Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

Interesting first result.

Question for Nick and Bill, do either of you snork/retrohale/nasal exhale? I'm curious as I'm reading the comparative reviews. Thanks!

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

Gogogogogogogo!!!!!!!!!!

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

I do a nasal exhale on occasion.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

that's disappointing, it seems like both reviews were negatively influenced by the too tight draw. I had no draw issues when I smoked one of these last weekend. guess I should consider myself lucky!

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

Nice start guys. One of the great things about these reviews are the similarities and differences of opinion. We certainly saw those in the first review.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

Montano cigar #2
**************

This is an interesting looking lancero. There are a few veins running through a rough looking wrapper. Pre-light draw was smooth.

http://nickmontano.net/pics/unk1.jpg

The initial draw brought a nice amount of creamy smoke. The wrapper has an odd burn pattern to it, as if it lifts up from the filler. The creamy smoke continues to fill my palate.

http://nickmontano.net/pics/unk2.jpg

I noticed something dripping off the cap, so I took a look and saw a lot of tar. I touched my finger to it and it left a nice mark. The creamy smoke was now giving off a nice almond flavor. I'm taking my time with this one, and so far so good.

http://nickmontano.net/pics/unk3.jpg

The burn remained even throughout, and the nice amount of smoke continued, even with the tar buildup. I just wiped off the end every few draws.

http://nickmontano.net/pics/unk4.jpg

The last 3rd of this one gave me a light butter flavor. It mixed nicely with the creamy almond I was getting before. This cigar smoked much better than the first.

http://nickmontano.net/pics/unk5.jpg

All in all this wasn't a bad smoke. I would consider it a very mild cigar, with decent flavors. I give it a 6 out of 10.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

Riff Raff Cigar #2
**************

Okay so when I saw this little number, I didn't know if it was a cigar or one of those crunchy bread sticks you get at some Italian food restaurants. This is one delicate cigar. I estimate the size with by calibrated eyeball to be about a 6.5 inch X 24 ? Hmm...
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n..._2631Small.jpg
Nice construction. Maybe a bit veiny but no big deal. I clipped the cap with my Palio and tested the draw. Oh hell. Here we go again. A tight draw, but not as tight as last weeks. A little bit of hay could be tasted on the pre-light.

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n..._2633Small.jpg

First Third: A nice dark gray ash. A bit earthy with a hint of spice. The ash holds for about an inch before falling. The ash was doing a weird elephant trunk deal where it would curl up.

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n..._2635Small.jpg

Second Third: The retro-hale added a bit of a toasty element of the cigar. The earthiness held and some sweet tobacco flavors were coming through. The volume of smoke was lacking, but I counted that to the tight draw.

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n..._2636Small.jpg

Last Third: It went out. I mean there was no hint of it dying. It just went out! Bam! After relight and purge the sweet tobacco flavor was more prominent and some spice started to kick in. The volume of smoke increased exponentially! Hurray! The draw loosened up! Now we are getting somewhere!

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n..._2638Small.jpg

Overall impression: Not a bad smoke. It had some draw issues until the last third. It had a pretty even burn and a nice clean finish.

Would I buy this again? Probably not. A big fat ole Ralph Cramden looking guy like myself smoking a bread stick just doesn't look right!

I give this one an 8.5

If I were to guess, I would say a habano.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

What they smoked:

http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/w...yx/BTT2-02.jpg

2002 La Gloria Cubana MdO #3

Montano score: 6
Riff Raff score: 8.5

Damn Nick, you're insatiable... :D

Honestly, I love these things. Most of them have a pretty good draw...

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

I do. I do it with every cigar I smoke. Some are more painful than others, but I do indeed. There are lots of flavors missed if you don't. The Admiral schooled me into "snorking"!

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

So what do you guys think now that you know? Have you ever smoked an LGC before? Is this the oldest habano you've had? Discussions, people... sheesh :p

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

My exposure to habanos is extremely limited. I have never had a Cuban LGC. I thought there were some great flavors there, but like I said in my review I would have enjoyed it a lot more if the draw were better.

Any more in the bunch that I should consider dry-boxing before smoking? :)

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

I think you guys need to realize that cubans tend to generally have tighter draws then non cubans.. If your used to non cubans, you might think its a tight draw, but it isnt.. Im VERY familiar with these, and unless you just got a dud; they are naturally a little tighter due to the thinner format as well

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

When I started smoking CCs I thought the same thing, but realized that they're just a different animal all together. I no appreciate a more firm draw... though plugged is plugged :td

aj

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

Ahh the joys of being a CC newb! :) I guess I am going to have to correct that then won't I?

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

just smoke more habanos.. that should fix that problem

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

I think in total, this makes 4 CC's for me. So if that's not n00b, I don't know what is. I am not a huge fan of lanceros either, but I'm learning to like them. I too think I look silly @ 6'2" and 220 pounds, sucking on a pencil. But lanceros have been good on the flavor end of things.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

I love this thread... ;) :D :r

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

Its not a Lancero, its a Slim Panatella

And second of all, i think your not understanding the true reason of smoking

Who the hell cares what you look like when your smoking. You smoke to look cool?

Smoke to enjoy the finer things in life, and the camaraderie of the Brotherhood.

Im 6 foot 300+, and i doubt anybody is going to tell me i look silly smoking these.. But even if they do, they probably aren't smoking anything worth mentioning if they are concerned with my looks

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

:tpd:

I've never thought of cigar smoking as cool looking in the first place. I'm sure a lot of people see a guy smoking a cigar and automatically think "he must be an a-hole". but since there aren't many places I can smoke in public here anyway, I don't usually take it into consideration.

Montano has a point though. As a skinny person, I feel a little silly smoking a big huge cigar, even if I'm by myself. 52+ cigars just don't fit my face. but how could you not feel like a badass smoking a LGC #3? They're just so old school and smooth looking.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

I can't speak for Nick, but as for myself, it isn't about what other people think! If that were the case I would get a haircut, stop wearing my earring and drop 100 lbs! :su

The "slim panatella" is just too damn delicate of a cigar for me. I feel like I might break the damn thing while I am smoking it.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

Wow. awesome test. i already read the first installment and now waiting on te second.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

I love these threads too. can't wait to see what's next.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

Lancero... Slim Panatela.... I imagine that's why this is the Newb BTT, and not the All Knowing BTT :)

I smoke for many reasons, which should concern no one but myself. However, the way a cigar fits in my hand and mouth are all part of the total smoking experience. At this point I just don't care for the pencil feeling when I'm smoking.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

well not for nothing, but this is a forum, where people post their opinions thousands and thousands of times a day.. I can assure you that im not concerned, just a tad baffled..

Holding a small cigar is understandedly hard (i have gorilla mitts for hands), and thats a valid excuse (i guess i just got used to it), but you DID mention you didnt like the fact that you looked stupid.. And as stated earlier, thats still the worst excuse ive ever heard to stop smoking a cigar, lol

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

The above statement is confirmed true. :D

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

Montano Cigar #3
**************

This cigar has a couple noticeable veins running through it. The wrapper is a bit wrinkled. I clipped it with my v-cutter, and pre-light draw was nice and smooth.

http://nickmontano.net/pics/cig31.jpg

It starts off with a nice meaty tobacco flavor. I'm getting large volumes of smoke from a smooth, easy draw. The burn is a bit uneven, but it corrects itself.

http://nickmontano.net/pics/cig32.jpg

The ash was nice and strong on this one. It held for about 2 inches. The second 3rd had me tasting a nutty almond. I was exhaling some thick white smoke.

http://nickmontano.net/pics/cig33.jpg

As I moved towards the finish, the almond flavor picked up a bit. I was enjoying this smoke, and taking my time with it. The nice sunshine really made things come together.

http://nickmontano.net/pics/cig34.jpg

I think this was a mild cigar, with some nice flavor to it. I wouldn't mind smoking another one. I give it a 7.

http://nickmontano.net/pics/cig35.jpg

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

Riff Raff Cigar #3
*************

A cold and rainy day here in the Carolinas! Not very conducive to stogie smoking outside! But taking one for the team, I soldier on!
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n..._2661Small.jpg

Calibrated eyeball says that this ugly little stick is about 6 X 44. Very rustic looking. Reminds me of how a Macanudo Ascot looks like. Bumpy, veiny but a nice colored wrapper. Snip the cap and the pre-light draw tastes of hay.

So let's toast and light this puppy up!

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n..._2663Small.jpg

First puff; metallic tasting. I have a filling in one of my molars and it is ringing. Not the type like when you bite down on some tinfoil on a filling. But close. There is a hint of cedar and licorice as well. A great draw with lots of smoke. A flaky dark gray ash as well. I would call this a mild-medium bodied smoke.

1/3rd: A dominant cedar taste. Still a bit of the metallic taste as well. The retro-hale gives off a bit of leather and cedar.

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n..._2664Small.jpg

2/3rd: The ash fell just after taking the above pic. So I took this opportunity to purge. Some hay is present as is the cedar. There were also brief tastes of roasted meat. I have never tasted that before in a cigar. I hope the torcedor didn't leave the tip of his/her finger in there or anything!

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n..._2665Small.jpg

3/3rd: Lots of cedar! There is also some sweet tobacco as well. This has moved to a medium bodied smoke. It is starting to get a bit hot and some bitterness is creeping in. Some pepper as well.

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n..._2667Small.jpg

Overall impression: Not a bad smoke. It ain't pretty, but it smokes okay. Cedar was definitely the predominant flavor throughout the whole smoke. It had a lingering finish that was nice. I rate this at an 8.6. I might buy this smoke. Kind of on the fence on this one.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

What they smoked:

http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/w...yx/BTT2-03.jpg

1998 Fonseca Cosaco

Montano score: 7
Riff Raff score: 8.6

It was hard for me to even put these into this BTT, considering I don't have many left and how much I absolutely adore them... great morning sticks with a light coffee.

So is this the oldest habano you've smoked to date? What do you think now that it's identity is revealed?

We're moving right along here, it seems!

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

wow 1998 cigs.

great reviews!

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

Great thread!

I really enjoyed the first one so this one is a real treat...

'98s Dan?!?!?

:O

Your generosity is incredible!

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

Wow! A twelve year old habano? I am impressed Dan! Being a newb to CCs it could be my unrefined palate that hinders my true appreciation of the finer stogies. It was a good smoke, but honestly I wouldn't say it wowed me. Three CCs in a row! Holy cow! You are pulling out all the stops here! Each new smoke in this blind taste test is the highlight of my week!

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

Without a doubt the oldest CC I've had :)

Perhaps the age is why it appeared old and wrinkled :D

It was a decent smoke, just nothing to write home about. I would smoke it again.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

Montano - good choice for a bourbon, Buffalo Trace is enjoyable.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

Great thread guys, keep up the good work. This is the first thread I hit when I log on to the site.

Thanks again!

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

Bill's first review; driving, smoking and taking pics at the same time scared the daylights out of me. :eek:

Very generous selection of cigars Dan. :tu

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

LOVE THESE THREADS!!!!!

Dan, I tip my hat to you.... FINE JOB!

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

I'm ready to smoke #5, but I don't see the reviews for #4 yet :)

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

when is the next review?? *waiting*

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

That's because your counterpart is slackin'...

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

? Wow. I thought we were doing one a week. My Bad. I have smoked # 4 and written the review. It will be up tonight. Promise, cross my heart and all that junk.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

I'm only pickin' on ya. 1/week is what I was aiming for... more is ok, but one a week will make it stretch out a bit more :D

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

Okay, okay. #4 is up! Quit your bellyaching!:ss

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

Montano Cigar #4
**************

This cigar has some nice color to it. The wrapper has some rough edges on the cuts, seems to be from the veins. Pre-light draw was tight, and gave a basic tobacco flavor. The foot was also missing a small portion of the wrapper.

http://nickmontano.net/pics/unk41.jpg

Initial flavor was not much of anything. Light amounts of smoke coming from the tight draw. I stabbed it with my poker, and that helped a bit. The first 3rd burned very uneven, but started to fix itself as the cigar progressed.

http://nickmontano.net/pics/unk42.jpg

Not much changed as it moved to the second 3rd. Just a basic tobacco flavor, with minimal amounts of smoke. The burn was now even, and slow.

http://nickmontano.net/pics/unk43.jpg

The cigar finished up much the same way it started, not a whole lot of flavor. If I had to guess, which of course I am, I would say this is the first NC cigar of the bunch. It wasn't a bad smoke, but I would not seek out more of them.

http://nickmontano.net/pics/unk44.jpg

This was a mild smoke, and I would give it a 5.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

Riff Raff Cigar #4
**************

Okay. Almost halfway through this and here we have a real beauty of a cigar. Check this gem out:

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n..._2701Small.jpg

A gorgeous corojo wrapper that is nice and velvety! It has that nice redish brown and the pre-light draw is perfect with tastes of sweet tobacco and hay.

First light: Oh My! Nice tastes of coffee and chocolate with some sweet spice thrown in. I think I am in for a treat!

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n..._2702Small.jpg

1/3rd: Spice with some pepper. The burn is a bit uneven but nothing to complain about. There is a nice lingering finish. The retro-hale gives some nice woody and toasted coconut flavors. TONS of smoke from this perfect draw. The ash held for about 1.5 inches.

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n..._2703Small.jpg

2/3rd: The flavor has changed to a nice woody flavor. If I had to pin it down, I would (no pun intended) say deciduous, not evergreen. Oak. There is still some pepper and spice there as well. Retro-hale still has a toasty flavor. Very nice. The aroma this stogie gives off smells of chocolate a bit.

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n..._2704Small.jpg

3/3rd: Still a dominate oak flavor with some earthy overtones. The retro-hale gave off more of those toasted coconut flavors.

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n..._2705Small.jpg

I nubbed this little beauty and got plenty of cedar mixed in with the earthiness.

Overall: This was a damn fine cigar. Definitely medium-full bodied and LOTS of flavorful smoke. The draw was consistently perfect throughout. Would I buy this cigar? You're damn right I will. I loved this stick! Best one of the lot so far. I give it a 9.4!

That is all!

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

What they smoked:

http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/w...yx/BTT2-04.jpg

2007 Romeo y Julieta Corona

Montano score: 5
Riff Raff score: 9.4

Now I just think that Nick does not like habanos...

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

I would agree.

From Bill's review it sounds like an amazing smoke...

I wonder if Nick's was a little over-humidified.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...cons/dunno.gif

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

I don't think I need to worry about Nick buying up all the cc's. :r

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

lol. that is such a contrasting review. still excellent read.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

This stick definitely had that WOW factor for me! The RH in my humi is right about 62%. So the habanos really seem to like it I guess! I am starting to get what smoking CC's is all about! Me Like!!!!:dr

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2
 

Perhaps that's a good thing, since I probably couldn't afford them :D