2007 Saint Luis Rey Double Corona Forum Group Review

[BigSlick]

Have not read this thread to keep an open mind on my DC.

Sorry fellas, I'm a little late on this one. Will have my review in by this weekend. TD

[Ken Gargett]

what was the code for the cab for this part of the experiment?

[jdbrown]

Ken

I believe it was March AEP 07..I too have been somewhat shocked by the reviews. I had a few singles from the same boxcode last summer and have a full cab of March AEP but have not touched. Either these went for a nap or a less than stellar box. I will try one this weekend!

[greenpimp]

Wow. And that brutal honesty after 2.5 weeks without a cigar. Truly disappointing.

[Colt45]

I am going to try to remain focused on the evolution aspect of this exercise. It shall be interesting.

I've enjoyed the reviews so far (including yours KG, rum imbued and all).

Will it be the emperor's new clothes, or the comeback kid........

[Jimmy2]

Ken you must try Diplomatico Rum out of Venezuela its much better than Zacapa 23yr give it a try.

Not as sweet as RZ but very smooth and complex a great sipping rum.

RZ was my goto Rum as Zaya too but Dip is much much better.

[Ken Gargett]

» Ken you must try Diplomatico Rum out of Venezuela its much better than

» Zacapa 23yr give it a try.

»

» Not as sweet as RZ but very smooth and complex a great sipping rum.

»

» RZ was my goto Rum as Zaya too but Dip is much much better.

thanks jimmy. will keep an eye out. have not seen it here but we are starting to see quite a few new rums.

[El Presidente]

Very good review Ken.

I am more interested than ever see the development of this SLRDC. In many ways we as a group have certainly set a floor for the cigar to work with. In many ways if the cigar were spectacular then the task at hand would be more difficult.

[smokum]

Prez...curious as to why you chose this particular cigar for this experiment. I think you should use this team and expand the experiment to say....one cigar frome each vitola that is considered the finest of that size. :-D

[El Presidente]

» Prez...curious as to why you chose this particular cigar for this

» experiment. I think you should use this team and expand the experiment to

» say....one cigar frome each vitola that is considered the finest of that

» size. :-D

Nice try...no cigar

[Ken Gargett]

» Prez...curious as to why you chose this particular cigar for this

» experiment. I think you should use this team and expand the experiment to

» say....one cigar frome each vitola that is considered the finest of that

» size. :-D

great minds. did i not already suggest this? at least you got a response, even if the incorrect one.

it could be a landmark experiemnt over years that future generations would speak of in hushed tones, awe in their voices. it just needs a bigger picture person to give it the green light.

[smokum]

Dammit !!! OK so why did you chose this one anyway you tightwad

» Nice try...no cigar

[Ken Gargett]

great stuff though i'd love to see even a ballpark score.

but for smoks from the same cab, that is very different to mine. in fact, it looks much closer to what i am used to. has that rch brown and oily shen. mine had none of that.

what about others who've done the test? was yours like this one?

[tapewormboy]

Tom you need more beer in your glass buddy.

Great review! I'm very jealous of your 70 degree weather.

[smokum]

No to my eye...was rather dry.

[BigSlick]

» great stuff though i'd love to see even a ballpark score.

» but for smoks from the same cab, that is very different to mine. in fact,

» it looks much closer to what i am used to. has that rch brown and oily

» shen. mine had none of that.

» what about others who've done the test? was yours like this one?

86/100 last 1/3 was the take-away for most of the points.

Forgot to mention that after getting the jist that others had not enjoyed this cigar, I dry-boxed it for 24 hrs. TD

[BigSlick]

» Tom you need more beer in your glass buddy.

»

» Great review! I'm very jealous of your 70 degree weather.

I guess you noticed the incredible, multiplying beer bottles? :cool:

[nugget]

Introduction - Here goes...

Previous SLR DC Experience.

I’m sure I have one of these cigars around 2003 – 2004 but at that time had a very young palate and no were near the same appreciation so I will consider this my first.

Drink

The Dalmore Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky.

“The Black Isle” Aged 12 years.

Setting

Sitting outside by the pool in an area out of the wind, it’s the late afternoon and a typically beautiful sunny and warm time of the day.

Cigar

Visual

Very clean looking cigar, no major veins in leaves, straight and consistent.

Wrapper

A light creamy brown wrapper with a very smooth feel and a somewhat mat appearance.

Construction

One of the better rolled cigars. I’m very impressed with the even weight and medium packing of the cigar throughout all the way from the cap too the foot. I could not fault the cigars construction.

Aroma at Cold

Has quite a dry tobacco smell together with hints of lightly roasted nuts.

Pre Light Draw

What I would call a medium draw, no clear resistance. More tobacco flavors are coming out but I would say sweeter as well as on the lips.

Taste

First Third

Combustion

Very good.

Aroma

A sweet light aroma in the air.

Burn

Great burn, very even and remained so after short rests.

Ash

A very light grey ash that held together well and experienced no flaking.

Complexity

Was lacking real body or complexity at this time although was very smooth.

Flavors

After the initial sweetness went I was getting a papery/chalky tobacco that came across a bit bland. The smoke volume was good and gave a slight creamy aftertaste.

Second Third

Combustion

Still very good and has remained consistent.

Aroma

Increasing in smoke, the aroma is giving an impression of more body than smoking the cigar.

Burn

Perfect, hasn’t changed or even looked liked doing the wrong thing.

Ash

The ash has remained the same, no flaking and solid in the ash tray.

Complexity

This third has increased in complexity yet still has not shown itself to be much more than a few mild flavors.

Flavors

Getting a more rich tobacco flavor, along with some light coffee, light pepper and cedar coming through. The body has increased along with the strength at this point.

Final Third

Combustion

More dense through this third but falling away near the end.

Aroma

Becoming a bit harsh and lacking the pleasant sweetness it began with

Burn

The burn has remained very good throughout the cigar, one of the more consistently burning cigars I have had for some time.

Ash

Still as mentioned above however starting to slit and flake near the end.

Complexity

During the second third complexity was building and was looking to continue but this was not the case. Just after the start of the final third all complexity was lost and didn’t return.

Flavors

As well as the complexity all the flavors now seemed to all get together in one making it impossible to define any individually. The cigar has become harsh and ashy in flavor that has past the point of real enjoyment.

Construction

Construction was as I said earlier and showed in the combustion, burn and ash. It was only the last 2 ¼ inches that everything fell apart, the wrapper split, the ash was flaky and the previously beautiful draw gone.

Comparisons

The start came across like a HDM DC of which I have had many. Middle way I would say it compared to a Cohiba Siglo IV or even III. I would not like to compare the end.

Conclusion

To me this was a good mild body and flavored cigar that was smoked too early. It showed signs during the centre indicating it could become something of beauty but was too young and uneven. I will give it a rating of 81/100 but am sure it will improve.

I am thankful to be part of this and looking forward to reading other thought now and for the years to come.

[Ginseng]

Wilkey's FOH SLR DC review, first of 5 in an ongoing series.

Cigar received: February 15, 2008

Cigar storage conditions: 67% RH, 61F

Cigar smoked: April 12, 2008

Smoking conditions: outdoors on my porch, 65F, partly sunny, light breeze

Accompaniment: water

Code: AEP MAR07

Previous experience with SLR DC: none that I can recall

Prelight Impressions

This cigar is well constructed with a nicely assembled cap and even application of the tawny wrapper. The wrapper looks healthily supple without the appearance of exceptional oiliness or dryness. It is not stretched or torn. The bunch appearance at the foot is reasonable and coupled with a nice, even springiness in the barrel suggests the draw will be acceptable. Cold aroma is leathery tobacco and initial draws prior to lighting reveal a pleasant, earthy, leathery character.

Initial Impressions

Lightup is uneventful and the foot ignites and burns evenly. The draw is easy-light medium and smoke volume is high. The drawn smoke is heavy on the palate, very dense and oily in texture. The diluted smoke expelled nasally is biting and sharp, quite at odds with overall sensation which is light-bodied, woody, with hints of generic sweetness. Drawing lightly reveals a light leather character with pleasant floral notes and even a touch of aromatic "perfuminess." The medium-gray ash is moderately stiff though it exhibited a fluffy appearance.

Middle Stage Impressions

I ashed and purged at the 1/3 mark. This reveals a toasty character along with the medium-bodied tobacco. The general impression is of a clean flavor that is simple and composed of only one predominant layer. In a word, this is an inoffensive and simple cigar that is not compelling in any aspect. The burn continues to be reasonably straight, requiring almost no touch-ups. The aftertaste is still essentially plain, fresh tobacco and duration on the palate is lingering but not particularly enthralling.

Past the half way mark, the cigar has still not changed or developed in any way that I can detect. At the onset of the final third, the cigar has started to develop a tarry scent from the trailing smoke at the foot. This is also starting to manifest in the drawn smoke. I start to have more difficulty keeping it burning straight or burning at all.

End Stage Impressions

I allow this cigar to go out shortly after entering the final third. The tarriness coupled with an unchanging, simple and rather dull character results in a cigar that is, in a word, boring.

Overall Judgment

At this point, this was a big, inoffensive but dull cigar. On the presumption that this cigar is expected to age and develop, I would say it has some potential. I base this on the extreme density and oiliness of the smoke. Further, although the overall impression was of a light body, the taste delivered scattered packets of flavor that I'd describe as "bound up" in the sense that undifferentiated flavors were exceptionally intense. I associate these "packets" with the future evolution of additional flavor and aroma notes. In other words, the seeds of complexity.

It is interesting to note that the SLR DC performed pretty much exactly as the SLR Churchills tubo that I reviewed here with the exception of these flavor packets.

I don't usually put a number on the cigars I smoke but if pressed, I'd say for present smoking, no more than 85 and perhaps as low as 80.

Wilkey

PS. I did some additional research by procuring cigars from another cab of AEP MAR07 and a cab from EST NOV07. The other AEP MAR07 cigars smoked substantially the same as this specimen. The EST NOV07, however, was considerably more muted, muddled, and "dumb." Cold aroma was indistinguishable, however, with no hints of ammonia from either set of alternate cigars. I have to wonder if the additional 8 months age had started to pull the AEP code out of the doldrums. If this is the case, then I think it bodes well for the continued development of the cigars under study in this series of reviews.

[El Presidente]

Thank You Wilkey! I don't appreciate you setting a new standard by using montage photography

I am looking forward to seeing these cigars in 12 months. ;-)

[Ken Gargett]

This was always going to be a bit interesting, given the concept and the comments to date.

My belief, prior to smoking the tasting cigar, is that the SLR DC's, from almost every year they have been made, have huge potential. No secret that this has been one of my all time fave cigars and that I have struggled with the reviews and scores in this project. I note Colt has challenged me to be objective (which hurts deeply, when have I ever been otherwise??). I think that the SLR DC's would be among my most smoked cigars and I have more of them in the humidor than anything else. I think that they are among the great smokes on the planet.

I had the thing on Friday evening, in front of the footy. It was, for various reasons, the first cigar I had smoked in 2 ½ weeks so I was hanging out for a good one and excited about this. To celebrate, I opened the bottle of Edmund Dante's 25-year-old rum I got last trip to Cuba, supposedly the greatest ever produced in Cuba and rare as hen's teeth. (in case members are bored with this thread, I'll post re the rum separately as well, as I think it deserves it).

The rum first. Lovely old gold colour, reasonably pale. Aroma of beeswax and honey. If I had been served this blind, I would have been much more inclined to think of a really good aged cognac. Certainly, still had a kick and a reasonably spirity finish on both nose and palate, more than I would have expected. The aromas morphed into vanilla and spice. The texture was like cashmere and the flavours followed on to the palate, with perhaps a smidge of chocolate tossed in. Sweetness levels very low (way under say the Zacapa 23-year-old) or so it seemed. A really stunning rum, though I think that the special 20-year-old release (the first one, not the re-issue) by Santiago a few years ago was better. That said, this right up with the best I've ever tried, very different to but similar quality to the Appleton 21-year-old. It reminded me a little of some of the plantation rums which sit at the low end of the sweetness spectrum, though at the pointy end of the quality scale.

The cigar – I have had suspicions that the reviews suggest a lesser box, unfortunately. From comparisons with mine (and I know that I can't make a definitive judgment from a single cigar), I'd say a seriously lesser box. Hope that is objective enough for you, Colt?

The colour was a pallid and uninspiring grey brown. I went and checked my cab of 07s (AEP ENE 07) and the difference could not be more apparent. They were a rich deep brown and, rather than a dry flaky appearance, oily and exciting. When I collected the cigar, I mentioned a split in the wrapper to Rob but he fairly pointed out that this was a tasting exercise. It would come back to haunt. Closer examination revealed a crack that Paris Hilton would have been proud of.

The difference in the smell cold was just staggering. Mine are rich, glorious, complex and wonderfully enticing. This was almost bland, much more simple than usual, with a tiny hint of an old football and locker room odour.

I used the Swiss punch for the first time. Love it.

The split wrapper caused some initial lighting problems and indeed, this persisted right through the cigar. Every time I thought I had it resolved, it went dodgy again. The immediate impression is that if this were to be repeated with the others down the track then their potential is very limited indeed.

There were actually some attractive sweet spicy notes in the opening and a character, which if it were in a wine, we would call 'cigar box'. Probably no surprise there but it is far from apparent in all smokes. Initially, I thought it might have too loose a draw but that was not so; in fact quite the opposite. In the end, and I tossed it with an inch and a half to go (something I have never even considered with any other SLR DC), it took well over 2 hours (would have been a good thing if up to usual standard).

To begin with, I found myself spending more time trying to get the burn in order, with the dodgy wrapper, than I did concentrating on the cigar. Before long, the crack developed into the Marianas Trench.

The flavours were much more mild than I usually find with this smoke, I was trying to convince myself that meant subtle but I gave up on that eventually. It was a much more approachable cigar than I expected or that I have seen from these before. That said, the flavours were quite pleasant, though very straightforward and eventually became a little boring. At one stage, an exemplary cone emerged and I thought that we might have turned the corner but it didn't last. The burn remained crooked all through, despite my best efforts. At another stage, a few of the more expected flavours, spice, leather, a little meaty note, started to emerge but again, it didn't last.

Also, there was certainly not the intensity of flavour I would expect. Then, with about a third gone, it just clogged up and died. There was much relighting needed for the rest of the cigar and the wrapper remained ragged at best.

We slogged on but things got no better. The flavours became boring as there was no perceptible evolution, the burn was hopeless, the entire experience very disappointing.

As for a score, if I didn't know how good they can be, around 80. Knowing just what a glorious smoke they usually are, I feel that this should be reflected in the score and this individual punished. So 60. Cruel but fair. All of this reinforces the impression i had picked up from the earlier reviews - that this is a box well below the high standards this smoke normally offers. (rob, you'll have tried a few of these from 07 - what are your thoughts?).

As for potential, bugger all if this was repeated but I have no doubt that good examples, as they almost invariably are, have as much potential as almost any current cigar around.

The rum deserved better.

[Trevor2118]

SLR DC Mar07 Review.

Cigar received 13.2.08 and stored in a temperature & humidity controlled environment, set to 16C – 61F & 65% RH.

Smoked in the pm of 1.4.08 on my rear deck. Weather fine 23C & 45%RH. I was not in overly good form, a bit off in the am.

Decided to try 3 different drinks for each 1/3….water, port, 15yo subtle mellow Dalwhinnie Single Malt.

First the disclaimer. I am not a regular smoker (weekly rather than daily….unless friends/ family drop in) and I do not have well developed taste buds. I enjoy a cigar as a time to sit, relax, and think (or not think). My preference is Cohiba & then Montecristo, and size preference “thinner & shorter” as a rule. I always smoke outdoors, usually on the rear patio (see photo). I must say that doing this review has forced me to think more about the cigars, and I have decided to keep informal records in the future. Specifically, I don’t recall smoking a SLR before.

Now the cigar. When first received I thought the cigar was a fine specimen. Construction appeared first class and the wrapper had a slightly silky touch. The cigar was firm with no apparent soft spots. Smell was barnyard but not the same intensity as a Cohiba.

After cutting the cap, the draw appeared a bit tight. Only flavour detected was tobacco, noticeable no pepper (one of the few flavours I can detect).

First Third. Initial draw was fine…no sign of pre-lit tightness. Plenty of smoke (which I like). No obvious flavours detected. Burn slightly uneven, but not a concern. Good ash retention.

Second Third. Similar to above, but strength of the cigar definitely showing through.

Last Third. Again similar to above, with the cigar wanting to go out towards the end.

Overall. Nothing special. Double Corona format too large for normal use (took over 1 ¼ hours to smoke). The port was a mistake. This, combined with being a bit off in the morning, left me feeling lightheaded and a “bit off”. A very strong cigar. Certainly did not feel like lighting up something else.

Rating. Despite my shortcoming, the cigar is probably a 3 out of 5. (I usually use a 1-5 rating as follows: 1-poor, 2-average, 3-good, 4-very good, 5-excellent). Certainly, at this stage, not a cigar that I would “go to”. It will be interesting to see how it (and I) develop over the years.

Finally. The best part of this experiment (many thanks Rob) is that it has encouraged me to focus on the cigars, while still enjoying the simple smoking pleasure of a good cigar

[SmokinLightning]

SLR DC Review 2007

Day late, and most likely a dollar short but here we go....

I had been meaning to get to this review over the weekend, but instead spent most of my time working, fighting to meet some deadlines. I finally got a chance Monday night to sit back and relax for the couple hours it was going to take to smoke this monster. I don't normally go for the larger format cigars, although there are some I will make time for I have never tried this particular vitola. I settled down in my favorite spot with a tall rum and coke beside me and began my inspection.

Visually a good looking cigar, with a nice solid weight to it. The wrapper is a medium brown, no real evidence of oil but smooth to the touch with no green spots or excessive viening. Cigar feels well rolled, except for one noticeable soft spot about the size of a dime near the midway point. The cap is a little sloppy on one side, but I've seen worse. The foot is slightly oblong, and appears to be evenly bunched.

I remember when I received this cigar it had a very pungent odor, even through the baggie and bubble-wrap it was sealed in. Some time sitting loose in the humidor seems to have reduced that. It still gives off a pleasant loamy earth smell. Clipping the cigar and giving it a test draw I just get clean tobbacco and sweet grass. Draw feels a little on the tight side.

I put the fire to it, and took a slow pull. Initially very sharp and bitter, almost acidic. I took my time with it and after the first inch the unpleasantness disappeared leaving a light floral and clean tobacco flavor. At this point the cigar definately feels light on the palate, not bad but definately lacking in body. The ash is gray and flaky, and easily holds on for a couple inches before finally dropping right in my lap. :-|

A few inches in, and it really begins to open up, sending plumes of thick white smoke towards the ceiling. A heavy clove-like spice appears, almost overpowering. By the halfway point, I'm wondering how I every considered this to be a lighter bodied cigar. I take a couple deep drinks of my beverage to stop my stomache from rolling like a drunken sailor.

At this point, I'm either getting used to it or the cigar has mellowed out some. I can detect a musty burnt wood flavor, like someone dumped water on a camp fire. Still a noticeable hot clove tingle in my mouth and nose, but not unpleasant. This is the part of the cigar I have enjoyed the most so far... by far the most forward with it's delivery, the wood and spice are evenly balanced with the floral tobacco flavors.

By the last few inches I am struggling with it. The cigar doesn't want to stay lit anymore and the frequent puffs required to keep it lit have resulted in a hot, bitter smoke. I finally let it die after our long and tumultuous journey together.

This cigar was a roller coaster, one minute mild and a little bland and the next minute making me glad I was already sitting down. Some core flavors I enjoyed but way too young to fully appreciate. I have no idea how this cigar will progress with age, and look forward to further installments of this experiment... I have no doubt it will improve.

If I had to give a rating right now, probably a 75, which puts it out of the "I would buy a box of these" range. The solid performance at the mid point saved it from scoring lower, I wish the whole cigar would have been that balanced.

Thanks for reading, and for including me in this!

[BigSlick]

It's about 72 degrees out tonight, the window is open and there is a nice breeze coming in.

My initial thoughts are that this is a beautiful cigar. It has a nice oily sheen and is silky smooth to the touch. Construction and draw are spot on.

I clipped the cap and examined the bunching of the tobacco. Looks good!

1/3

Smooth creamy vanilla to green tea to leather. Very mild with sweet undertones.

2/3

Poured a sippin shot of HC7. Earth to coffee to wood to moss. Still sweet undertones but subsiding to core tobacco.

3/3

One dimensional core tobacco from this point forward. Hints of ammonia began showing up before the cigar went out on its own. It was not going to get any better if I relit it so I relinquished it to the ashtray.

Overall impression:

This is just what the doctor ordered. I enjoyed sitting back for the 2.5 hours it took to smoke this cigar. I will not judge this cigar at this point. My guts tell me it will be stellar in years to come. Sorry for the late review, next year I vow to be the more prompt in this "task" :-D

Thanks Rob for the great experiment!! TD

[Colt45]

Great pics! It's good to see Smithy, and to see the whole Czar Crew together.

This one's a classic

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