Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Package received. #6 will be burned tonight.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Love this thread!

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Numbers 7 and 8 delivered. :banger

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Hey Dan, I'm a noob!

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

jonumberone Cigar #7
******************

Time for #7

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1288988657

Initial Thoughts
This stick is the baby of the lot that Dan sent. It is about 4 inches long. It has a nice brown wrapper with almost no veins.
Pre-light draw is perfect and I get nice sweet tobacco taste. I considered breaking this into 2 halves instead of thirds since it’s so small, but I decide to stick to thirds.
These are Dan’s sticks and I don’t want to change the format

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1288988657

First Third
The initial taste is sweet. I go to my nose and get zero burn. It makes the cigar seem fuller in flavor.
About a half inch in I get a caramel note. This stick has a little bite to it and I can feel a pinch on the back of my tongue.
Very nice coffee flavors coming out. Digging this so far!

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1288988657

Second Third
It feels like I just fired this bad boy up. The ash is getting these white dots all over it. It seems a little weird. It reminds me of bad acne.
The flavor is full force coffee right now and the smoke is rich and creamy. The burn has gotten a little out of whack but nothing to serious.
I don’t understand what happened but the wrapper literally exploded when I touched it up. It was like someone put a load in it.
It was smooth sailing up to this point and now the stick is extremely bitter

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1288988657

Final Third
The whole experience is taking a turn here. The smoke is completely flat with only bitterness now.
The wrapper is not burning with the rest of the stick and is coming off in chunks.
I wonder if that’s the issue with the flavor. The stick keeps expanding and the wrapper keeps tearing with every pull.
The burn is completely awry now and I think this stick has run its course.

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1288988657

Final Thoughts
I think I will call this stick “Vanilla Ice” because much like his career, it was over before it started and crashed right into the ground.
I never had a cigar blow up like that in the middle. If that happens to me it’s always from the start. Up to that point I was really enjoying the stick.
The creamy coffee flavors and size made me think this would be awesome on the ride in to work.
I would love to try another that doesn’t blow up on me.

Final Score 5.5/10
Smoke time 49min

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

CRIMPS Cigar #7
*************

Cigar Review #7

I received The package in the mail on Friday night, but needed to wait until the following night before I reached for the lighter. I was sitting in a real estate conference for 10 hours today, trying to further my career. I couldn't help but think about the cigar I had all but drooled on the night before. Thanks to this thread, my dream of a real estate empire will probably never come to fruition.

Pre-light. Cigar # 7 looks to be a 4” x 42rg sized stick. The wrapper has some veins, but more noticeable are the light tan and brown splotches. Putting the stick up to my eye, I notice just a little crystallization. The smell is splendid: light, sweet tobacco with just a hint of... frosted flakes. I taste nuts and black pepper. The pepper and spice is not dominant, more mild than anything. Just a little
http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/...1-22210351.jpg

First third. Wow, creamy coffee flavor has made its grand entrance. Fantastic! Just a hint of spice still, at the back of the tongue. The draw is still a little tight, but manageable. About an inch in and the ash is still holding strong. I don't think there is as much as a flake in the ashtray.
http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/...1-22221829.jpg

Second third. I don't know if its because the wrapper slightly split at the cap when I cut it (a product of a crappy cutter methinks) or due to the tightness of the draw, but the smoke seems to have thinned and blued. The flavor profile hasn't really changed much. I am still really enjoying the coffee.
http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/...1-22223050.jpg

Last third. The spice has diminished to barely noticeable now. I notice just a little nicotine high, but just a little. Nothing overpowering. I wait for the ash to fall again to purge the cigar as I keep thinking smoke is thin. This seems to help. The wrapper is starting to split almost all the way to the cap, but holding together by a single vein.
http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/...1-22225523.jpg

Final Thoughts. A full flavored, medium bodied stick. The flavors were rather consistent and enjoyable throughout. I had a few problems with the wrapper cracking, but never did it unravel. I really enjoyed this stick and would definitely smoke this again if given the opportunity. Total smoke time was around an hour.

Rating: 8/10

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

What they smoked:

http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/w...myx/btt4-7.jpg

2008 Diplomatico #5

jonumberone score: 5.5

CRIMPS score: 8

First off, let me take a moment to, again, thank CRIMPS for stepping up and helping us get through this... much appreciated!

As for these, I dig em... looks like Dom doesn't. :)

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

I remember this stick well, and I remember loving it to start off.
The stick really exploded on me and I just remember ashes and wrapper chunks falling everywhere.
I am sure I have another of these ;)
and am really interested in seeing if the flavor lasts the whole way through.
I may review the other one just for fun :D

Thanks again to Dan :banger

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Excellent reviews guys! Looking forward to seeing the rest of these finished and posted up :tu

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

It lives! :tu

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Great reviews. Glad to see this back up and running.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

I'm so glad this is back on track, I really enjoy reading these reviews.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

#9 is on fire as we speak :tu

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

This is a great thread guys, thanks for posting all these reviews

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

#10 after breakfast :banger

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

#10? You never sent number 9! :D

Which reminds me, I need to put up #8... life's been busy, but a very good kind of busy.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

It's all done just need to upload the pics. :tu

you should have both within the hour :banger

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

#9 will be put to the flame either tonight or tomorrow night. Looking forward to seeing #8 :tu

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

#9 sent. :tu

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

I just found and read through this thread. Really great stuff! :tu

Great reviews guys, been a joy to read. Look forward to the rest of them.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

jonumberone Cigar #8
******************

With all this snow on its way, and trucks backed up onto the street, I’ve resigned myself to being stuck at work for a very long time tonight.
Going to try and make it easier by smoking #8.

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1294844724

Initial Thoughts.

I pull out my handy ring gauge guide sent to me by Triple F, and find the stick is 5 X 42.
The wrapper is a silky coffee brown with few veins.
I squeeze from cap to foot and find a rock solid spot about where the band would be.
This doesn’t seem to affect the draw at all.
The pre-light draw is sweet, with a hint of anise that leaves a tickle on the tip of my tongue.

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1294844724

First Third

I light up and find the first few puffs to be very muddy and musky. I attempt to go to my nose and am shocked at how much burn I get right off the bat.
About an inch in and I’m still finding the flavors to be muddled.
There is nothing distinct and nothing too stellar yet.
This stick is burning really fast as well, not 20 min in and I’m about to move into the second third.

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1294844724

Second Third

I start of this part with a purge, trying to move this stick into some sort of direction other than the path it’s on.
I let it sit for a few minutes and I am getting a bit of earth and leather.
A bit into it and my friend cedar rears its head.
As soon as those flavors started to pop out a bit, they recessed back into this mish mash of blah.

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1294844724

Last Third

There really isn’t much new here to report except that the flavors seem a bit more toasted in this final third.
Going to my nose is unbearable and I can't find a reason to continue down to the nub.

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1294844724

Final thoughts

I'm going to call this stick "$7.99 Buffet".
It was a bit like heaping mounds of cheap food onto a plate, none of it any good, and coming back to the table with a pile of food and flavors.
I would have to say that these are not ready yet, but unlike the PLPC Dan sent in review #1 I have no interest in seeing where these go from here.
This stick was just Blah!

Final Score
4.5/10
Smoke time 1hr 3min

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

CRIMPS Cigar #8
**************

http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/...1-25224651.jpg
Cigar #8 looks to be about a 5” stick with a 42 or 45 ring gauge.

Pre-light. The wrapper has some noticeable, raised veins. The foot starts dark brown and as you move towards the cap, lightens up to a nice peanut butter tan. I also notice just a little oily sheen... just a little. The smell is a stronger nutty smell. Cutting the cap, the wrapper seems very thin, taking very little force to cut. I take a draw and taste nothing more than some straw.
http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/...1-25225500.jpg

First third. As I toast the foot, I waft a little smoke and can smell a creamy, toast smell. I like it. The first puff is incredibly smooth... cuban cigar smooth. I taste some hazelnut coffee. I love it. I take a few more pulls to fully light the foot. I suddenly hear the wrapper crack. Sure enough, about an inch of the wrapper shows a crack. As I pull on the cigar, the crack continues to grow. I can still pull on it without completely loosing the suction, so I ignore this. This isn't going to stop my experience tonight.
http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/...1-25230721.jpg

Second third. The wrapper looks like it was wrapped around a bottle rocket that exploded. As the cigar warms up, it starts to expand it would seem. You would think I was smoking an ice cream cone. Cookies and creme, maybe.

The flavor profile is gaining some complexity, tasting a slightly burnt toast and coffee. I taste it on the back of the tongue. Still smooth and creamy. I am really enjoying this.
http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/...1-25231808.jpg

Last third. I go to the nose and this really confirms the burnt hazelnut smell. Just a little zing, but worth it. The cigar continues to burn straight. The flavors continue, but the burnt hazelnut has picked up. In fact, the burnt flavor has overpowered any coffee or nut taste at this point, which I don't mind. Very little spice. If anything, pulling on the cigar 3 or 4 times leaves the tongue almost numb for a minute.
http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/...1-25235940.jpg

Final Thoughts. A full flavored, medium bodied stick. The flavors changed from a very creamy hazelnut to a burnt straw. The wrapper blowing up was interesting. Honestly, though, this didn't really affect the smoking experience, which I was worried about. I fell in love at the beginning, but the love affair faded at the end (she had kids).

I give this cigar a 7. I would definitely smoke these again.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

What they smoked:

http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/w...myx/btt4-8.jpg

2010 Romeo y Julieta Coronitas en Cedro

jonumberone score: 4.5

CRIMPS score: 7

I had high hopes for these when I bought them... I really like RyJ's. These don't do it for me.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Give 'em 10 years, then see how you feel and report back. :tu
If you don't like them then, you know what to do. :D:tu:r

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

10 years is a long time to wait to see if they come around.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

This made me laugh, in a good way not a 'laugh at you' kind of way Bobby. So true in one sense, and yet in another reality not so true.

In one sense, do we really need all these cigars? Outsiders would not understand, "Why do you have so many cigars???" But in our reality it makes some kind of sense.

I personally see aging in a similar way. Does it make sense to sit a box of cigars aside for ten years waiting for them to come around? Well to me it does. :D But seriously the 10 years was slight hyperbole. I will say though that I've yet to have a 10+ year old RyJ disappoint, whereas fresh they do so regularly. :2

:r That's one reason they call this place the asylum.

TL/DR or 'Nutshell' version: RyJ's often need some down time, don't always judge them fresh, down the road they will rarely disappoint if you like RyJ's at all.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

I'm spoiled because I got a box of 07 RyJ Coronas that were INCREDIBLE... I thought all fresh RyJ's would be like that. Pretty sad when I smoked these.

Oh well, there's only about 1 or 2 left in that box... it won't last 10 years... :)

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

jonumberone Cigar #9
******************

It’s frigid out with freezing rain, I couldn’t think of a better time to light #9

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1296772223

Initial Thoughts
Stick 9 has a nice light brown color to it. I don’t have my ring gauge guide so best guess is 5.5 X 46.
The wrapper has a little tooth to it and some well defined veins.
I squeeze and find a hard spot right at the foot.
Pre- light draw is perfect and the flavor is very grassy.

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1296772223

First Third
Right from the word go I get a very distinct and defined flavor, however I can’t put my finger on what it is yet.
An attempt at my nose produces some burn and doesn’t do much to help me describe what I taste.
I am finding it to be woodsy; I am also getting a tart like flavor that brings apple to mind.

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1296772223

Second Third
As I smoke more some cocoa notes are starting to come through. The woodsy flavor has mellowed but the tartness persists.
I am noticing that the ash isn’t holding well. It keeps falling off every ¼ inch or so.
The cocoa is gone and it is replaced by some cedar.

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1296772223

Final Third
At the start of the last part I go to my nose and feel a lot of burn.
Immediately after, I start to get some cinnamon.
The odd tartness is still present. Is this the Cuban twang I’ve heard about?
The wood and cedar flavors are meshing nicely and the cinnamon adds a nice touch of spice.

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1296772223

Final thoughts
I think I will call this one “apple pie covered in chocolate, baked on a cedar plank in the woods”.
For me this smoke had an odd combination of flavors that somehow worked well. The stick seemed to be all over the place, yet right where it belonged.
Burn and draw were flawless, and I had 4 relights all in the final third, that kind of soured the experience.
I wanted to nub it, but keeping it lit was becoming a hassle.

Final score 8/10
Smoke time 1hr 46min

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

CRIMPS Cigar #9
**************

Prelight
Looks to be a 6” x ~50rg stick. The initial smell is a very light hay. I cut the cap and the pull is a little tight, but definitely workable. The wrapper has some raised veins with a relatively smooth wrapper, just a little tooth. The construction looks tight.

http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/...2-04130010.jpg

First 3rd
I taste a dark chocolate, which fades quickly after I expel the smoke. There is a little spice at the tip of the tongue, but this fades quickly as well. The aftertaste remains very earthy. The flavors spike, but this all seems like it fades quickly. Lots of smoke, initial smoke is slightly yellowed, but transitions quickly to a blueish smoke. The wrapper starts to split again. Nothing serious.

http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/...2-04130118.jpg

Second 3rd
It seems like this cigar has calmed some. I still have some dark chocolate and earth, but the flavors don't fade as fast. I take two long pulls to stoke the stick back to life. I get a lot of creamy oil on my tongue (that's what she said). There is very little sweetness to this cigar. Instead, I taste a lot of tanginess. I don't mind this.

http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/...2-04140456.jpg

Last 3rd
I am drinking iced tea, with some lemon, to clear my palate some. My next few puffs I notice an increase in wood flavor and my brow reports some chili powder spice. The aftertaste still has some dark chocolate. Again, no sweetness exists that I can pick up. The burn is still consistent and the draw is still tight and hasn't loosened any since I started the cigar.

http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/...2-04145352.jpg

Overall thoughts
This cigar produced a lot of oil. I could taste the oils long after I finished the cigar, including the chili powder. Unique. I have smoked a number of “spicy” cigars. To me, this was completely different. I didn't taste black pepper at all.

The cigar was medium bodied and medium-full flavored. Total smoke time was 1 hour and 10 minutes. I would smoke this cigar again, but this wasn't my favorite.

Rating: 7/10

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

What they smoked:

http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/w...myx/btt4-9.jpg

2000 Rafael Gonzalez Corona Extra

jonumberone score: 8

CRIMPS score: 7

I lit one of these up a week or 2 ago and got the great taste of light, freshly milled black pepper... not the painful peppery-ness of an NC, but a wonderful and light primary flavor. Lots of floral and sweet as the cigar went on to the final half. I passed it around and the sentiment was mirrored... without me even saying anything (as I didn't want to ruin it with the power of suggestion). Makes me wish I didn't give so many of these away and that I had many, many more left.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

...only 1 cigar left in this the fourth, and final, Newb Blind Taste Test! :banger

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Booooo ;)

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Sad :(

I love reading these things. Participating has been a blast.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Fact is, one guy didn't finish the first one because he got banned for screwing people over and someone bailed out midway through this one here. That's kinda daunting. I'm pondering one more, but leaning on the 'not gonna happen' side of the fence at this point.

Maybe I'll pick it back up at some later date... hahaha... perhaps this is just a needed break. :D

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

That's sad to hear. Hopefully, you continue it on someday. It's been a joy to read.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Maybe a not-so-new blind taste? Get some people that are a little more established here? Personally I'm more interested in the reviews than just a newbie's opinion.

No matter what you choose, they've been great and you're very generous!

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

+1
I have really enjoyed reading all these reviews

thank you for the time effort and generosity you have put into making this a very good thread.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Dennis, just tell Dan how you really feel... Dan, Dennis wants to be the next person to do the blind tasting!! :D:D

I really enjoy reading this, and maybe I'll pick this up if you stop, Dan. But thanks for the good reads.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Ha! I don't have enough time nor very good writing skills. I just like reading them.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

That would be awesome, Huy! I would love to be able to host this, someday. Someday...

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Why don't you all check out the Blind Taste Test thread on here?

There are a lot of reviews and that thread can always use more!!

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Dan, you've been awesome hosting these four taste tests. That's 80 cigars out of your own collection you've shipped, that's amazing! Thanks again for the opportunity and sorry again for being so lame with it. You're the man!

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Review of #10 inbound shortly :tu

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Looking forward to seeing #10!

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

What about us active newbs that havn't bailed. Its a shame to see your generosity get stompled.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

#10 delivered. Bittersweet feeling. :)

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

jonumberone Cigar #10
*******************

Last day before I leave on Vacation, time to wrap this up and polish off #10

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1296772905

Initial Thoughts
Again I am without my ring gauge guide, but my best guess is 6X40.
The size reminds me of a #2 pencil. The stick has a smooth wrapper with few Veins.
Quick squeeze from head to foot and I don’t find anything out of the ordinary.
The stick has a mild aroma. I cut the cap and find the pre light draw to be perfect.
The flavors before I light remind me of unsweetened tea .

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1296772905

First Third
Right off the bat I am finding this smoke to be very mild. The prominent flavor is tea.
I go to my nose and get a lot more burn than I was expecting.
The stick has a lingering aftertaste that is pinching the sides of my tongue.

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1296772905

Second Third
The flavor has gotten very nutty. The pinch in the side of my tongue has spread to the roof of my mouth and the back of my throat.
This stick is getting stronger as I go.
A bit further down and I get a woodsy taste.
I try my nose and through the burn I get graham cracker.

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1296772905

Final third
The stick is really gaining momentum with every puff. In this last third it has made a move towards bitter.
I try a purge and it helps for a puff or two.
I’m letting it rest between puffs but it does little to improve the taste.
The only discernable flavor at this point is cedar. Almost to the nub and my mouth is burning just as much as my nose.

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1296772905

Final thoughts
I have to say this was the most surprising of the sticks that Dan sent.
I really thought when I started that the smoke was going to leave me wanting more.
Instead it gradually increased to an ass whoopin’.
I am a little bummed about the final third not delivering in the flavor department, but I imagine this will be remedied with some time.
I also was surprised by how much I liked the size. This is a small cigar compared to what I usually smoke.
Since I started this my preference in size has been shrinking.
Burn was perfect with no relights.

Final score 7.5/10
Smoke time 1hr 10 min

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

CRIMPS Cigar #10
**************


http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/...2-16193951.jpg

This stick looks to be about 6x38 lancero or petite corona. The cigar has just a little bit of a bend to it (possibly due to shipping?). While the kid in me wants to bend the cigar back to straight, I fight the urge as to not destroy the cigar altogether. The bend is obviously not hurting anything and adds some character I think.

Pre-light

Putting my nose to the wrapper, I get a very faint smell of hay, but not much else. The wrapper has some tooth and raised veins. The construction seems to be solid. I cut the cap with ease. I take a draw, again getting just a little hay and not much else. The draw is a little tight, but manageable.

http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/...2-16194021.jpg

First Third

I put the flame to the foot. My initial taste is very grassy. A few puffs later and the cigar seems to wake up. I get some spice and a shot of chocolate. Very dry. After a few more puffs it seems the spice turns into more of a cinnamon, something i am not used to, but am enjoying. The cigar produces adequate smoke, but I expect maybe a little more smoke with how fast the cigar seems to be smoking.

http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/...2-16201703.jpg

Second Third

Unfortunately, the cinnamon is already fading and has been exchanged with an earthiness. The chocolate is no longer noticeable either. For my palate, this is rather common, though. The cinnamon has transitioned back into a dull spice. I take a full puff and wait for a solid minute or so to focus on the aftertaste. Mostly, i just get earth and spice, but this fades and there is very little to report. The cigar is smoking straight and the ash seems to hold for over an inch, which I am impressed with due to the ring gauge of the cigar.

http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/...2-16204538.jpg

Last Third

Not much has changed. I still taste earth and spice. I miss the cinnamon, I was really digging that. The earthiness seems to be a little overwhelming and almost sour. This just isn’t doing it for me. I think if this had been any other cigar, I would have probably let her go and either light something else up or call it a night. However, as one of the last of DBall’s Legion of Newb Blind Taste Testers, it is my duty to see this cigar burn to the end. I finish the cigar after smoking for about 50 minutes or so.

http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/...2-17202743.jpg

Final Thoughts

I honestly expected more from this smoke, based off the initial half inch. In my VERY inexperienced opinion this cigar just didn’t seem ready yet. It seemed like there was some age on this stick, if I was judging from the dryness and lack of any oil on the tongue. So, I don’t know if this is something that a little more age would remedy. The strength was mild to maybe medium and the flavor was medium.

Of the four reviews I will have posted, I think I am curious to see an experienced smoker’s point of view.

Final Rating: 5/10

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

What they smoked:

http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/w...yx/btt4-10.jpg

1997 La Gloria Cubana MdO #4

jonumberone score: 7.5

CRIMPS score: 5

Wow... I couldn't be more surprised... I thought this would be a much bigger hit. This is a 13+ year old habano... what's more, it's an LGC... hahaha. These 97's have always treated me well.

That said, everybody differs is what they like in a cigar... without a band, there's no expectations. That's why I love these BTTs.

I'm heading out on a cruise in about 3 hours and will be back the 26th... I'll think about doing another one while I'm gone.

Thanks for playing (and watching)!

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

It's sad to see this thread end. I've enjoyed reading all of them! Thanks to Dan and the reviewers for an excellent job!

Dan, it's understandable why you wouldn't want to continue after the problems you've encountered, but I'm glad to see you're going to think about doing another BTT--just don't think about it on your cruise!!!! Enjoy the time to relax!! :D