2025 FOH International Blind Tasting Competition Review Thread.

[El Presidente]

 

FOH International Blind Tasting Competition: Review Thread. 

1. The competition commences June 2nd  by which time you will need to have smoked cigar number 1 and emailed your pick to Lisa ([email protected]).You will e-mail Lisa your nomination for that cigar by Sunday the 1st of June.  Now you can smoke all the cigars and email Lisa the results but we will be revealing cigars 1-5 over successive weeks. You get your picks in by the end of Sunday your time and we will post the results by the following Tuesday (time differences etal).

I will have a dedicated thread for 2025 FOH BLIND TASTING review thread  pinned to the forum from April 30th (or following Monday).  You are invited to provide a brief review and you can call the cigar then and there if you are confident enough. Good luck 😉

You are encouraged to post your review of the cigars on this thread.  

So, feel free to start your review process here. 

I wish you all the best of luck.  You will need it 

 

 

[LordAnubis]

First cigar. Good piramides. Notes of cream and cocoa. Light toast. For sure Monte 2. Lock it in Eddie. 

[JohnS]

6 hours ago, LordAnubis said:

First cigar. Good piramides. Notes of cream and cocoa. Light toast. For sure Monte 2. Lock it in Eddie. 

For those of us outside of Australia, "lock it in, Eddie" is a well-known phrase by contestants on the Australian version of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?". The show is hosted by Eddie McGuire and has been a staple of Australian afternoon television for a number of years.

[LordAnubis]

Two sided box press. Robusto. Tight draw. Starts with light toast and biscuit. Tight draw. Bit of  sweetness. Tight draw. Not confident on the cigar. Tight draw. I have a feeling I know what it is, but the tight draw is putting it off I think. Massaging the tight draw, wrapper is cracking. Very smooth and mild probably due to the tight draw. The slight box press is also leaning me to specific cigars that obviously come in 12/13 box format. Tight draw. Bit if creaminess coming through. Slight fruit with bitterness probably from the tight draw.  

My guess. It’s a dowel from Bunnings. 

[westg]

On 5/6/2025 at 6:46 AM, JohnS said:

For those of us outside of Australia, "lock it in, Eddie" is a well-known phrase by contestants on the Australian version of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?". The show is hosted by Eddie McGuire and has been a staple of Australian afternoon television for a number of years.

Rob would wipe the floor with him in one of his felt jackets...Lock it in Rob.

[westg]

5 hours ago, LordAnubis said:

Two sided box press. Robusto. Tight draw. Starts with light toast and biscuit. Tight draw. Bit of  sweetness. Tight draw. Not confident on the cigar. Tight draw. I have a feeling I know what it is, but the tight draw is putting it off I think. Massaging the tight draw, wrapper is cracking. Very smooth and mild probably due to the tight draw. The slight box press is also leaning me to specific cigars that obviously come in 12/13 box format. Tight draw. Bit if creaminess coming through. Slight fruit with bitterness probably from the tight draw.  

My guess. It’s a dowel from Bunnings.

Sounds like Ramon Allones. Lock it in. 

[Montezüma]

CIGAR 1

The aroma emanating off this cigar is truly alluring. Reminiscent of my favourite Cubans, which makes an objective verdict all the more challenging. The cold draw is an enjoyable one, not giving itself away too much but a strong sense of quality. The first third lives up to its promise, it is already a magnificent cigar. Medium-full characteristics, a slightly sweet choco-espresso nuanced with cashew. Its certainly Cuban but its finish is somewhat shorter than expected. Given the size of the cigar, I am already jumping to conclusion far too early, too eager and above all, too curious. Is it a PL Galanes or is it a RASS? Or is it a cheeky FDC Elegidos in its primest form?

As the second third approach however, the ash holds firm, leading me to think that its not an Elegidos. The cigar continues to impress, thoroughly enjoyable, a relaxing smoke without hassle maintaining a medium and perhaps only slightly, fuller strength. The last third has more bitterness as if signalling a degree of youthfulness. The RASS that I have come to know tends to be silkier than this, with a more monotonous progression but its profile continue to strike similarities. Could it in fact be a Short de Punch?

As I approach the end of CIGAR 1, I reflect upon what has been such a wonderful blind tasting experience. I send my condolences to dear @LordAnubis for having a near plugged specimen of CIGAR 1 as I on the other hand, certainly had a splendid evening smoke 😋. Thank you so much FOH for allowing me to take part in this contest. All through the experience, an intriguing cigar that I feel is a strong start to an exciting contest in 2025. 

[El Presidente]

6 hours ago, Montezüma said:

CIGAR 1

 

As I approach the end of CIGAR 1, I reflect upon what has been such a wonderful blind tasting experience. I send my condolences to dear @LordAnubis for having a near plugged specimen of CIGAR 1 as I on the other hand, certainly had a splendid evening smoke 😋. Thank you so much FOH for allowing me to take part in this contest. All through the experience, an intriguing cigar that I feel is a strong start to an exciting contest in 2025. 

 

Cracking review 

[HuffnPuffff]

I felt like I could tell what this cigar was just by looking at it. Darker, rich wrapper, slightly shaggy tobacco emanating from the foot. These are the only cigars my wife smokes, so I’ve bought her boxes and boxes and boxes of them.

Cold draw was slightly loose which I prefer. The first third was magical - so delicious. Already my best cigar of the year. Cocoa dusting.

2nd and 3rd thirds were more of the same but each with greater intensity.

Retro hale during the first 1/3 was very pleasant and smooth. By the last 1/3rd it was very uncomfortable.

I think I’ve got this one in the bag. Now off to raid my wife’s stash…


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ViscountDick]

Cigar 1:

Cold draw is perfect with notes of baking spice, once lit I get a blast of leather, baking spices and some pepper on the retro. Starting off well at medium. A few puffs in and some saltiness comes into play. The smoke production is on the lower end of the spectrum and the burn went off to one side so a touch up was needed.

Second third: smoke output has increased thankfully and the ash is holding on well which is mostly white with a tinge of grey. Clumpy in appearance, no stacks of dimes. Leather is the standout note and this cigar is reminding me that we’ve met before but I simply can’t remember when. Cedar wood and earth mingle in with the leather, this cigar to me is savoury.

Final third: some more transition going on with vegetal and oak wood notes, olive oil is what comes to mind. Saltiness on the finish. Under medium throughout. A fairly ordinary cigar.

[LordAnubis]

Got up, went to mosque, made coffee, sat at computer to work and within a minute wasn’t feeling it. Who cares if twiggy loses a few million today cos I didn’t figure out why the plant is making road base and not hitting quality targets for iron ore? Shut the laptop down and taking the day off.

Time for the ol double fister. 
Bit of a windy day. 

Cigar 2 has a beautiful rosado wrapper. Looks pretty round with mild box squashing. Starts off with some spice and cedar. Shifting into some sweetness into the second third, cinnamon sweetness. Final third and some grassiness coming through  overall a good cigar. Preferable to number three. 

Cigar 3 looks like a turd in comparison. Starts off cedar and cream. Profile remaining same through the second third. Final third is actually really good. Come down a bit in body. If it’s what I think it is it’s not my favourite cigar of the Robusto line up. 

It’s too nice a day. I’m going to have a shower and go get the daughter out of daycare and go do something nice with her, she doesn’t deserve to be stuck in daycare all day. Will put some steaks in the sous vide before I go to pick her up, she loves steak. 

[chasy]

Are Nudies / Mofo cigars potentially included?

[LordAnubis]

Cigar 4. Probably my least favourite of the lot so far. Bit of fruit coming through. Mostly savoury biscuit a la Jatz cracker. Finish was quite good leaving an almost cracker and cranberry cheese taste in the mouth. I would say less than medium body. Certainly mildest if all the cigars so far. Be interesting to see what this is. Finished by hole 8. 

[mwaller]

Hmmmm… you guys must be on the naughty list.  FOH is saving the real competition sticks for their favorite customers🤗

[ViscountDick]

Cigar 2:

1. First Third:

The cigar kicks off with some bitterness, thankfully that fades quickly. Coming in next is a mix of citrus zing with some copper, which really gets the mouth watering.

2. Second Third:

Things get interesting here. The profile turns more complex—there’s a note trying to make itself known, but I can’t quite pin it down. Meanwhile, a barnyard aroma rises from the cigar, adding a rustic charm. The flavours get more twangy and there’s a light sweetness that sneaks in on the retro around the halfway point. It’s subtle, but satisfying.

3. Final Third:

The last stretch stays in the same lane but introduces a fresh minty note—something I often pick up in Bolívar Belicoso Finos. Earthy tones take over toward the end, with a musty finish that wraps things up nicely.

[mwaller]

I decided to tackle Cigar 1 this afternoon. As others have noted, the stick appears to be box pressed. By comparison to other cigars in my collection, this example appears to be 50rg, not 48rg. So, it’s probably a robusto.  

The cigar opens with tangy, toasty flavors and a hint of spice cookie. The retrohale is very smooth, and adds a bit of nuttiness and vanilla to the mix. Some nondescript fruit flavors enter in the 2nd third. Some woody notes creep in during the final third. There was little in the way of transitions, but it was an enjoyable cigar with no notable flaws.  

[Superhans]

Cigar 1:

First impressions of this dark oily stick have me leaning towards a Bolivar Royal Corona. Slight cocoa scent on the wrapper - maybe even a rogue Monte Open.

Straight cut reveals a great draw with tonnes of smoke on first light. Immediately very flavourful.

1/3 rich, spicy, some mustiness, hint of salt

2/3 richer, leathery, oily - coats the lips

3/3 bit of bitter cherry (RyJ Short Churchill perhaps?), citrus on the tongue, draw gets a little snug 

Feel like this one is a slam dunk. Satisfying tasty smoke.

[LordAnubis]

On 5/17/2025 at 2:06 AM, chasy said:

Are Nudies / Mofo cigars potentially included?

Not aware of a Nudie that fits the measurements. 

[chasy]

8 hours ago, LordAnubis said:

Not aware of a Nudie that fits the measurements. 

Didn’t know if Trinity Robusto would be in the mix.

[mwaller]

6 hours ago, chasy said:

Didn’t know if Trinity Robusto would be in the mix.

None of mine have pigtail caps…

[Chibearsv]

On 5/18/2025 at 3:08 PM, mwaller said:

I decided to tackle Cigar 1 this afternoon. As others have noted, the stick appears to be box pressed. By comparison to other cigars in my collection, this example appears to be 50rg, not 48rg. So, it’s probably a robusto.  

The cigar opens with tangy, toasty flavors and a hint of spice cookie. The retrohale is very smooth, and adds a bit of nuttiness and vanilla to the mix. Some nondescript fruit flavors enter in the 2nd third. Some woody notes creep in during the final third. There was little in the way of transitions, but it was an enjoyable cigar with no notable flaws. 

This review is pretty much the same as my experience. The only notable difference for me was that it got woody and hot in the final third. Enjoyable for the first two thirds and finished meh. 

[El Presidente]

All Cuban regular production. 

I love this comp 

[mwaller]

On 5/18/2025 at 2:31 AM, Superhans said:

... maybe even a rogue Monte Open...

 

Oh the audacity....😂

[Superhans]

Cigar 2:

I smoked the first on a late night walk so will do the same for each of the 5.

Course and dry wrapper with a red hue. Not oily like the others. No noticeable box press.

Easy draw. Dry smooth smoke. 

1/3 Cayenne spice, slight bready taste. Just keeps going out which is a shame.

2/3 Really opens up in the second third. Coffee and cayenne spice. No sweetness - certainly a savoury cigar.

3/3 A wisp of a tangy orange flavour - pretty sure I knew exactly what this was from the first few puffs but that makes me think twice. Richness builds. Still keeps going out and needs to be relit. Hearty meaty smoke.

For me, cigars 1 and 2 were both fuller bodied blends and excellent examples of Cuban robustos. Prefer no 1 but both were superb. 

Interesting to see what these were as I feel quite confident on 1 and 2. Expecting to be humbled.

[BlueWS]

They're all D4s. Competition over.