Ken Garget Review Competition

[El Presidente]

:-D

With Ken back next week from his ethic free and fully paid tour of the Portugal Cork manufacturers, I can think of no better time to run a "Ken Garget Review Competition"

Very Simple. By Thursday evening, post a review (on this thread) of one weekend cigar you have consumed. It is to be a serious review but make sure that you include some terminology from Mr adjective himself.

I will let Ken judge the winner of the finest review of the week upon his return late next week.

To the winner, a FOH cap and 3 pack of Cohiba Robusto.

Let loose the peat amd meatstock

Welcome back Ken!

[stevejb]

Cigar: RASS via 1992

Appearance: A light brown wrapper with lots of oil pockets that made it look like a Latina beauty's leg covered in baby oil. There were no prominent veins otherwise the leg analogy would've been thrown out the window. The foot of the cigar smelled like heavy dark chocolate and had some ligero bunched in there that was blacker than the inside of a coffin on a moonless night(that's pretty black).thank you Chris Farley

Cut/Light: Did a quick bullet punch and lit the cigar with one of them long ass Davidoff cigar matches as all my piece of **** Colibri lighters are broken. Screw Colibri! The RASS lit with ease and the first few puffs produced a nice amount of the pretty blue smoke.

Actual Smoking: I am a big RASS fan and this example lived up to all my expectations. The first few puffs had that heavy smoke but slightly sweet cocoa bean taste. Kind of like a chocolate souffle at Mortons after Porterhouse and bunch of cocktails. As the smoke progressed I began to pick up slight tastes of pepper and vanilla along with the previously mentioned cocoa. I let a majority of the smoke out of my nose so I could enjoy this amazing cigar more. The light grey ash held firm for about 75% of the cigar. It might have stayed on longer but I nicked it on the chair as I went to get another Red Stripe. The last inch of this RASS developed a slightly salt and pepper thing which reminded me of the appetizer seasonong my favorite Chinese restaurant uses on it's Calamari and Pork Cracklins....mmmmm

Overall: This RASS lived up to all the hype and to put it simple, it didn't suck. Kind of like the equivalent of a great dinner followed by wild sex with Jessica Alba.

[El Presidente]

:rotfl: :rotfl:

Excellent! Come on guys a few more as he is back Friday :-D

[herfkid]

Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial (EL)

Dark mahogany-wood wrapper absorbed light as I observed this cigar in the shade by the river. A bit rough in appearance, the wrapper leaf still felt slick and velvety. Aroma coming off the cigar was a mixture of bitter Belgian chocolate, fall spices, and cut wood; drawing before bringing flame to foot revealed a sweeter note of light citrus and honey. Early draws intensified the chocolate flavors, moving from bitter to sweet and creamy, with background notes of rich espresso and an almost tea-like tannin/sweet blend (bergamot notes became cleare than the generic citrus aroma unlit). Razor-sharp burn left alternating bright white and dirty gray ash rings. By midway, this cigar was in full-tilt flavor delivery, delving from the mocha-like entrance into a more complex blend that hinted at supple lambskin, orange-blossom honey, damp and fern-strewn earth, and fruitwood smoke. So far, this vitola is heading for the mid-90s, but past the midpoint, many of the flavors dropped out of contention, leaving a pleasant, but slightly bitter base flavor of twangy, woodsy tobacco. I suspect time will cure this brief dropout, but for now the cigar winds up an enticing 85.

[CIGARHead]

Trinidad Reyes

IKA ABR '05

Date smoked: 9.18.05

Drinky: El Dorado 15 yr Rum

"The Mighty King"

The Reyes, as with all of the other Trinidad marques, is a sight to behold. Toasted caramel coupled with old leather armchair in color, with a tiny pigtail that made one yearn to play "This little piggy" on my meaty, stocky toes. Silken to the touch like human sweat on the thighs of a minimally veined 50 year old woman. Pre-light taste was a mix of spicy meatsauce and sweet caramel. With a quick clip from the Xikar, which was a sexy silver with a heavy composite metal taste, we were ready for ignition. Pre-light draw yielded more in the way of a spicy tuna roll with melted caramel as the wasabi. Draw was ideal. Flame to foot and we're off! The spice subsided quickly and caramel flooded my tastebuds. Some hints of toasty sesame bread with a warm compost spread in place of the butter were also present. About an inch into the "King" and the burn started to run like a chicken with it's head cut off....which was odd because at that moment hints of honey glazed chicken were in full force. The Reyes continued to burn more crooked than Rob when he was a corporate banker. This was corrected with a few touchups; Rob on the other hand wasnt as easy to fix(different story). About halfway down, the spice was present again along with cedar and forest floor...tasty. These flavors dominated until the last inch and the strength of the little Reyes had slowly crept upon me like my wife when not in the mood. The Grande Finale was a rush of caramel wasabi and a smack in the kisser from the nicotine which gave quite a nice buzz. All in all a very, very enjoyable smoke with a nice array of flavors. Don't let the size fool you, it's a real powerhouse...sounds eerily similar to what I told the wife on our first date.

I give the Trinidad Reyes a 90.

[El Presidente]

He is back Friday ......a few more please :-P

[culebra]

I purchased the plug free (obviously not Rob's) Saint Luis Rey Double Corona in Havana in 98. It was a mild February 17.5 degree celcius day with a 4 knot southerly coming over the Malecon. I was intending to consume it over lunch at an exclusive tucked away little restaurant in central Havana but was at the last minute invited by the Cuban Wine Guild for a fully paid function to compare Cuban wines against those from the rest of the world. Needless to say I was my objective best and rated some first growth French reds mercilessly as they did not hold their own when ice was added to the Cuban Weidel glasses.

The Chicken and Black Bean lunch put on was unbelievable. Unceasingly, Cuban chef's find another way to outperform this classic.....as I pointed out the following day as guest speaker at the fully paid Cuban Cullinary Guild luncheon.

The cigar was good.

90

[habanablue]

Diplo 4

I enjoyed a Diplo 4 earlier in the week overlooking the majestic harbour that is Sydney, Opera House in the distance, harbour bridge around the corner, it made one aware of how lucky we are to be living in such a fine city.

The Diplo 4 appeared to be seeping with oil, much in the same way the KY factory must be when production is at its height!!! A dark brown wrapper greeted me and appreared flawless. I removed my $3.95 cutter from the front of my pantalones and clipped the end, the aroma hit me as though I was landing at Jose Marti airport all over again. I sparked up the cigar which lit instantly and produced a strong tobacco taste mingled with pepper notes.Yeast and hops were also starting to tingle my palate...well perhaps that was the beer I was drinking.

A fantastic smoke that lasted well longer than my wife's patience with me as she walked off to talk to someone else more engaging...I was in the zone or 'la zona' as those walking along the Malecon like to call it.

A very nice corona that ensured I would be back to enjoy this Diplomatic line again.

93

[dragon]

Ramon Allones Gigantes

Prominente, 17.86 gr. 7 5/8 X 49

ARA JUL02

---------

Perhaps my all time favorite double corona, and most from the J. Cano factory exhibit superb construction with a perfectly formed cap and silky smooth but somewhat dry light to medium colorado wrapper.

From the very first puff, this cigar is unmistakable Ramon Allones starting off with a distinct hazelnut/almond and slight carmel flavor along with deep over ripe fruit and fresh leather undertones. After about 2 inches the nutty flavor is still very pronounced but the leather flavor turns stronger and a wood/cedar flavor appears.

At the halfway point, the superb construction is verified by a laser straight and dark grey 2 1/2 inch ash that also displays concentric black rings. The deep fruit flavor is now diminishing giving way to an even stronger but very smooth nut/cedar combo which is entirely satisfying as volumes of rich blue/grey smoke bellow upwards.

The finale of this cigar is heaven with an earthy richness and still powerful nut/cedar silky flavor that no other double corona can duplicate. The aftertaste is long and pleasant leaving an almond and wood flavor behind to further enjoy.

Overall rating 93

[habanohal]

Cigar: SLR Regios

A nice looking robusto in my cabinet that caught my eye ( and dragged it 15 feet) lol. Dark brown almost as it was dipped in a mixure of mud and cocoa. I lit this one at the casino today as I was loseing my mortgage payment and cigar money ( sorry Cigar Czar). The first draw it tasted of a toned down chocolate chip cookie that has been sitiing out for a week. The only thing good was about the 1st inch of it. After that I felt like I was 16 years old again because all I could taste is Nyquil ( cough medicine) which we drank bottles of for the alchohol since we were not 21 yet.

Now I am not one to pitch a cigar for any reason other than total plugness, so I carried on. There were bits if tobacco flavor but couldnt get that medicine taste to go away.

No woody , leathery, or even meatstock flavors. But it did leave a sweet finishing aftertaste to only be described as... ( ladies if you get offended easily , dont read this)......... The kind of taste that does not go away persay the taste of being with your significant other hours earlier :-D

Not many Habanos have dissapointed me to this point and will chalk these up to the " not my cup o tea " cigars.

Draw was spot on and burn was as perfect as a *** ( cigarette)

overall 84 :-(

[Tampa1257]

»

»

» He is back Friday ......a few more please :-P

Damn! I just saw this, now I have to smoke a test cigar and write a review tonight! Tak about being under the gun to perform...........

[Tampa1257]

» :-D

»

» With Ken back next week from his ethic free and fully paid tour of the

» Portugal Cork manufacturers, I can think of no better time to run a "Ken

» Garget Review Competition"

OK, Here ya go............

Custom Rolled Robusto Extra

El Laguito Factory

2000

This cigar had a rich brown wrapper with a silky sheen and a little extra wrapper left over at the end of the Robusto Extra sized cigar. The construction was very firm and nicely done. The cigar showed no visible veins and the triple cap was firmly placed. I would give the appearance and construction a definite 15/15. It measured 6 1/8 inches and was approximately a 52 ring gauge.

I decided to accompany this cigar with a glass of Fonseca Bin # 27 Fine Reserve Tawny Port. With anticipation, I took my Xikar cutter and cut the triple cap. The pre-draw flavors were sweet and yet it could be described as a presence of a floral essence mixed with honey. The foot took the lite well, burning the little extra tobacco nicely before warming the rest of the foot and lighting the cigar well. The first draw reminded me of the citrus flavors normally found in a Cohiba Robusto. Sweet and aromatic, truly a balanced flavor profile from the very start of the cigar. The ash is firm and has a dark grayish color. The burn is slow and correct. Lovely medium tobacco flavors surround this cigar, still displaying citrus notes about 1.5 inches into it.

The draw is smooth and the smoke volume filled my mouth with rich mouth watering smoke. Subtle complexities come through about 2 inches in with notes of light nutty flavors mixed in. I tapped the ash off around 2.5 inches and it remained solid and firm even after I tapped it off. Waffling the aromatic burning end under my nose produced a sensation that confirmed the robust and sensual while displaying the floral hints all the time. If I had to guess, I would say that this is a Cohiba Robusto Extra because the flavors I taste are oh so familiar to that I have had before with the CoRo. About half way through, a subtle spiciness comes through. Almost speechless, the balance, harmony, flavor profile contribute to the wonderful experience of smoking this cigar.

With about 2 inches left of the cigar, notes of leather start. The spiciness is becoming more pronounced, while the floral and citrus notes have gone. Subtle earthiness notes along with the leather and spice flavors are becoming bold while the balance maintains. Nubbing this cigar, not wanting to set it down because the flavors are so wonderful, I know that I have just smoked a wonderful work of art. I literally enjoyed this cigar until it was burning both my fingers and lips.

To summarize this cigar, I would say that it started with notes of floral and citrus and a medium tobacco flavors changing into a subtle nuttiness. Then the complexities changed again with spice and leather notes coming out and as it developed toward the finish, the boldness came out showing heavy notes of leather and earth with a gentle spice that was wonderful. I loved this cigar and wish I had a humidor full of them to enjoy over and over again!

I would rate this cigar a 97.

[El Presidente]

Great work Fella's.

Given Ken is not back until Monday...you have a few more days :-D

[herfkid]

» Great work Fella's.

»

» Given Ken is not back until Monday...you have a few more days :-D

Sweet! Time to sneak an entry from Sunday's birthday cigar...

[CIGARHead]

» » Great work Fella's.

» »

» » Given Ken is not back until Monday...you have a few more days :-D

»

» Sweet! Time to sneak an entry from Sunday's birthday cigar...

herfkid...looks like we share the same b-day. have a good one bro!

[Ken Gargett]

may i begin by completely ignoring the sad slanderings of the pres (any comp called the 'rob ayala memorial competition', i'll be in). second, i have never, ever used the term 'peat' in reviewing anything (other than the lions' glorious run of premierships, as in 'three-peat').

next, may i say what a bunch of thoughtless wussies. not one of you had the sense to slip me an email saying one of the co-ro's was mine if i made the right decision. now i have to do some work.

finally, rob, if you must bag me in my absence, could you at least spell the name correctly?

» :-D

»

» With Ken back next week from his ethic free and fully paid tour of the

» Portugal Cork manufacturers, I can think of no better time to run a "Ken

» Garget Review Competition"

»

» Very Simple. By Thursday evening, post a review (on this thread) of one

» weekend cigar you have consumed. It is to be a serious review but make

» sure that you include some terminology from Mr adjective himself.

»

» I will let Ken judge the winner of the finest review of the week upon his

» return late next week.

»

» To the winner, a FOH cap and 3 pack of Cohiba Robusto.

»

» Let loose the peat amd meatstock

»

» Welcome back Ken!

[El Presidente]

Sorry mate...I was tanked when I thought the competition up ;-)

So who is the winner?

.....no doubt you are holding out for an e-mail

[Ken Gargett]

And we have a winner....

Now, if this is the competition, I had better not go away so often. Great effort, fellows, but there are many rookie mistakes. No one took the time to bag kiwis, which would have been a guaranteed winner. Bagging Rob also earns big points.

Stevejb with the RASS was an early frontrunner - you tend to be that if you are the only one in it. And for a while, I thought I would not have to go further (largely because I am bone lazy and I thought by now that someone would have cottoned on and offered to split the prize). I really liked the leg bit and who doesn’t just drool over Jessica Alba? In fact, it was hard to find fault here - no score given but otherwise... If Rob is doing runner-up prizes, and I hope he is, this is it. In the end, missed top spot as was done the same day as Rob posted the comp, which shows a level of keenness that far exceeds mine.

Herfkid was another very strong contender but blew it with a score of 85 for one of my fav smokes - yes, of course, being impartial, any score is legitimate. But that only applies if it agrees with my scores. Hey, Rob made me judge without asking so I get to impose the rules.

CIGARHead and the Reyes was yet another line ball call - especially tossing in a good rum - but was ruled out when it became clear that he actually swallowed Rob’s line about previously being a corporate banker. One born every minute (and fortunately for Rob, most of them buy cigars from him).

Habanablue and the Diplo 4 was yet another close call but ruined it by banging on about Sydney. They have won enough this week.

There is no legitimate reason why Dragon and his RA Gigantes shouldn’t win except that he clearly knows what he is talking about and therefore should be in a real competition and not this mickey mouse one. Can’t encourage that sort of thing. And it has made me want to rush to the humidor for my last Gigantes. Top review, but that doesn’t seem to have been Rob’s aim.

Hananohal and the SLR Regio - yet another top review but if you can’t find meatstock, just lie. Has Rob taught you nothing?

Tampa1257 and one more excellent review but the use of pictures shows a level of technology so far above what I can manage that this was immediately dismissed. Also, I bet you were one of those obnoxious kids that did neat school projects and had tidy book covers (neither of which I could ever manage) and I hated those kids at school. Also, nice try giving 97 to a cigar that the rest of us will never see. I thought that sort of ‘Stephen Potter oneupmanship’ was restricted to just Rob and myself (it almost redeemed you but I really did hate the neat kids).

And that leaves -

Culebra and the SLR DC. Congrats - a winner. May I applaud the obvious crawling by reviewing one of my absolute favourite cigars (though you almost blew it with the miserable 90). But where this review left the others for dead, and showed a clear understanding of the correct method, was that it says absolutely bugger all about the smoke itself. Brilliant.

[CIGARHead]

» CIGARHead and the Reyes was yet another line ball call - especially

» tossing in a good rum - but was ruled out when it became clear that he

» actually swallowed Rob’s line about previously being a corporate banker.

» One born every minute (and fortunately for Rob, most of them buy cigars

» from him).

Ken.

I did not for 1 second think Rob was a corporate banker. Just feeding his fire. To the illminded though, Rob could very well have been a big shot banker...I mean look at your bank statements each month. He has a nack for adding on a few extra dollars each order...****, he probably has Chef Lisa cooking the books and Smithy on full time shredder duty.

[Tampa1257]

» Tampa1257 and one more excellent review but the use of pictures shows a

» level of technology so far above what I can manage that this was

» immediately dismissed. Also, I bet you were one of those obnoxious kids

» that did neat school projects and had tidy book covers (neither of which I

» could ever manage) and I hated those kids at school. Also, nice try giving

» 97 to a cigar that the rest of us will never see. I thought that sort of

» ‘Stephen Potter oneupmanship’ was restricted to just Rob and myself (it

» almost redeemed you but I really did hate the neat kids).

LMMFAO, remind me to keep you in the 18th Cent. technology-wise Ken!

Culebra and the SLR DC. Congrats on a nice job!

BTW, The Custom rolled cigar was a 97, so nan-na-nan-na-nan:lol3:

[El Presidente]

I was to Corporate Banking what Ken was to Law

I left Corporpate Banking (Property Development) in 1996. Surprisingly, I haven't missed it at all :-)

Congratulations Culebra and all the participants in the Ken Gargett memorial review competition.

There were some cracker reviews but Culebra balanced best the ability to 1. waffle on about himself mercilessly and 2. only give the barest reference to the cigar being reviewed.

You have a future as a professional reviewer ahead of you :-D

[stevejb]

So what do I win?

The RASS would be a 99 out of 100.

Next up a 82 Monte 2.

[herfkid]

» » » Great work Fella's.

» » »

» » » Given Ken is not back until Monday...you have a few more days :-D

» »

» » Sweet! Time to sneak an entry from Sunday's birthday cigar...

»

» herfkid...looks like we share the same b-day. have a good one bro!

Hey, hope yours was a good one, too! (Just picking up this one again.) :-D

[herfkid]

» And we have a winner....

» Now, if this is the competition, I had better not go away so often. Great

» effort, fellows, but there are many rookie mistakes. No one took the time

» to bag kiwis, which would have been a guaranteed winner. Bagging Rob also

» earns big points.

» Herfkid was another very strong contender but blew it with a score of 85

» for one of my fav smokes - yes, of course, being impartial, any score is

» legitimate. But that only applies if it agrees with my scores. Hey, Rob

» made me judge without asking so I get to impose the rules.

Damn! Shoulda lied more. Or used the plugged BBF I had on Sunday to bash Rob, blame kiwis, and ramble on about my birthday with occasional references to liquor and women.

» Culebra and the SLR DC. Congrats - a winner. May I applaud the obvious

» crawling by reviewing one of my absolute favourite cigars (though you

» almost blew it with the miserable 90). But where this review left the

» others for dead, and showed a clear understanding of the correct method,

» was that it says absolutely bugger all about the smoke itself. Brilliant.

Congrats!

[jay8354]

Congrats.

Are we likely to have more similar competitions in the future?