AF Churchills to a gathering once back then and people raved about them. I'll have to sample these now that cigarmageddon does not look like a transitory phenomenon.

Great reviews, thanks again.

[JohnS]

3 hours ago, joeypots said:

Just before I got the Cuban cigar bug I was, if I remember correctly, loving AF and specifically the Hemingway Classic a lot. I brought a box of regular old AF Churchills to a gathering once back then and people raved about them. I'll have to sample these now that cigarmageddon does not look like a transitory phenomenon.

Great reviews, thanks again.

Yes, sadly it looks like 'cigarmageddon' is here to stay for awhile.

Thanks again for the appreciative feedback, @joeypots!

[Fuzz]

20 hours ago, JohnS said:

This is just my second Cuaba Piramides after @Luca gifted me one to smoke four years ago.
 

Not exactly true. I gave you one about 8 years ago. Oh, how the mighty forget.

It was around the time I took that partial box out of my humidor, and moved the last 4 cigars to the singles humidor.

[JohnS]

4 hours ago, Fuzz said:

Not exactly true. I gave you one about 8 years ago. Oh, how the mighty forget.

It was around the time I took that partial box out of my humidor, and moved the last 4 cigars to the singles humidor.

Haha...okay, I'll take your word for it! 😂