RyJ Short Churchill SRP Oct \'06

[SeriesV]

I got a 10-ct box of these back in may/june, and my purchase was partly influenced by others' comments that they were smoking wonderfully OTT. I was rather dissappointed by my first one, which I smoked within a couple of days of recieving them. Yesterday, I picked one up again, and wow! a huge difference.

I was with family at my camp, so while I was certainly paying attention to the cigar, it was not a very condusive setting to do a 'propper' review. Also, I still have trouble picking out the subtle nuances of flavors that are often mentioned.

Construction was supurb, just a slight crack on the foot (presumably from shipping) but by no means was it detrimental. When I went to cut it, though, the length of the shoulder struck me as being unusually long. Certainly not a bad thing, just somewhat unusual IMO, and it stuck in my mind.

The first 1/2 inch or so was a little disheartening. The flavors were rather muted, it was somewhat bland, and both the burn and draw left quite a bit to be desired. However, after about 1/2 inch, it got buring better and the smoke finally started pouring out. Burn was a little off still, but that corrected itself by the 1" mark or so and stayed sufficiently even to the end.

The flavors were nice and strong, and there was plenty of smoke to enjoy. The details escape my memory, but I seem to recall a nice tobacco taste, with perhaps an ever-so-slight sweetness to it. I think there were hints of coffee thoughout, and I don't remember there being much leather at all, but as I said, there was family, conversation, beer, and a campfire around...

I was VERY impressed with this cigar, and acually look forward to smoking more of them (the first one really turned me off of them, so I let them sit for a good 3 months before even considering trying again). I have been thoroughly enjoying the Petit Edmundos, and this was certainly at least as good, but in a completely different flavor profile.

I would say it was a 8.5-9 / 10

[El Presidente]

Nice review

I don't think there is a more consistent Robusto. Box after box after box and they taste the same and thankfully the taste is complex with a little cherry and coffee.

Isn't it remarkable what a little time in the humidor can do ;-)

[tigger]

Nice review. :-)

I smoked one over the weekend from, I think, a May 06 box. It was tasty, less "in your face" than the first couple of examples I smoked and it reinforced my thoughts that with 5-10 years on them, these are going to be fantastic smokes.

[anacostiakat]

That will teach you to be more patient!

Nice review. I find these typically a little mild for my tastes. I think I was expecting more of the old churchill flavor which I only got nuances of.

I have some I guess I should revisit from '06.

[bobsled]

Good review, yes letting them rest even a little bit is important! I am working through a 25 box of UAS 9/26 I split with a buddy. They are quite stellar! :-)

[Opus meX]

Nice review look forward to trying them soon, along with the MPE and the HDM Petit Robo.