Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

I've smoked one of these before and had a totally different experience. No draw issues however check this out...http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=34936. After seeing that hole appear all I could think was beetle and I believe it influenced my opinion of the cigar. After this BTT however, I would purchase these again, especially since Dan has never had draw issues.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Interesting thread. I look forward to the reviews and responses. :tu

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Will keep that in mind, thanks Dan

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

:sleep: Where we at, guys? :D

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Subbed :)

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Need some reading material :tf

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

I know, sorry - I'll get a couple done this week.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Ok, #3 is submitted. :tu

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Yaaaaaawwwwwnnnnnn.......

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Completely off topic... I just read your signature Samsquanch. FUNNY!!!

I looked for a clip, but couldn't fine one. Here is an excerpt, though. Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia is genious...

Charlie: All right, you're getting hung up on "can't", and I'm not saying that you can't. I'm saying that it is illegal.
Dennis: No, but it's not illegal.
Charlie: Says the guy who knows nothing about the law!
Dennis: I can absolutely keep a hummingbird as a pet, bro. It's no different than having a parrot or a parakeet. It's a bird, bro.
Charlie: You really can't, and I'm not saying I agree with it. It's just that bird law in this country—it's not governed by reason.
Dennis: There's no such thing as "bird law".
Charlie: Yes, there is.
Dennis: You know what? I'm going to get a hummingbird and I'll show you.
Charlie: Hummingbirds...hummingbirds are illegal tender!
Dennis: I'm going to get one.
Charlie: You cannot.
Dennis: To spite you, I'm going to get one.
Mac: Where are we with gulls?
Charlie: You can keep a gull as a pet, but you don't want to live with a seabird, okay, 'cause the noise level alone on those things...have you ever heard a gull up close? It's going to blast your eardrums out, dude.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

I just watched that episode on Monday. I love that show.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

jonumber1 Cigar #3
****************

Stuck at work, what better way to pass the time than smoke #3!

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1287230344


Initial thoughts
I guess by some peoples standards the looks of this stick would be considered flawed, but I really like it.
There are a few tiny flakes missing from the foot, little acne like bumps covering the stick, and a blotch of glue from where the band was removed.
There even is a blemish near the cap that looks like it was caused when a fingernail pried it from its resting place. Just looking at it seems to tell a story.
I can see in my head it being rolled, banded, and ripped from its home, only to be met with a fiery death. This stick has character to it.

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1287230344

First Third
The draw is perfect on this one, so I light it up. Initially I get a strong tobacco and mild caramel taste. A half inch in I get a creamy cedar taste.
The smoke is thick and creamy. I go to my nose and it burns. I am however now able to get ¾ to all of the smoke out through my nose.
A feat I thought near impossible a few weeks ago.


http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1287230344

Second Third
As I move into the second third the ash falls. I taste a little sweetness creeping in, but it is unidentifiable right now.
The cedar has really taken over, and I can taste it long after I put the cigar down. The smoke has remained thick and creamy, much to my liking.

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1287230344

Last Third
I start the last third off with a purge; I’m hoping this switches things up a bit. I’m still getting cedar now just behind an earthy musk.
As the Cedar mellows I’m starting to get a taste of some spice. The spice disappeared almost as soon as it showed up.
Getting closer to the nub; the flavor is 75% cedar, 25% earth.

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1287230344

Final thoughts
This stick toyed with me throughout the whole smoke. I felt like different flavors were about to creep in at any moment, but it just never happened.
The faint sweetness I got in the first two thirds, and the hint of spice in the last, were overpowered by the cedar and never really developed.
I would call this cigar one dimensional. Burn and draw were perfect right down to the nub.
In the end I enjoyed this cigar, but wasn’t knocked out by it.

Final score 7/10
Smoke time: 1 hr 42 min

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Samsquanch Cigar #3
******************

Sorry for the delay on #3, things have been a little busy and I've been away from the board for a while. The next reviews will be completed in a more timely manner.

On to the review, I have nothing but good things to say about #3. A great looking box pressed stick, about 5 inches and a 46 RG.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f8...3/a36a3ac5.jpg

Pre-light draw was great, already thinking this was going to be a winner.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f8...3/3721fd21.jpg

Lit her up and the first puff was beautiful. Lots of smoke, full of flavor with notes of chocolate and nuts.

In the above picture you can see my smoking situation, in a small, non-smoking city apartment I'm stuck with sitting by the window with a fan blowing outside. You can also see the accompanying treat, a Little Debbie Christmas tree, I love these things (a little too much).

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f8...3/e9ee186c.jpg

This baby stayed consistent throughout, with loads of beautiful white smoke, easy draw and tons of mild flavor. Lots of chocolate, nuts, and coffee. Man I am enjoying this one!

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f8...3/22d8c9b9.jpg

The draw was perfect throughout and the burn stayed nice and even with no touch ups needed.

Can't wait to know what this was, perhaps a ERDM? I enjoyed every puff and give it a whopping 10 out of 10. Loved it, thanks Dan!

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

What they smoked:

http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/w...myx/btt4-3.jpg

2009 Vegas Robaina Famoso

jonumberone score: 7

Samsquanch score: 10

Damn, Sam... you really liked this, eh?

These are great cigars... I've just recently been getting into robustos and picked a box of these up after having one gifted to me in the TAW. I didn't believe how good it was.

Glad you guys enjoyed this one!

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Good review guys I enjoy this one also-(P

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Great reviews! :tu

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Nice...these threads always make me want to go shopping :r

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

These reviews are awesome! I just had my first Famoso a few weeks ago and I was about as blown away as Samsquanch ... dang good cigar! No idea who old mine was or how that effects these.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Yeah I really enjoyed it. My next box will definitely be those, unless #4-10 change my mind!! :D

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Are we possibly going to see #4 this weekend? :D

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

I already submitted 4, 5, 6, and have #7 with me today :tu

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Rofl, way to pace yourself Dom ;)

:r:r

I guess you smoke a lot of cigars though, so I probably shouldn't be surprised that you're getting them done so quickly

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

I really enjoy reading this thread and all the reviews :tu

And props for pairing a VR with a Christmas tree snack cake :lr

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

That'll be up to Andrew. Dom's almost done with all of them already!

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Yikes, Dom is kicking my ass, I'll get #4 in this evening and get a few done this weekend.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

No need to hurry... just one a week. Dom is just a machine. :r

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Dom, I love that ashtray setup you got. Neat and portable. Who makes it?


This thread is making me want to try some of those sticks from the other island.... I may try that Vegas.... (Unless you have another rec, Dan?)

Until then, the NC's are treating me fine.



I forgot how fun these threads are to follow. Dan, you ever think of doing a "DBall's Vet Blind Taste Test"? (And, I am by no means a vet, so there's no ulterior motive here.) It could be neat to see if the veterans reviews would really pick up much more or differ that much from the "newbs."

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

I'm going to have to go online shopping tonight. They seem very good and I really like the robusto size.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

In fact, I have considered that. My only concern is that newbs know very little about habanos (meaning size/shape/etc). If I put a Partagas Charlotte in there, for instance, it'd probably be discovered as what it is before it was even lit.

Now that you got me thinking about it, I could do an abbreviated version with common sizes (Robusto/corona/etc).

That may be the 5th (and potentially final one... I think I need to pass the torch here soon :) ).

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

I think it would be cool to see a newb vs. a veteran...

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

That's a damned good idea as well!

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

That would be an awesome idea :tu it would be interesting to see how the newb's and vet's pallates differed

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

#7 delivered :tu

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

If you were to do something like this, Dan, I think you should probably make the variety of sticks as deep as the differences in palate might be. You may want to ask for some contributions, just to expand beyond the scope of your own humi (ie. bring on the 60rg NCs! :r). Seriously, though, this experiment begs to cover the gamut. :2

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

I really dig this idea. It would be so much fun to watch :tu

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

It would work best if you had CCs and NCs, and put in at least one of both in there that might easily be confused for the other, that way you'd keep the vet guessing:2

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

I really like this idea! :tu

I'm still a new smoker, no doubt. I have very little bias towards one Island/brand/style/wrapper/etc. and I have always wondered how deep the bias runs.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Deep! :cool:

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Umm, I just reread my last post. There are obviously more reasons why I would find this more interesting. I dint mean to sound like a snob.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Any updates yet?

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

lol, I didn't read it that way :sh

:tpd:

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

More off-topic banter, but anyone remeber the Fredster/Moki Blind review back in the CS days? I had just joined, or right after, wow what a thread, very heated but interesting on many levels.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Yeah, I remember that one. That was awesome! :banger

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Saw that before... it was a bad thing. The Fredster-Moki thing from CS days was a disaster


I mean, it was fun to read and all, but so many panties got bunched up.

No, if I do the vet/newb thing, it'll likely be all CCs (just basic/common vitolas) and not even for them to guess the cigar, just to share their thoughts on flavors in comparison to a newer member.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

jonumberone Cigar #4
******************

Beautiful day at work. Time for #4

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1288110701

This stick appears to be 5inches in length. It’s a nice coffee brown with a few veins, and a number of wrinkles.
As soon as I cut the wrapper splits at the cap. I dry boxed this for about a 5 days and wonder if it was too long.
The pre light draw is fine and I get grassy hay like taste.

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1288110839

First Third
After I light up I get a graham cracker taste. I smoke down about a half inch and go to my nose.
The burn in my nose is mild and I get an earthy musk.
The next draw after my nose, I get a coffee and cocoa taste.

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1288110887

Second Third
The second third has given me a little cedar and a lot more burn in the nose.
The coffee and cocoa are gone and I get a woodsy taste.
It sort of reminds me of burning oak leaves.
I don’t know if it’s the nicotine but I’m starting to get a slight headache.

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1288406410

Final Third
I start with a purge and immediately go to my nose.
My first taste is of strong hay. It is far clearer than the hay I got in the pre light draw and not as sweet.
The further I smoke I get more and more of woodsy flavors.
I actually think I just got burning pine needles.
This last third has also seen the burn go awry with numerous relights and touch ups.

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1288110938

Final Thoughts
In the end this stick didn’t do much for me. I seem to be getting a lot of cedar in these sticks and I don’t think it’s something that fits into my flavor profile.
I also don’t seem to be getting the richness and body I prefer from them.
This is where I feel this last smoke was lacking the most.
The grassy hay like flavors was something new to me and I think it was the best part of this smoke.

Final score 6/10
Smoke time 1hr 28min

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Samsquanch Cigar #4
******************

Another beautiful fall day in Seattle, smoked #4 outside on the stoop talking with a good friend who had just returned from a month in Costa Rica with a glass of Basil Hayden (and a bottle of water to clear the palette). Needless to say, it was a nice evening.

Numero 4 was a box pressed, 48 ring gauge and 5.5 inches long. She looked nice from afar but I noticed several blotches up close.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f8...3/828df94b.jpg

I lit her up and was instantly hit with a sweet taste and a strong nutty flavor. I was enjoying the first few puffs but then disaster hit. The wrapper was coming apart near the head. It seemed weird to me that there was no binder leaf underneath the wrapper? I thought cigars were rolled first with a binder leaf than an outer wrapper?

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f8...3/809819fe.jpg

No binder leaf underneath meant that lots of air was getting in that way, which in turn meant not a lot of smoke. I worked at trying to keep the wrapper closed and getting more smoke but unfortunately this soured what may have been a decent smoke.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f8...3/b32b618d.jpg

I did enjoy the beginning of the smoke but near the end it did seem to pick up a bit of harshness, maybe because I was puffing so hard trying to get a decent amount of smoke into my mouth? I am going to have to pick up another one of these once I know what it was because I did enjoy the first third until the wrapper came loose.

Overall 5/10 due to construction problems (possibly user error) and harshness near the end. For the first third I would rate a much higher 7 or 8/10.

Thanks again Dan for a fun time!!

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Yes, I remember that and I still am looking for some Cabaiguan WD 120's.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

What they smoked:

http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/w...myx/btt4-4.jpg

1999 Punch Corona

jonumberone score: 6

Samsquanch score: 5

Wow... I've never had a punch corona with those problems... out of this box or any other. I absolutely love these things and would stomp a baby to get my hands on more of these boxes (or better yet, the 98's) at the price they were going for in late 08.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Great reviews! Those do look good.

Im pretty sure stomping babies is outlawed in at least 32 states, though. Be Careful ;)

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

BTW, love these threads Dan, thanks for all the fun.

Reading the thread again over on pvff right now (I hate to login in there, and don't post, but old threads like this I have to much nostalgia for to not look back at occasionally).

I think there's little chance a similar blind review here would devolve like it did there. :2

Lastly, I am smoking a Taboada tonight :r Got a hankerin' reading the thread again.