DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

2 of our newer members are going to review these 10 cigars:

http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/w...tomyx/btt4.jpg

If anyone has any ideas of what these might be, please don't share... I want this to be as fun and unbiased as possible.

They will review them at least 1 per week and PM their reviews to me. Once I get em, I'll post them in the thread and post the results.

Cigars are going out probably Monday... :banger




Previous Newb Blind Taste Tests here:

Blind Taste Test Thread #1

Blind Taste Test Thread #2

Blind Taste Test Thread #3

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Yeeeeeees :tu:tu

Subscribed!

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Me likey a couple o' them! :D

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Very nice :) Good on you for doing another round, Dan.

But if you'd just concentrate some of that energy on lifting you'd get past your body weight in bench much quicker ;)

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Way to go Dan!

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Good lord is cigar #6 a baseball bat? Doesn't help that its next to #7 which is the Danny DeVito of cigars...

Looking forward to reading the reviews.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Hahaha... I am in there every other day, brother. I'll have that goal crushed in no time, then onto the next...

The funny thing is, I'm at work and forget exactly what #7 is, although I think I have an idea.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Still need Samsquanch's addy... :)

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

This should be fun!

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

PM sent, sorry was at the cabin for the weekend.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Samsquanch (Andrew) - 9405503699300354414040

(jonumberone) Dominick - 9405503699300353369952


Leaving new york today :tu

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

If Dan's mailman ships them as fast as he did last time, they should arrive tomorrow :r:r

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Hahaha... I know, right? That was crazy. James got his, like, the next day as well and he's in CA.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Got my sticks:tu

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Woot! this is going to be fun to watch! Congrats to the tasters.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Subscribed. ;)

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

awesome :tu

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

:tt

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

heh... I'm in NY, he's in NJ and you're in... SEATTLE :hf :D

That said, last time around, cigars got to James in CA pretty much overnight.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

OUT FOR DELIVERY, September 29, 2010, 9:15 am, SEATTLE, WA 98122

How is it they are both delivered on the same day on opposite sides of the country...not that I'm complaining!!! :noon

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Incredible, right? Looks like you should have them tonight!

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

About to head to the bar to wish bon voyage to a good friend who is retiring and moving down to Costa Rica. Looking forward to getting home and since they were hardly in transit perhaps lighting up #1 this evening, it is a beautiful one out there.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Package arrived safe (can't say the same for my mailbox, got this package and bombed on the same evening, 17 cigars total, insane!)

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Had review #1 from Dom in my PM box this morning. The man wastes no time at all!

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Oh dang!

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

jonumberone Cigar #1
******************

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1285872373



Initial thoughts

The stick appears to be a touch over 5 inches in length. I squeeze the stick and find a very soft spot an inch above the foot. I also find two very hard spots, one about an inch above the soft spot, the other an inch from the cap. There are a few veins on the wrapper that aren’t very pronounced when I feel them. The wrapper appears to be very wrinkled and has about a dozen bluish green discolorations. I imagine this is what my grandmother’s legs would look like if they were filled with tobacco. Pre-light aroma is very musky, again reminding me of my grandmother. Pre-light draw is fine and I get a sweet grassy taste.



http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1285872373



First third

After I light the initial taste I get is very sweet. After about a half an inch the sweetness disappears and is replaced with a woodsy taste. I’m getting a lot of smoke but I find it very thin. As I am about to move into the second third, the sweetness is back along with some cedar.



http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1285872373



Second Third

The sweetness, cedar and woodsy flavors continue into the second third. So far the flavor has remained consistent . I keep trying to go to my nose, It’s a technique I haven’t mastered yet. I’m really looking for something more from this stick, but I am just not getting it.



http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1285872373



Final third

I haven’t commented on it yet, but the draw and burn have been terrific. I thought I may have some burn issues because of how humid it is outside. The flavors have shifted finally. I’m getting a nutty flavor and the sweetness is entirely gone. The cedar is still there but it is faint. As I smoke a little more the sweetness comes back and is more identifiable now. It is very fruity and tart like a pear.



http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1285872373



Final thoughts

All in all this stick wasn’t bad, but wasn’t great either. While I was smoking, I felt like I wanted more. I wonder if it’s my undeveloped palate picking up subtle flavors making me want more, or if this stick was truly lacking them. The flavors I did pick up, I felt were well defined.

Smoke time 1 hr 50m

Final score 6.5/10

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Samsquanch Cigar #1
******************

Thanks again for the opportunity Dan, enjoying this!



Review #1



Beautiful day in Seattle so I found a nice park on Lake Washington with a view of Mt Rainier to enjoy my first cigar of this round.



http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f8...3/8bc3a7c1.jpg



It is medium brown in color with a few veins but nothing too noticeable. The wrapper seemed a little wrinkled in places, maybe this is common and I just am paying extra attention to this one. Squeeze test it seemed perfect, no serious soft spots. Triple cap clipped with my Palio. Pre-light it drew perfect with a nice mild flavor. Time to light.





http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f8...3/83669716.jpg



1/3



Lit up nice and fast with lots of dense white smoke. Mild flavor and not really able to discern any specific flavors. The draw is perfect on this baby. Ash is holding well for the first inch.



http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f8...3/796db0c5.jpg



2/3



Building in strength a bit, burn has been even up until now. Just caught a hint of hazelnut.



http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f8...3/06c975fe.jpg



3/3



Feeling the strength but it may be just because I haven't eaten in a while. A few touch ups on the burn now but nothing too serious. Other than the hazelnut, which was faint, I haven't picked up on any distinct flavor. It may just be my noob palate though. A nice mild tobacco flavor throughout.



http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f8...3/e89490ae.jpg



Final thoughts



Enjoyed this cigar, flavor was very mild and I've found that my tastes have been trending towards the medium to fuller smokes lately so I probably wouldn't pick this one up.



Total score - 6/10

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

What they smoked:

http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/w...myx/btt4-1.jpg

2008 Por Larranaga Petit Corona

jonumberone score: 6.5

Samsquanch score: 6

I really expected higher numbers from these. However, they are mild and these two are primarily NC smokers.

That's gonna be the challenge with this and most other of these threads... trying to look past the lack of power in some of these cigars and embrace (or in some instance, hunt for) the subtlety and nuance. Not saying by any stretch that the reviews are "wrong" or anything... everyone's palate is different and everyone should smoke what they enjoy.

Also, a lot of people don't feel these are quite ready yet with so few years on them. While I think they are decent cigars, they don't blow me away yet either.

1 down, 9 to go!

:banger

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Thanks for this thread Dan, I like the reviews:tu

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Another quick note... I've never been to Seattle but have always wanted to.. Those pics are AWESOME!

Oh, and it's easier to pinpoint flavors out the nose. All ya do is blow the majority of the smoke out your mouth than close your mouth and blow the rest out your nose. Another thing I find really helpful is the occasional purge (blowing out through the cigar). Mix those two techniques in and see if there's any difference. :)

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

In the first picture just above the boat you can faintly make out Mt. Rainier. I moved here from North Carolina a couple years ago and love it!

I'll definitely try the nose trick on the next one and purging as well. The next one will be going up in smoke this weekend!

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

nice work guys

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Good to see the first reviews so quick! I enjoyed reading them...can't wait for the next one :tu

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

I know what ya mean... I wanna see them all at once, but at the same time, the 1 per week thing makes the fun last longer.

I'll probably only post one per week anyway :)

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Great reviews... and entertaining as well ;)

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Second review inbound this evening.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Review #2 Delivered :tu

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

:tt
The suspense is killing me :D

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Me too... I literally haven't been home long enough to get the images (which are on my laptop) all weekend. The best thing is, my memory sucks ass and I don't even remember what I sent you till I see the pics.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Plans are for #3 tonight :banger

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Love these threads!

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

I think that's a good idea and I'll do the same, really put the pressure on Dan to get #2 posted!! :D

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

jonumberone Cigar #2
******************

It’s a beautiful night in NJ, so I decide to grab some coffee, head to the yard, put on the Yankee game, and Give stick #2 a try.

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1286499389

Initial thoughts
The stick appears to be over 5in in length. The wrapper is a Rich coffee brown, with a few veins. One vein is very thick and runs for about an inch and a half from the cap down. I squeeze the stick and this thing is rock solid from cap to foot with almost no give. Pre light draw is tight, and I can tell I’m going to be in for a rough one. I’m going to give this a go as is but, I’m almost positive I’ll be re-cutting this bad boy. Pre light draw isn’t giving me many flavors of note. I Draw on it again and am seriously considering postponing this for a few days to dry box. I’ve sat here for a half an hour debating what to do. I decide rules are rules time to suck it up and give it a go. I shave a little more off the top and it helps a tad, but I have a feeling by the time I’m done my eyeballs will be a little further recessed into my head.

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1286499520


First third
After about a half an inch I still haven’t gotten a mouthful of smoke. I don’t know how to unplug a cigar, but I’m going to have to learn on the fly. This stick is unsmokable as is. This stick is so tight I consider pulling out my power drill and boring a hole in it. I opt instead for a corn on the cob holder and pry out some of the leaf. This works to an extent as I can now get a mouthful of smoke, but it’s still tight as hell. Now that I’m getting some smoke I can start to hunt for flavors. I’m getting a chocolate taste, not a sweet chocolate but more like a bakers chocolate. I’ve been working on going to my nose all week, but I just can’t get enough smoke to make it happen.

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1286499572

Second third
The stick is starting to get a little bitter. I suspect this is my fault as I feel I’m constantly pulling on it trying to get smoke out of it. I also am switching to water. Normally I can pick out flavors over coffee, but with the minimal smoke I’m getting it is the front most flavor on my palate. I’m starting to get faint cedar notes and a little cream. As I smoke a little further the stick is becoming looser, still tight but much more bearable.

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1286499614

Last third
The Flavors have come with the switch to water and the draw opening up. I’m still getting a bitter taste but it is a good bitter like espresso. I’m hoping that’s not the coffee I had earlier but it’s been 45 min since I switched to water. I give the stick a good purge, let it sit, and go to my nose, wow that burns! Cedar and a woodsy taste are in the forefront now and the espresso is still present in the background. A little further down the chocolate is back. It was nowhere to be found since the first inch of this stick. The last third of this stick has been tremendous, and I am a little more than disappointed that the first parts were so tight. Based on the last third alone I would say these are box worthy.

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1286499654

Final thoughts
If I had to sum this stick up in as few words as possible I would call it “Catholic High school Girl”. It was tight as hell, full of potential, and somewhat divine. I believe the tight draw was due to construction problems. The burn was perfect with zero relights and only one touch up after I let it sit a min while I made a second cup of coffee. I also considered the cool temp to be a problem before I lit it; however I find when the temp is the issue the stick expands when I smoke it. This was not the case here. As soon as I find out what this is I’ll be on the hunt for more.

Final score 7.5/10 based solely on the draw problems
Smoke time 2 hrs

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Samsquanch Cigar #2
******************

Beautiful fall evening in Seattle a couple days ago, so I decided to take this one to a local park near my apartment. I'm sure as the rainy season sets in here you'll start seeing my setup in the apartment which consists of sitting next to a fan by the window.

This box pressed stick was 5.5" and 46 RG. Light brown with a lot of veins, I did the squeeze test before leaving the apartment and promptly grabbed my new draw tool from Boom and headed for the park.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f8...3/68a68f6d.jpg

After cutting with my Palio and taking a quick draw, what I suspected was confirmed. This baby was tight! Used the draw tool, put the flame to the foot, and started working my lungs.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f8...3/60587ae5.jpg

1/3

In between pulls I managed to pick up some cocoa and a nutty flavor. This was a nice tasting, mild stick.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f8...3/7e7a29de.jpg

2/3

Extremely light smoke, I'm guessing this is due to the extremely tight draw. The ash is really tight and holds on for over an inch before I knocked it off to keep from dropping in my lap. As well the burn is very even. Really though, I'm just looking for nice things to say about this one, as my lungs are already strained from pulling on this thing.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f8...3/0ecbafaa.jpg

3/3

The wrapper just split however it did not affect the draw (unfortunately). Near the end of this one it did loosen up a bit and I caught some chocolate flavor.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f8...3/db9f5d77.jpg

Final Thoughts

It's a shame because if it wasn't for the super tight draw, I would have really enjoyed this stick. Nice mild yet complex flavor, interested in how it was for Dom and what Dan's thoughts are on this stick as well. I did try putting some smoke through my nose and it helped pull some more flavors out.

Mostly due to the draw issues, I'm going to give this one a 5/10.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

What they smoked:

http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/w...myx/btt4-2.jpg

1999 Saint Luis Rey Serie A

jonumberone score: 7.5

Samsquanch score: 5

I've never had draw problems on these... out of this box or any of the others I've smoked.

The first few BTTs, the newbs had the same problem... turns out the cigars were in an incredibly humid environment (65%+). I asked that they dry box the cigars before smoking them to prevent them from having such issues...

What RH are you guys keeping these at?

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

My RH was rock solid at 65% all summer long,
now that the temps have dropped my RH has been at 63% for about a month.
I expect it to stay here for the rest of the winter months.
In the basement, where I keep my humi, the temp is around 62 now.
Thats about where it is during winter when the heat is on.

I loved the flavor of this stick, and despite the draw problems, considered it a real treat to smoke.
Many thanks to Dan for an awesome stick :banger

After I smoked this I gave all the other sticks a little squeeze.
There was one more I would consider firmer than most.
I made a note of the # on the bag and will surely dry box that one.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

Nice reviews guys!

Dom, I lol'd at your stick summary :r:r

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

There was a thread elsewhere, not sure where, but the determination was made that 'firmness' didn't necessarily equate to tight draws. I've had many cigars that were squishy that were plugged like mad and those that felt like batons and drew perfect.

Feeling for a hard spot or a lump somewhere on the cigar (typically under the band) is usually a good way to find out.

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

:tpd:

Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4
 

My humi has been holding steady at 64%, I'll go ahead and dry box #3 for a couple days before smoking. However I didn't have any draw issues with #1.