June Blind Cigar Review

[Ken Gargett]

Fascinating exercise but the more I think about it, the more confused I get. Can I have 6 guesses?

When it arrived, did the size comparison and this is where I immediately got into strife. I had seen someone in the earlier post said they looked at it and immediately thought Siglo IV. I compared it with every Siglo IV I own and it was noticeably, if marginally, shorter than all of them. Yet it appeared to have a similar ring gauge. Yes, I know – hand made product and all so going with the coronas gordas (and I am assuming that, unlike his effort to amusing himself a year or so ago, this time I got the same cigar as everyone else).

Decided the best idea to forget all about picking it, do a review and then see if it went in any pigeon hole.

Good construction, dark oily wrapper, solid to touch. No hint of box press on this one. Cold, a nice smoky aroma, lovely old mellow leather – a character that in wine terms is often called the smell of an old lady's handbag. Used a punch to get under way. Must confess to smoking it while watching the Wallabies. Matched it with the Appleton 12 Year-old rum, which worked extremely well.

Opened to rich roasted nutty characters with an underlying chocolate note. Soon developed a rich earthy flavour and moved into what I can best describe as pure tobacco notes. Draw was slow, a little effort was needed as it was perhaps marginally tightly wound, but overall very good. Never offered any sort of cone and once or twice it needed a re-light and by the end had gone marginally crooked but all minor complaints. This struck me as a reasonably young cigar (initially I thought very young but later felt perhaps a year or two) and that within those limits, burn and draw more than acceptable.

To me, it quickly developed into a real old-fashioned, 'know you've had a smoke' cigar. The earthiness continued, as did there underlying hint of chocolate, cedar and coffee grinds. There were also notes of leather and gentle spices but the rich earthy/tobacco characters dominated with a slight woody note. Dense smoke. I think it will build considerable complexity in time.

It really did seem quite young. At first, I wondered if a late 07 but as I went through it, thought it more likely 06/07 with a possible chance of going back as far as 05, depending on what it was. Certainly, a cigar with promise and potential. I suppose it took around a third to settle properly, the middle third was the highlight and by the last third, the power had built and it was all a bit burly and excitable. An aftertaste of considerable length. I'd be giving it around 87-88.

As for what it was, at on early stage I was thinking that if Por Larranga made a cigar in this size (I don't think they do), this could well be it. This was a bit coincidental as after finishing it, this morning before posting, I was having a quick look back over some of the other blind reviews and back in May 05, Rob has made that exact comment about the Bolivar Coronas Extra. So that has to be a strong possibility, but would he repeat a blind cigar – of course the perverted bastard would!

I also wondered about the possibility of it being a Punch Super Selection No. 2. If they were still in production, I would have thought it could have been one of those with a year or two on it but as they were discontinued in 2002, I ruled that out.

Punch Punch? I think it had more power than I would have expected from a Punch Punch, and same goes for the Hoyo Epicure No 1 and R&J Exhibition No 3. Too much earthiness here for me for it to be the Hoyo and although some toasty notes, I found none of the slight sweetness the R&J might be expected to offer. The typical Punch flavours were probably closest to what I found here.

There were two others that kept popping into my mind. The Juan Lopez No 1. I have not had nearly the experience with these that I should have so this could be the 'smoky', if I am allowed an Aussie pun. The other was Upmann Magnum 46. If so, then my thoughts on the ageing are a little out of whack. It would have to be at least two years old to offer this level of flavour – I find that if they are any younger, they are just too bland, and bland, this was not. Certainly, there was some of that rich tobacco character from a Mag 46 with a bit of age but for me, a good Mag 46 has more subtle notes than I found here. Would not be a surprise, though.

The two Punch cigars mentioned kept coming back to me so I wondered about that and hit the books. I have never tried the Punch Royal Selection No 11 (unless this was it) but it seemed to tick all the boxes and as I felt I could not say with certainty, it was any of the above, I'm going with it. (2nd, 3rd and 4th guesses in order are the Bolivar, Mag 46 and Juan Lopez – and if it is not any of them, then bugger off).

[Colt45]

» Must confess to smoking it while watching the Wallabies.

Nice to hear they've not gone the way of the possum as of yet. I enjoyed your review, though

I may have lost a small portion of my vision reading it - whatever happened to the mantra of

"astute brevity".....

Also, you've given me a great idea for breakfast tomorrow morning - waffles. It does sound

interesting, and I look forward to reading the rest of the reviews.

Best regards always,

C45

[shrink]

Ken, this was one of your most interesting reviews. Very descriptive and thought provoking. Thanks.

I can't resist... I can smell it from here. An '07 SLR Serie A.

[Ken Gargett]

» Ken, this was one of your most interesting reviews. Very descriptive and

» thought provoking. Thanks.

»

» I can't resist... I can smell it from here. An '07 SLR Serie A.

actually, shrink you could be spot on. it was one i considered and them seem to have forgotten about, not sure why (perhaps i just didn't want colt to have to read any more - you know how it tires him).

[Claudius]

Ken... you've guessed 5 cigars. Strictly speaking 6 if I count both Punchs and the SLR. How about you narrow it down a bit? :-D

From what you describe I'd say SLR Serie A first, Cohiba Siglo IV second.

IMO it's not a Hoyo: it smells good (never smelled a Hoyo CG that smelled good) plus Rob promised it wouldnt be one. Plus if I smoke it and it turns out to be a Hoyo, Rob will be in a lot of trouble in 2 weeks :-|

[Ken Gargett]

» Ken... you've guessed 5 cigars. Strictly speaking 6 if I count both Punchs

» and the SLR. How about you narrow it down a bit? :-D

»

» From what you describe I'd say SLR Serie A first, Cohiba Siglo IV second.

»

» IMO it's not a Hoyo: it smells good (never smelled a Hoyo CG that smelled

» good) plus Rob promised it wouldnt be one. Plus if I smoke it and it

» turns out to be a Hoyo, Rob will be in a lot of trouble in 2 weeks :-|

if you read carefully, you will see it was simply a matter of narrowing it down. the last para has my guess, and it is a guess, as the punch rs 11. i did toss in some alternatives, though for some reason completely missed the slr.

i went through why i ruled out certain smokes, including the hoyo.

i didn't even discuss the siglo iv, other than to say that it was actually shorter than all my siglo iv, as i really got none of the character or flavour i would expect from a siglo iv. if it is a siglo iv, i'll have a very hard time believing that rob didn't slip me something else, again.

[Claudius]

the last para has my guess, and it is a guess, as the punch rs 11.

Oh, ok. If it's a Punch, Rob's in trouble, too. I hate Punch!

[El Presidente]

» Oh, ok. If it's a Punch, Rob's in trouble, too. I hate Punch!

Let me know what you would like for the next blind tasting

As for Ken.....Sheesh. He didn't notice that the box was next to the cigar on the cane table on the deck. I thought for sure he would notice and reconcile the two......I needn't have worried ;-)

This is like a 7 horse race with Ken putting $1 each way on horses 1-5, $2 for a win on No 6 and forgetting all about horse 7.

[Claudius]

» Let me know what you would like for the next blind tasting

:-D How about a robusto / Hermosos No. 4 tasting? - At least you'd get lots of different responses Just dont make it a Juan Lopez / Hoyo / Punch or other weak or boring cigar... basically have us guess if it's a Partagas, Bolivar, RA, SLR or Cohiba. Or a PL. Just not something weird or weak or bad. :-D

» As for Ken.....Sheesh. He didn't notice that the box was next to the cigar

» on the cane table on the deck. I thought for sure he would notice and

» reconcile the two......I needn't have worried ;-)

»

» This is like a 7 horse race with Ken putting $1 each way on horses 1-5, $2

» for a win on No 6 and forgetting all about horse 7.

LOL! :lol2:

[brooklyn]

Prez

Just got mine! will do my review thursday night.

[El Presidente]

From CC Smoker

After putting the cigar in the humi for a couple of days,I decided it was time for the review.

Size- looks to be a Corona Gordas

Construction-nicely rolled, dark oily wrapper.Slight box press(may be from shipping)

Clipped the cap,draw was a little tight.Flavour was good clean tabacco.

First thrid-Had a nice toasted Almond with a touch of dark cocoa,but moving steady towards earthy with every puff.Ash started off a little dark grey but got lighter.

Second third-Now the Almond that I was into took the back seat and let some of the woody/earthyness take control.All the while there was

a nice clean tabocco in the back groung.A few exhales through the nose and the cigar had a young tingle to it.

Last third-The Almond and earth are playing hide and seek with my taste buds.They seem to be fighting for my atention.The cigar got a little bitter towards the end also let it burn out with dignity.

All in all a good cigar,a touch confused but with some time I think it will be a real treat.

I have no clue as to what it could be but I am leanig towards Mag 46

with a late 07 box code.

Right now this cigar is a 88 that could better with age.Thanks for the chance on the blind review El Presidente..

[crasmith]

» Prez

Just got mine also. I will complete the review after a few days rest. Thanks!

[BobLobLaw]

Ok, looks like this is the review thread. Next cigar I smoke will be for this.

[brooklyn]

After weeks of wet weather, I had a few hours off this afternoon. It was wonderfully sunny ,so I set about doing my review.

I settled into the backyard with a rum and coke on ice.

size: 44-46

5 1/2 inches

color: almost milk chocolate tan

veiny wrapper

corona tapers from thicker to thinner at cap.

used knife to remove cap. Interesting cap: appears to be a triple cap.

Fragrant bouquet from foot;rich tobacco aroma yet smooth and velvety.

Toasted and then lit foot.Free flowing draw rich in tobaco.

first third starts out somewhat sour;possibly a very young cigar. tannin and leather;slighlty dry at start. nutty walnut aftertaste develops on palate.

Great draw; plenty of fine gray smoke. Maybe slight taper is result of a rller's personal touch.

Uniform burn; no canoeing.

Slight pepper taste building.

Second third deepr leather taste

wrapper taking on a deep milk chocolate hue.Really nice rippled gray ash.

Sloght buttery aftertaste joining in ; Coffee begins to assert itself. I can taste a subtle cardoman flavor.

Last third: smooth coffee;nutty.buttery leather lingers. Pepper becomes stonger. Still superb cool draw.

Nice subtle smoke;medium body.

I can only guess but could it be a Hamlet rolled stick .

If not, possibly a PL .

Peter

[skindiver]

After spending time with Rob and Ken in Havana, I'm convinced that they are both certifiable, though Ken holds the lead by a long stretch.

Too much fun. Waking Ken at 3pm Havana time was a highlight. I was just imagining the level of debauchery he had engaged in the previous night! He looked like they'd had the better half! LOL

[Ken Gargett]

» After spending time with Rob and Ken in Havana, I'm convinced that they are

» both certifiable, though Ken holds the lead by a long stretch.

»

» Too much fun. Waking Ken at 3pm Havana time was a highlight. I was just

» imagining the level of debauchery he had engaged in the previous night! He

» looked like they'd had the better half! LOL

be fair. it wasn't as though i had not been up earlier, been to church, helped old ladies across the road, lied to all the people chasing rob (still possibly the only person banned from a house he'd rented - you throw one pool party...). i'd just needed a brief nap so i could be crtain of keeping up with you (and may i refer you to the 2% answer).

[Claudius]

Just smoked this cigar. What better time than after smoking 8 cigars per day with friends, for 4 days, without interruption :-D

I didnt review it properly with notes and all that, I just smoked the damn thing trying to guess what it is. Here are the essential details:

- Coronas gordas, maduro, oily, well smelling of fine Cuban tobacco

- uneven but acceptable burn

- young, not harsh but all over the place

- medium to medium full body

- creamy taste with subtle spice

IMO it is a 07 H. Upmann Magnum 46

[El Presidente]

I can't believe you did the review right after all the cigars we smoked over the weekend

[pnutbutrsangwich]

This was a tough one to pinpoint. The dark wrapper looked gorgeous and the bunch produced a nice, ever so mildly firm draw.

Burn was ok, but wrapper refused to combust at times. Flavor was muddled... seems to be a relatively young cigar. The overall texture was mostly creamy. There was a vanilla-sh sweetness that came through at times, but more often, there was a woody tannicity that had some sharper edges that came through the strongest. Very hard to describe cigar for some reason.

Half of me wants to say Sig IV and the other half wants to say Mag 46.

I'll go with the Mag46, I guess :-D

[craigos]

I did the review yesterday at work - beautiful day 75 degrees here in Washington state.

Wrapper was dark, a little veiny, and the unlit draw was quite firm - one reason I left it a few extra days, I thought it wass stick 'sick'.

Pre-light it smelt of mostly leather, a slight hint of spice.

Lit up well and immediate a good taste of tobacco, less spice than I antipated, some tartness, and the draw was quite firm - a tad more than I like, but non-the-less some good smoke.

The more I got into the cigar, the less I tasted less flavors - hint of pepper, leather (mostly tobabcco tasting).

Towards the end picked up hints of some coffee, pepper got a little stronger, tartness picked up a notched.

Not a cigar I would reach for frequently given its profile of quite leatherly and straight tobacco flavor.

I was a mixed up flavor that I do attribute to Upmanns (I just have caught onto that profile as yet, but I used to not touch a partagas but now desire them).

I do feel its a Upmann 46 as well - possibly a little older though as the tartness was less than a 46 I got gifted from a BOTL that was an 07. I will say 06 H.Upmann 46.

[Claudius]

» I was a mixed up flavor

And I thought you were a guy :-P

» I do feel its a Upmann 46 as well - possibly a little older though as the

» tartness was less than a 46 I got gifted from a BOTL that was an 07. I

» will say 06 H.Upmann 46.

Funny, that: I think it's an 07 precisely for this reason: my 06 Mag46 are extremely harsh... and it's only since 07 that I've heard of young Upmanns actually tasting like an Upmann.

[SmokinAl]

Great fun this blind taste testing stuff. Especially when I've already smoked the June selection with the band still on. Makes it much easier...

[Colt45]

» Great fun this blind taste testing stuff. Especially when I've already

» smoked the June selection with the band still on. Makes it much easier...

And you probably still wouldn't guess correctly....

[BobLobLaw]

Ok, got to smoke this last night. Sorry for the delay. Night ended up being a little more windy than I had thought which affected my smoke. Nevertheless here is my review.

Cigar arrived with a slightly smooshed foot and appeared to be a corona gorda. I have not smoked many of this size so this was going to be interesting.

Nice dark brown wrapper and firm throughout with no hard/soft spots. Clipped the top with my Xikar and gave it a pre lite puff. Draw was on the tight end, but seemed ok. Pre light taste was clean tobacco, maybe a little ceder.

I experienced burn problems throughout, I think because of the wind, but in the end it may have made the cigar better. First few puffs were woody with some floral or maybe even honey sweetness. Very light, and medium in body. When I put the cigar down I noticed that the aroma from the lit end smelled an awful lot like chocolate. Reminded my of my Siglo VIs from the Czar. After ashing I purged and that next draw was amazing. Rich chocolate and creamy explosion! However, it only lasted a few minutes before settling back down again. After that I think I kept looking for "burn problems" so I had an excuse to touch it up because every time I did that rich chocolate and buttery cream taste returned.

Overall, a lot of flavor and depth in how it changed as the cigar progressed. I will admit that my inexperience will make it hard to put together a guess. The smell and chocolate taste made me think of the Siglo line (here it would be a IV), but then I noticed that the wrapper leaf seemed to be much thicker than those used by Cohiba. The initial tastes reminded me of the recent Mag 46 I smoked, but that one did not have ANY chocolate. Hmmmm

So my guess will be a mag 46, from 2005 or earlier. Maybe the chocolate and cream comes from being aged while the recent one I had was much younger. Overall a very good cigar that I would really like to try again inside or on a calmer night. In any case, this was a blast and thanks to Rob and FOH for letting me partake.

I did take my camera out, but only got 3 pics (2 of the cigar, 1 of my furry smoking companion) before the battery died. I will try to add them when I get home from work tonight.

Ben

[crasmith]

OK, finally got the chance to fire this one up and here is what I found.

Weather was a mild and chilly 96.

Drink of choice was Glenfiddich 12 year with a few ice cubes for good measure.

Cigar looke to be a corona gorda and wrapper was a beautiful medium brown with just a slight oily sheen.

Smelled of rich tobacco and earth.

A little hard to get lit but as the first third started to develop, I noticed a little sweetness and maybe a chocolate note. Draw was a little loose and burn seemed to be off.

The cigar continued to burn in an off fashion the entire way and it did not seem to change flavors. It seemed to be a one dimensional smoke. Maybe I am just one dimensional?!

The cigar continued on this path to the end which became very bitter and harsh during the last third. I have to admit that it was a struggle to stay with it to the end due to the bitterness. Young cigar that needed more age perhaps?

I have had a few Upmanns and must say that while this didn't exactly taste as good as some I have had, it did have some similarities. I will take a stab and go with the Mag 46.

Thanks for the smoke and the opportunity to participate! :-)