Attempt at a review - RYJ Short Churchill

[Cam]

Okay well I looked into my singles goodies bag I took from New Zealand, which were my first orders from Rob, about a year ago, some number 3's, Epi's and so fourth, and I found a RYJ Short Churchill, although I don't remember buying any..

Thought I'd do a review and share my thoughts, never posted one on here, tell me what you guys think.

So I sat here, in 5 degrees, fire roasting, opening a bottle of 1999 Haut Médoc - Lafite, with a small, robusto sized RYJ, the sort churchill. The construction was impeccable, not entirely sure of the year of production, but the Habanos rollers did really well on this cigar, some bloom, and the wrapper was oily and perfectly humidified - 71%. The cap was impeccable also, as was the foot, the leaves were beautifully wrapped around the filler and both bands were loose, from aging.

Scent cold, un-lit is hay, slight hints of oak and cedar.

I toasted the foot of the cigar nice and evenly, and watched the tobacco roast perfectly, I should mention the draw, after being cut was also amazing, not too loose, and not tight, just right.

I drew my first puffs and she lit up like a breeze, smouldering evenly.

The first stage, out of 3, was definately the best, smooth and not harsh at all, the cigar emitted hints of cedar and a fruit, which I couldnt quite place, but Ill put it down to being grapes, as It reminded me of a woody vintage Bordeaux.

The ash of the first third lasted the longest, and started to crack so I gently tapped it off and waved goodbye. The beggining of the second "lap" was not as good as the first, still very very cedary, and now getting quite hot as I started to draw the smoke more frequently to indulge in the fine tastes. Hints of a flower, or herb, sweet but dried, and again the smell of grapes and hay. The cigar at this stage is very, very pleasing. The ash didnt last as long this time around, so I tapped her off as it started to flutter down, and removed the Short Churchills band, which was nearly on fire. I poured myself the Bordeaux, and sat back.

The final stage of the cigar was more pleasing than I expected, the smells now reminded me more of a forest than an open field, no paticular flavour can be picked out, all the scent and grandeur of the first two parts were brought together into a symphony, cuban cigar making at its best for the final puff.

Id rate this cigar a clean 86/100, taking into account the small burning incident, in which I had to rotate my cigar and re light a part of the tobacco. Also, the cap flayed a bit once cut, other than that, the flavours and smells were exhillirating.

Suggested drinks:

Go with anything woody to complement it's powerful flavour, oak especially which is rare, in my opinion among medium sized cigars:

Chateau Margaux - 1999 - 1990

Haut Médoc - 2000 - 1999 - Lafite-Rothschilde

Thanks guys

Cam -

[Jimmy2]

I really tried to like the RJSC but i just dont like them.

The one robusto on the market with very little age to really shine is the Juan Lopez Sel #2.

This cigar 05 and 06 have been simply perfect as complexity and all have been Medium to full flavored.

A truly underrated cigar if you have not smoked one yet go out and buy them you will not be sorry..

[atomross13]

great review, have a couple of these I have been saving for a while. after reading this I may have to fire one up tomorrow.

[gersonmorelli]

» great review, have a couple of these I have been saving for a while. after

» reading this I may have to fire one up tomorrow.

Smoked a single out of 5 I bought from Rob about a month ago.

I really enjoyed the first third, with a clear cedar/oak flavour and also some underlying RyJ taste or as Rob would describe "stewed fruits", but that was gone really fast.

The second third things got out of control, too harsh and bitter. Almost unbearable, and the last third there was so much ammonia that I could not finish the cigar.

Will let them rest for at least 6 months before revisiting them...

Would be interested to see what others think of these cigar.

[Shooter]

Nice review!

I have only smoked one from my box but it was superrrrrrrrrrrb! I'm very impressed with this cigar!