FOH Weekly Cigar Review to 9th August

[El Presidente]

With Smithy away skiing in NZ I didn't have my normal cigar buddy this week. I noticed our wine consumption was well down

Couple of standouts this week.

HDM Epicure 1 from 08 is currently at the same level of flavour intensity and consistency as the Upmann Magnum 46. I will sample a few more boxes from different months but if the consistency remains then you can call it a huge comeback.

I had a fair bit on my mind this week so I needed cigars I know well. They are like my war council and all 08/07

HDM Epicure 1 & 2, H Upmann Magnum 46 & 50, Cohiba Siglo IV & Robusto.

I didn't have a dudder this week which reflects how much improvement has been made,

[PigFish]

Most of my smoking was disappointing this week. The cigars included were a RAG, Unicos, Rass, PLPC's and a few Chicos. Out of the bunch the best cigars were the PLPC's and the Chicos. Spending last Sunday at the Cantina I chose to focus on fewer, larger cigars since I was riding my Harley there and I don't have a lot of room for luggage! I found the cigars satisfying but not worthy of praise.

The '08 RASS is not a typical cigar for me but part of a group review with some friends. That cigar was awful and it found itself amongst the litter, or lack thereof, in my neighborhood after departing my car window!

I may try to redeem myself today with RG CE or perhaps I will break open a box of SS#1's. Ahhh... mystery and discovery awaits!

[lutharthegreat]

Thought I would give the Monte Open Junior a go. I went in with an open mind and not thinking

about what people have said about it.

Aroma cold None

Pre ligt aroma None

Draw Fine

I toasted the end and could get no smoke at all. I burnt the end till 1/4 the wrapper was black before it would even think about producing any smoke. By this time what smoke it produced was

very very bitter. It burnt for about 5 min and went out again, I relit and it was even more bitter so

I tossed it in the can. I have 2 more sizes to try, I will wait a bit before I try another one.

I guess since it wouldn't smoke I will give it 0 smoke rings.

[Guest rob]

I had my first ever SLR DC on Saturday night as I settled in to watch the Aussies demolish the English on Day 2 of the ashes.

Smooth. Mild to mild/medium bodied with delicate, yet distinct, flavours.

A really nice smoke that pleasantly surprised me. I'm not sure what year it was from (it was purchased in a recent Czar sampler pack)... but I'd definitely buy more of them.

[kilroy]

This week my cigars were not only right on time but right on with flavor, draw, etc:

HdM Des Dieux '98... smooth, almost citrus... 92

Cohiba Siglo IV... Perfect Cohiba flavors, smoked so cool I thought something was wrong.. 94

Cohiba Secretos... The only hiccup of the week... bitter, no chocolate, tangy in a bad way.. 80

Party 898... Pepper, spice and all things nice.. 92

[mbrody]

Best of the week is a HDM Epi 2 from AUG 08. Sweet, Rich tobacco. Great volume of smoke. Smooth, delightful. An easy 89 maybe a 90.

Prez, now I'm intrigued about the recent Epi 1's! Your recos on cigars "being back" have proved to be some great advice. Mag 46 being a real treasure. Now the HDM's...

[asmith]

I didn't have my normal cigar buddy this week. I noticed our wine consumption was well down

What are you trying to say, I have a drinking problem or a buddy problem?

[Rogers72]

It's been WAAYYYYYY too hot and humid here to enjoy anything in a larger format. I have been loving my 08 Bolivar Petit Coronas though.

[thechenman]

In the northeast it has been particularly humid of late. So much so that cigar smoking outside has been pretty much a near futile endeavour. And as I only smoke outside, that has posed a problem. So, looking for somthing small, I stumbled across a Montecristo Joyita that I purchased from Czar and decided to give it a try. I didn't expect much from it given its small stature - envisioned it as being more of a quick winter smoke; however, I was pleasently surprised.

While far from being one of the greats, given it's size and ring gauge, I actually found it quite impressive. Slight Monte twang, moderate smoke, ash fell everytime at about 3/4 of an inch and the flavor profile actually evolved which surprised me.

Overall, I'd give it an 86.

[PointSource]

Me and my bro smoked a BBF from Aug 07 that was fantastic....perfect burn, dark chocolate, some minor cocoa notes.

I smoked a RASS from 08 (don't know which month) that was worthless.....

[BobLobLaw]

Interesting to see that RASS, normally lauded as a good ROTT smoke has not been getting good reviews.

Only cigar for me was a BGM that I picked up in a trade early this year. It was my first and I enjoyed it very much. Love the shape size, lots of smoke and good burn despite a slightly tight draw. Good leather flavors, yet still not overpowering. Actually did not remind me of the typical Boli profile of heavy leather, earth that I get our of my BRC's (which I feel "meh" about) Nor was it as strong as my BPC. (which I LOVE) Right in between.

[Jesuscookies]

Highlight of the week was, without a doubt, the Juan Lopez # 1. I came back to this cigar after trading away half the box, and was really blown away. Earthly and consistent, throughout. I smoked a couple, and have throughly enjoyed them.

Lowlight of the week: Por Laranga RE. This cigar pissed me off! At 360+ for a box, and a second band the least this ***** could do was draw! Hopefully the rest of the box is not this way.

[Torpo]

The 07 RASS have been disappointing, true enough.

Punch PC have been good when the draw is on but the one I smoked last Monday night (MAR 08), prompted me to retire the rest of the box to the humidor. Tight draw, overly spicy, strong and harsh. Not exactly a classic. I opened another box of the same MAR 08. These had lighter wrappers and a sweeter tobacco aroma at cold. The first one had a decent draw, sweet, good focused flavors and med full to full bodied. Hope the rest are as good.

Standouts have been 08 Mag 50. To me, these are exceptionally good, creamy and already showing some complexity. Ordered another box to put away.

An 05 HDM E1 was good. Wood and tobacco with a little age. Pleasant smoke.

One 07 BCE with a beautiful dark wrapper smoked as it looked, deep and rich with chocolate notes.

Enjoy your week!

[bobsled]

Smoked a Por Larranaga LE Asia Pac 2007 this weekend. It was quite reminiscent of the PLPC. Very tasty, but nothing that was out of the ordinary either.