DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

2 of our members (one new and one not so new) are going to review these 5 cigars:

http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/w...011_192240.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 tomorrow

Previous Newb Blind Taste Tests here:

Blind Taste Test Thread #1

Blind Taste Test Thread #2

Blind Taste Test Thread #3

Blind Taste Test Thread #4

Blind Taste Test Thread #5

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

:tu

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

I am so, so excited about this! Hehehe... :wo

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

So uncool. Is there a minimum words / letters rule, does "taste like tobacco" or "tastes like older tobacco" count? :lr

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

Read the previous threads! :)

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

Yah yah real review. :sad

I see one of those guys was banned (?) and the other hasn't been around for years, I see the plot now! Well it's going to take more than 5 cigars to get rid of me!

In all seriousness thanks for the opportunity and of course the sticks, very generous of you!

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

There's previous threads??

Oh, fer cripes sake.... :r

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

Oh man, misread this and thought of fancy pancakes. :lr

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

Suppose this means I should to go out and buy a toothbrush and some tooth polish.

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

Day-um!
:po

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

WooHoo!!! I really enjoy reading these things.

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

Dan (and bystanders), obviously as the newb, I'm definitely looking forward to this "experiment" & am optimistic that my newly acquired affection for premium cigars will be broadened. Do realize and hopefully understand however that with my minimal reviewing expertise my choice in descriptive narration may prove more challenging than the stick(s) themselves. My reviews, however nondescript they may be, will be concise, straightforward, and probably without whimsical amusement. With that being said, let the toasting begin. :tu -(P

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

You'll be fine, its all part of the fun. :D

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

Absolutely agree. Thanks for the vote of confidence. :tu -(P

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

You don't want confidence from me, this isn't even my neighborhood, i'm from the West Side of Chicago here on vacation.

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

Put down the weapon, Sir.

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

Huh, then I assume, considering the location in your profile says "NoMex" means you favor the blanket exportation of illegal immigrants currently in our country? (Go DJT). -(P

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

If you're unfamiliar with them, I recommend you Google "Cigar Wheel". They're great little tools to help you put in to words the tastes you're getting from your smokes. They help you take the step from "There's a woodsy kind of flavor here" to "I'm tasting some cedar and some oak."

I think I've only posted maybe three reviews here, but when I do one I always look at a few of the wheels while doing so.

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

Thanks for the suggestion (as I chew on a piece of leather sprinkled with white pepper) :D -(P

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

If the wheel doesn't list Madagascar Vanilla, don't use it.

I'm partial to the smell of Grandma's biscuits.

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

Can easily relate to that. My Grandma made the best carmal rolls EVER. -(P

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

Dball is partial to agitated geraniums! :D

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

There is a whole ton of fail in this statement.

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

I was thinking a) I wouldn't want a cigar that tastes like granny's toots and 2) Even if there was one I'd never admit to being able to identify that particular component. :lr

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

These are going out tomorrow, not today... all packed up, but no ink in the home printer. I'll have to go into the office and print them out tomorrow...

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

Here I thought he was talkin' about Gram's biscuits. I really need to move into the left lane to keep up.
:eek: :=: -(P

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

Adam - 9405503699300408891810

Robb - 9405503699300408891827

:banger

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

Who knows... if this works out well I may keep them going. 5 cigars seems like a more reasonable commitment as 10 stalled out a few times. I've always wanted to do one with a newb and someone who's been smoking cigars and been on the boards for a while, too. Very excited to see the difference in tastes/opinions on these cigars!

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

+1 for grandma's biscuits!

Good job, Dan!!

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

Haha, I was part of one of these. This will be fun to watch!

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

By way of San Juan PR? I love the post office!

http://i.imgur.com/quV4MtD.jpg

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

:po

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

What the hell...?

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

Says it will be here Monday, I'm sure it will be, my luck effects everything, not limited to me or my immediate space it seems, if my name is attached the sky is the limit. Only makes sense a package would go from NY to PR before heading west :lr :tu

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

Looks like these will both be arriving today! Let the games begin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

:pop

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

As your designated Newb I thought it beneficial to provide a brief overview of myself and my cigar background. Retired from a 20 year Army career in '91, and subsequently retired from a Civilian career last year. Took up cigar "therapy" as another means of relaxation a couple months back and admit it's an enjoyable "ride". So far my sticks have included mostly Connecticuts by AB, AF, Oliva, Nub, R&J, CAO, and 5-Vegas. My cigar pairings most often include water, coffee, or an occasional beer. I'm looking forward to this blind cigar "experiment" (as Dan called it) and certainly thank him for his generosity and willingness to track & compile the results. I'll provide my best opinions as honest and concisely as I can. I offer no promises of glittering generalities of flavorful notes or nuances. But I've been practicing chewing on leather, tasting hay, & crunching acorns (I was going to say nuts (but am a quick learner)) for the past week. So you'll be hearing from me ASAP or ricky-tick (an old Army term).

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

Smart man :tu

Looking forward to watching this play out

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

First review is in. :tu

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

Just sent mine also. -(P

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

Now all we are waiting on is for Adam to give me a 1-10 rating and I'll post it up. :)

You'd think the newbs would be the ones to not follow directions! Sheesh... :gary

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

You forget I now have your address. -(P

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

AdamJoshua Cigar #1
*******************

Thought what the hell might as well get the ball rolling!

Blind #1

Start Time: 3: 25pm
Ending Time: 4: 34pm

13cm x 42rg

Beverage: Water to start and coffee w/ cream and sugar.

Appearance: Dark brown chocolate with reddish highlights and minor veins, size not withstanding it reminds me of a video I caught Dennis watching at a S.H.I.T. herf.

http://i.imgur.com/Yie8eEx.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/0bz7AY6.jpg

Cut is a straight cut with the old Havana Club spring loaded cutter

Cold draw has an ever so slight hint of almond.

Location outside while listening to Tom Pettry, 72 degrees, 66% humidity its and partly cloudy.

First Third: Right off the bat in your face, again like Dennis' video of choice.

Only 4 draws in and it has mellowed a hair, the snork was a bit harsh the first could of draws and already it has smoothed out and introduced a bit of citrus, with the almond still lingering.

Note: there is something to be said for sitting on he porch, enjoying a cigar and paying attention to each nuance while Tom Petty sings how "It's Good to Be King". Every time I review a cigar I enjoy it that much more, I notice the things that generally roll off my goat palette and every time I say I should pay this attention to every cigar yet I never do. One lesson Klugs taught me was to take little sips, that one stuck and has payed off with this cigar.

http://i.imgur.com/KTexTvo.jpg

Almost to the end of the first third and the cigar has really settled in. A dirty gray ash that holds about 1/2 inch even with lite tapping and a nice sharp burn that has t needed any touching up.

Second Third: Not sure if it's me or the cigar, I went in expecting a lot of cedar and wood, expectations from the wrapper but what I'm getting from the second third is a bit of sourness and I'm going to shoot from the hip and say apricot, which is odd because I can't say I've had one in years, maybe decades but it is the dominant note so far, fear not the almond is still hiding in the shadows with a little cedar.

http://i.imgur.com/pzEq0nA.jpg

Well we are about half way through the cigar and I Think it's time to have some coffee to shake things up a bit, I'm always interested in how cigars act with different beverages and foods, for the remaining reviews I thought I would try some cherries with one, maybe milk and dark chocolate with another and so on.

Final third: The coffee has totally changed the cigar profile, the bitterness of the coffee has overshadowed any citrus and really brought out wood and leather.

I took about a five minute break from the stick, just wanted to clear my impressions as the notes were becoming overwhelming, picking it back up no relight needed and to me the cigar did mellow out, the power of suggestion is powerful indeed, that and the addition of coffee, amazing how the cigar changed.

http://i.imgur.com/0SnpA4o.jpg

Spice is starting to pick up near the end with a slight tickle on the snork, with cedar / wood and leather really shining through with a salty residue on the lips, feel free to insert a Dennis watching **** on his phone joke here, oh wait I just did. :D

The last half inch or so had full load ....phrasing....of bitter chocolate, glad I had a nubber handy, sweet, rich and creamy finish.

http://i.imgur.com/TJBXElO.jpg

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the volumes of smoke throughout and excellent draw.

There is an unmistakable profile to this cigar, someone with more experience would probably be able to name the marka right away, I'm going to go off script and say there is a 1 in 20 chance this is an RyJ although the the construction and wrapper remind me of an LFdC petite corona, can’t wait to find out what it was!

Thanks again, Dan!

Score: 7/10

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

Ripplingh20 Cigar #1
*****************

Initial observations - 46 x 5.25", slight box press, Habano or Maduro wrapper, tightly packed filler/binder, no noticeable precut aroma, flat cap. Made a clean straight cut slightly below the cap. Toasted at 6:30 pm, pairing with a bottle of water.

First 1/3 - tight draw. Mild woodsy flavor, but nothing really noticeable. Certainly not harsh or peppery.

Second 1/3 - very sharp burn (rotating), nice, long lasting ash. Still a tight draw; no notes or transitioning.

Last 1/3 - seems to be developing a slight sweetness.

Overall - Relaxing, mild stick with no harsh, spicy, or peppery nuances. Only criticism would be, even with a clean straight cut, the draw continued to be tight throughout. Smoke time: 55 minutes.

Rating - Considering I would rate all my Connecticuts at 7.0, I'll give this #1 blind cigar a 7.5.

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

What they smoked
****************

http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/w...011_191120.jpg

1998 Fonseca Cosacos

AdamJoshua Rating: 7/10

Ripplingh20 Rating: 7.5/10

Unfortunately, as is the case with habanos, they occasionally suffer from tight draws. Me thinks you may need a draw tool! :) This was an 18 year old Cuban cigar... I'm fond of these when the mood hits and they certainly can be an 'in-your-face' type of cigar when they draw nicely!

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

My only picture, trying to figure out how to send a pic along with my review to Dan.

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

Robb to me the easiest way is to upload your pics to a site like imgur.com then use the link they supplied with the image button (the little landscape picture in-between the link and quote buttons here). :tu

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

I can't tell you how excited I am for the next 4 cigars... I love watching these things play out. Here's to hoping for no more plugged cigars... :banger


Now that you know what it is... any thoughts, guys? :)

Re: DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6
 

Well I haven't smoked that many Fonsecas, it certainly did have a specific profile to me. I think I have a couple that were gifted to me and are sitting around, might have to fire one up and see how it compares to my review, match up the flavor profile that is.

Might copy this over the review section as well. A little more new blood in there.