TX Duo Review - Alex MJ23

[Çnote]

Blame @Capn_Jackson for this one.

That's a MF Toro for perspective.

We're smoking this tomorrow 👀 

[Capn_Jackson]

Between lounge conversation and football, “reviewing” might be minimal. 

[Çnote]

3 hours ago, Capn_Jackson said:

Between lounge conversation and football, “reviewing” might be minimal. 

Understatement.

This is a fantastic cigar. It's also incredibly amusing as a prop.

The 1st puffs are pure CC twang, unmistakable. It quickly fades into a nougat creme and spice that lasts inches. A blast of creme brulee and suddenly we're in a mushroom stew with paprika. This chugs along until roughly the size of a normal lancero where it switches into oak smoke and earth, lashes of leather. Getting to the last few inches, again a switch but this time into a cinnamon mocha coffee vibe with the final few puffs singing my fingertips with espresso.

I needed a full 30 minutes to recover.

An incredible experience, thanks @Capn_Jackson!

[Capn_Jackson]

The fabled MJ23, originals.

Excited to give this one the burn, as I’ve had them taking up space in one of my desktops for about a year and a half. The cold draw didn’t give me much of anything to speak of, except maybe a little balsa/sandalwood. After light-up, a completely different story. Honeyed nuts, coffee and cream. Crispy edge of brûlée.

Lemongrass comes in the door occasionally throughout the first hour, turning later into a spicy orange liqueur with hints of cinnamon. Given its length, this one will be reviewed in “hours,” rather than thirds.

2nd hour turns to savory, slightly earthy fig and mushroom jam. Some paprika cream shows up eventually, absolutely divine. A little bit of grape sweetness around the midpoint, and some sweetish marzipan.

3rd hour, not enjoying this as much here. Flavors turn to heavy anise, and allspice to the hilt. I’m making a pumpkin pie, I take the lid off the allspice, and completely dump it all in the pie. I ruined a pumpkin pie. Missing all the sweet cream that the beginning gave me. 

Very luckily, the last couples of inches turn around. Great mocha cream again. Little bit of raisin or some dark fruit, but it doesn’t last long. A slight bitterness at the nub, but no complaint. Other than about ten minutes of tasting like a pumpkin pie grandma made without her glasses, this was a fantastic smoke! I felt extremely blessed to get my hands on them, and enjoying one was a real treat!

[Capn_Jackson]

On 9/15/2025 at 6:52 AM, Çnote said:

suddenly we're in a mushroom stew with paprika.

Yes, same!

On 9/15/2025 at 6:52 AM, Çnote said:

it switches into oak smoke and earth, lashes of leather.

I never really got leather. Maybe some moss, which I forgot to note.

On 9/15/2025 at 6:52 AM, Çnote said:

I needed a full 30 minutes to recover.

A rare occurrence. 😆

On 9/15/2025 at 6:52 AM, Çnote said:

An incredible experience, thanks @Capn_Jackson!

 Very welcome, I’m glad we could do that one together, mostly. You started yours in the car, which I’m sure made transporting it easier! I had to use my conducting baton case. 😆

How long did yours last, did you note it? Mine went for about 3 hours and 15 mins.

[Çnote]

6 hours ago, Capn_Jackson said:

How long did yours last, did you note it? Mine went for about 3 hours and 15 mins.

Just shy of 3 hrs.