Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

Ooh good one! I love the Anejos, they remind me of winter time :) Which size btw?

I love this thread! Keep it up guys!

aj

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

46. :d

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

X 2

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

Me too! This thread ROCKS!:banger

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

Thanks guys!


Maybe I'll do another one after this. :)

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

Will I still qualify as a newb that is eligible for BTT's at that point? :dr

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

I better learn to refine my taste bugs.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

#7's in :)

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

Yay!!! :D

aj

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

BTT 8's in. This one's interesting as hell.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

Kelly is slippin'... Brad finished 7 and 8 already. :)

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

Weathers been like crap here in NC this weekend and I'm on my way to Atlanta for the next few days. I'll try to get 7 in this week at some point.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

Just picking on ya, man... :)

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

Okay. I gotta bump cuz I am jonesing for and update! lol I am addicted to this thread! It is kind of like waiting for the new season of your favorite TV show, or the sequel to the great book you just finished! :)

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

X2 :tu

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

Review #7 is in!!! :banger

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

Slavac Cigar #7
*************

Cigar: Mystery Cigar 7
Setting: Back deck on a 45 deg night.
Drink: Fullers ESB

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...kid/002-28.jpg

Initial Impressions: The cigar is well constructed and the wrapper feels smooth. There are very few visible veins, though cigar feels a bit spongy to the touch.

Cut and pre-light draw: Cut easily using my Xixar multi-tool. Draw was light/medium and smoothe. It was very windy out, so the pictures are likely not indicative of the true burn line of the cigar.

Draw after lighting: Remained smooth, not too loose with no plugs developing.

First Third: After just a few puffs I could only conclude that this cigar is a CC. It has the normal CC taste I've come to learn. There is just a touch of pepper on the tongue.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...kid/010-18.jpg
1/3

Second Third: Flavor remained the same. not anything to write home about, but still lovely.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...kid/011-19.jpg
2/3 with the new outdoor heater Amy got us.

Third Third: No flavor change with this cigar at all. Developed a bit of tar flavor toward the end of 2/3 which remained throughout.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...kid/012-19.jpg

Final Impressions: While this cigar was good, it never knocked my socks off.
Would I buy again: Perhaps, depending on price point.
Would I smoke again: Possibly.
Overall Rating With 10 the highest possible and 0 the baseline: 8.0

Final Thoughts: I'm interested in seeing what this one is.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...kid/015-14.jpg

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

Flat4boxer Cigar #7
****************

Cigar #7 is a light brown cigar with almost white veins running through it. Good construction but does not feel as tightly wrapped as the other stick we've tried up to this point.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...lrs2/Unk7a.jpg

Pre-light

The draw is medium upon clipping the end.

Light

Plenty of smoke. The draw is perfect allowing good amounts of flavorful smoke to enter my mouth. It has a medium body and good flavor.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...lrs2/Unk7b.jpg

1/3rd

Flakey gray ash forms, burn is even despite it being breezy out today. While smoking I keep thinking "I must have more" and have to force myself to slow down. The flavor is awsome. No touch ups are needed.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...lrs2/Unk7c.jpg

2/3rd

DO WANT!!! Flavor bomb!! Not sure how to describe it. Mellow, leathery, smooth and creamy. If it were a woman, I would ask it for a date. If it were a food product it would be bacon. Bacon wrapped in bacon and served with bacon. If it were a Monty Python song it would be "Spam" Yummy!!

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...lrs2/Unk7d.jpg

3/3rd

"Lord, hear my prayer" "Blessed be DBall for the greatness he has bestowed upon me this day" "Bless him that his music reaches the top of the Billboard Charts and that he has throngs of rabid female fans beating down his door"

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...lrs2/Unk7e.jpg

Yes, I nubbed it. I nubbed it like no other before it. Best cigar I've had since taking up cigars. Better than my previous favorite, RYJ No. 3 but very similar IMO.

Please let this be a NC so I have free access to it.

Overall I give this stick a 9.6/10 It lost 4/10ths because it went out and burned my lips in the process.

I would def. recommend this stick and I will buy a box upon discovery of what it is.

Thanks for reading.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

What they smoked:

http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/w...hotomyx/07.jpg

1999 Saint Luis Rey Serie A

Slavac score: 8.0
Flat4boxer score: 9.6

Kelly... thanks for the kind words, but I'm certain my wife would have an issue with throngs of rabid females beating down my anything. ;)

These were, at a time, almost too easy to find... now, though, not so much.

Also... these, like every other set of sticks in this, came from the same box and were side by side... interesting to see the disparity in ratings... what was the temp like for you, Kelly? Freezing while smoking always makes my cigars less enjoyable. :D

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

It was about 65 with a slight breez. :ss

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

Awesome review! Could it be the inconsistencies that caused the difference in reviews? When the smokes have been good, Slavac and Flat4boxer have been pretty close on the ratings.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

Wow awesome one guys! I see more variation from stick to stick in CCs than NCs, but it sounds like both were at least 'pretty good,' with one being outstanding.

Ahh I love this thread!!!

(insert cute kitten picture I don't feel like posting for the x000th time lol)

aj

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

Those are good!!!!!!!!!1

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

Notice the color of the ash... Dark Gray?

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

What a great thread this is. I love it. :)

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

Brad finished 8 last week... waiting on Kelly for that review, then the final 2.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

Hey kelly!

great reviews, the pic styles look VERY familair as does the web site on your notebook. Recognized it right away!!

Tim L.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

Bump to keep this moving along. :tu

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

Can't wait for the next one to be posted so I can figure out what the heck I smoked!

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

Review #8 sent to Daniel!!! :tu

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/8...6639955zj8.jpg

I was tired of using the kitten :ss

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

Slavac Cigar #8
*************

Cigar: Mystery Cigar 8
Setting: Back deck on a 60 deg afternoon. Amazing weather for a cigar.
Drink: Nada

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...kid/004-25.jpg

Initial Impressions: Cigar looks very well wrapped and constructed with a slight 'pigtail' on the end.

Cut and pre-light draw:
Cut easily using my xixar multi-tool. Draw is medium and what I would consider 'ideal'. No plugging evident.

Lit easily using my tri-torch.

Draw after lighting: Remained ideal.

First Third: Draw was smoothe, and flavor was heavenly. There was notes of pine, the occasional sweet hint and love. The flavor profile didn't change throughout the cigar which makes for a boring review, but a lovely damn smoke.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...kid/012-20.jpg
^Playing with different angles.

Second Third: Developed some very weird cigar issues. The burn started freaking out and retreating rapidly to reveal an almost perfect hole in my cigar. Any idea what the hell this is anyone?

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...kid/016-13.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...kid/017-12.jpg

Third Third: Smoke volume diminished to almost nil after the hole appeared. That said, the flavor remained amazing and the volume of smoke picked up toward the end of 3/3 with a bit of tar buildup despite purging.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...akid/023-8.jpg

Final Impressions: Even with the funky burn, this was one of the best cigars I've had in a long wile.
Would I buy again: Absolutely.
Would I smoke again: In a heartbeat.
Overall Rating With 10 the highest possible and 0 the baseline: 9.25

Final Thoughts: I'd like to see what the burn was all about. If anyone has any ideas, lemmie know.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

Flat4boxer Cigar #8
****************

Review Cigar #8 is a chocolate colored stick that is well constructed. It is firm stick with nice veins running throughout.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...lrs2/Unk8a.jpg

Pre-Light draw is very tight.

Light

Firm draw allows plenty of smoke. It has a nice flavor to it with very little spice noticiable.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...rs2/Unk8aa.jpg

1/3rd

Burn is even with dark gray ash forming. Full flavor and full body smoke pleases the palet. Nice mellow stick for me, very enjoyable.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...lrs2/Unk8b.jpg

2/3rd

Firm draw continues but it is still very good. Burn continues to be very even, no touch ups needed. Ash is holding tight. (right then it fell in my lap)

Hints of leather come through but very mild.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...lrs2/Unk8c.jpg

3/3rd

The firm draw is making my cheeks hurt and tingle a bit. The cigar is good enough for me to put up with but it is a drawback to smoking this cigar. Too much like work instead of enjoyment at this point. The flavor has not changed too much throughout it's length.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...lrs2/Unk8d.jpg

Overall I'd give this cigar a 9 out of 10 It lost points due to the draw issues.

Recommend = Yes
Buy = Yes (unless this is another cruel CC temptation put upon me by Daniel)

Thanks for reading

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

What they smoked:

http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/w...hotomyx/08.jpg

1999 Vegueros Especiale #2

Slavac score: 9.25
Flat4boxer score: 9.0

No idea about the funky burn Brad...

OK... you guys are in the home stretch. Only 2 cigars left. Hopefully we'll get em done before the holidays so I might be able to start round 2 of this :D

This is a ton of fun so far, though.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

That was a damn good stick. I was given several which have been resting in my humi. Going to tear into them with gusto soon :D

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

I need to know how to become one of these "selected n00bs" it looks like they are smoking some incredible sticks!

I'm n00b enough not to know if that's a cuban based from the name... is it?

Can't wait for the last 2! I want to try some of these sticks!

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

Yes, the last was was cuban... from 1999.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

Great review guys! This thread is the pinnacle of my week! I can't get enough. Sorry it has to come to and end with the next stick. But then there is always the next round! Great job all and Thanks Dan for a great thread!

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

Awesome thread guys! Just opened and read it all the way through! Good reviews! Very generous of DBall for hosting it!

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

Bump... :tu

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

Slackers :fu2

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

:tpd:;)

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

#9's in. Jerks.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

You guys know how to have fun !! Great pics too.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

:tg
:D

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

#9 Submitted also :ss

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

Slavac Cigar #9
*************

Cigar: Mystery Cigar 9
Setting: Back deck on a 50 deg night.
Drink: Nada

Initial Impressions: Cigar is dark with a flawless construction and an oily appearance.

Cut and pre-light draw:
Cut easily using my xixar multi-tool. Draw is medium and what I would consider 'ideal'. No plugging evident.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...kid/003-31.jpg

Lit easily using my tri-torch.

Draw after lighting: Remained smoothe throughout.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...kid/011-22.jpg
^1/3. Ph34r the ash.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...kid/012-22.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...kid/016-15.jpg
^Xixar punch tool? Heh, it works.

Overall Impressions:
My phone chucked my notes, so there's no by the third review.
The burn remained constant throughout, though the first ash was very funky (think graboids).
The flavor remained smoothe and lovely from start to finish. Frequent purging kept any tar flavor away which made this hour long smoke a joy.
Construction held solid throughout as well.
All in all this was a premium cigar in my books.

Final Impressions: Brilliant cigar. Consistant throughout and downright lovely.
Would I buy again: Depending on price point, absolutely.
Would I smoke again: Yup!
Overall Rating With 10 the highest possible and 0 the baseline: 9.4

Final Thoughts: This was one of the best cigars I've had in a very long time. Don't hesitate to give one of these a try.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...kid/017-14.jpg
^Wraiith helped in the making of this review.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

Flat4boxer Cigar #9
****************

Cigar #9 is a well constructed, firm, chocolate brown stick.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...lrs2/Unk9a.jpg

Pre-light draw is free flowing

Light

Good volume of spicey smoke fills my mouth as I puff it up for the first time. I can tell right away this is going to be different.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...lrs2/Unk9b.jpg

1/3rd

The full flavor and full bodiedness of this smoke is very strong to me. The light draw almost overwhelms my tastebuds with spice. The full flavor continues as a light colored ash forms two inches long. This seems to be a fast burning cigar.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...lrs2/Unk9c.jpg

2/3rd

Spice seems to mellow at this point. That, or my taste buds have been reduced to useless fragments of their former condition. More flavors are coming through but they are very complex. The even burn continues at a quick rate. No touch ups have been needed.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...lrs2/Unk9d.jpg

3/3rd

This realy is a powerhouse of a cigar. Very complex smoke makes it enjoyable, even though overwhelming spice is something I like to avoid in a cigar. I have to give it high marks even though is it something I probably would not spend money on because of my preference in a cigar.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...lrs2/Unk9e.jpg

Overall I give this cigar a 8.9/10
Buy = No for reasons stated above
Recommend = YES, this stick will be a winner in many aficionados' book.

Thanks for reading

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

What they smoked:

http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/w...hotomyx/09.jpg

La Aurora 1495

Slavac score: 9.4
Flat4boxer score: 8.9

I used to love these things when I first started smoking cigars. Actually, these are what initially got me into cigars. The flavors were great... ahh... those were the days. I tried one recently and just couldn't really get into it.... so strange how much the palate changes over time.

Oh well, only one cigar left and then I may need to start up round 2. May not do as many cigars next time, though... I'm not sure.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread
 

Continue to love this thread.

Fine job!