MUWAT BAIT FISH by Subculture Studios (and release info)

danreeve · 12-06-2011, 10:39 AM

Up for review today is a brand new cigar from Subculture Studios (a subsidiary of Drew Estate) that has been discussed in length on many cigar message boards. Instead of restating all of the info about this release, I'm going to copy and paste a quote from Jonathan Drew that he posted on the BOTL website that sums it all up nicely:

Quote Jonathan Drew: MUWAT "BAIT FISH", is a 4x44 in the MUWAT "EF" Collection. The EF represents Fuerte due to the increase in strength from the other BAIT FISH blends that we worked on AND the regular 60 RG collection that the brand is released in.

Please remember that the MUWAT brand itself, as originally released, is supposed to be truly medium bodied (seems to be a bit over medium). So when we began working on the BAIT FISH samples the blend was tweaked up from the beginning, to "M" and "F". The finished blend that was selected was the F, so I thought it would be logical to call this SPECIAL, EXCLUSIVE selection "EF" cause its got Extra from the Original MUWAT.

As I was introduced to Dan at NHC at this year's IPCPR we were able to spend a little while getting to know each other a bit better. I have been watching him as a truly passionate retailer and one who prides himself on good quality, special cigars in a boutique environment - I offered Dan the Exclusive for BAIT FISH. He seemed pretty jazzed about the concept, and we began to review blends.

I'm looking forward to the introduction of the 4x44 into the MUWAT line just as the weather gets cold. It should be 30 to 40 minutes of happiness for the people in the freezing areas. I hope that some of you guys enjoy them.

Now that we know more about this release, let's move onto the review to see how it held up.

(Due to the size of this cigar, this review is only in two parts instead of the traditional thirds.)

Specifics
Vitola: Petit Corona
Length: 4
Ring Gauge: 44
Wrapper: Mexican San Andreas
Binder: Connecticut Shade
Filler: Brazilian, Nicaraguan
Price: $6.10
Smoking Location: New Havana Cigars
Beverage: nothing

Before I begin the smoking experience portion of the review, I want to mention the packaging for this release because it would be a shame to not at least touch on it. These sticks come packed in 5 count paper-wrapped bundles with the Bait Fish logo screen printed on the front. The design is so simple, yet comes off truly creative and different from what you would normally get in a premium cigar release. The pack is the perfect size to stick in a shirt or pants pocket, so carrying them to the park or while walking the dog will be a breeze. Kudos to Subculture Studios for the great packaging design.

The cigar itself had a very dark wrapper with an oily sheen to it. There was really only one visual line on the stick and it was from the edge of the wrapper leaf. Squeezing the body of the cigar, I could tell it was evenly packed but not tight or anything close to hard. The pre-lit aroma was of fresh tobacco which reminded me of the smell of a rolling floor at a cigar factory. The cold draw was sweet with hints of cedar and nuts.

First Half
The first thing that came to mind a few puffs into my Bait Fish was just how smooth the start of the cigar was. I normally smoke a lot of black peppery sticks that sort of hit you in the face right away and that was not the case here. It was very relaxing and an easy to smoke start. The main flavors I picked up were oak notes on the front, mixed with some warm cinnamon spice on the finish. The cinnamon was most noticeable on the roof of my mouth. The cigar tasted very clean and didn't leave any film on my teeth or tongue. The burn and the draw were great and it was easy to pull large amounts of smoke, which was nice from such a small vitola. I would put the strength of the cigar in a solid medium.

Second Half and Final Thoughts
The second half of my Bait Fish is where the strength that is advertised in the promos for this cigar started to show. It was not a knock your head of strong nicotine buzz, but it was significantly stronger than the first half. The flavors of the second half also changed up and I finally got a taste of what many others have written about but I had never experienced before...I would say the main flavor now was very meaty and dark. It was so meaty that I almost felt like I should be able to chew the smoke. Again this is a new taste for me, so I'm not that well versed in describing it. I'm sure some others who pick this up a lot will have a better way of putting it, but I will say I was enjoying it. This flavor was dominant both on the front and the finish, but even with such a strong taste, the finish was very clean. I smoked this cigar all the way to the nub and it never got hot which is what I normally experience in small sticks at the end. Full strength now.

My final thoughts on the MUWAT BAIT FISH by Subculture Studios? I was like a lot of other people with the original MUWAT release in that I liked it, but wished it was smaller and a bit stronger. Well that is exactly what the Bait Fish was, with the meaty flavor added in as a twist. If you're a fan of the MUWAT line you are going to love this. For this time of year, when the weather is cold up here in Ohio, this is a perfect smoke.

Would I buy it again? This is going straight into my small winter cigar rotation. I will be buying a lot more of these.

Would I buy a box? Bundles of 25 sticks for $130 bucks? This is a no-brainer to me. I will grab more than one bundle.

Side Note: These are a New Havana Cigars exclusive release and will go on sale this Wednesday, December 7th in the evening. I'm not sure what the special is, but Jonathan Drew and Dan Welsh (owner of NHC) told me that there will be some sort of promotion pack that will come with these cigars on release day.

For more pictures please visit http://tinyurl.com/d6j48r3

Dan

Remo · 12-06-2011, 10:41 AM

Very cool, thanks Dan

Blak Smyth · 12-06-2011, 10:42 AM

Awesome, thanks for the review. If they are still around in a few weeks I might try and pick-up a bundle.

elderboy02 · 12-06-2011, 10:44 AM

Is this a one time release for NHC or will he always make them for NHC?

danreeve · 12-06-2011, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elderboy02

Is this a one time release for NHC or will he always make them for NHC?

What JD and Dan Welsh have told me is this release "Bait Fish" is for NHC. I don't know if that means a one time release, or as many as Dan orders.

Maybe JD can Chime in?

danreeve · 12-06-2011, 10:44 AM

Thanks for reading guys. I'm taking the dog to the park tonight with another one of these.

Dan

irratebass · 12-06-2011, 10:49 AM

Great review as always, This sounds right up my alley

elderboy02 · 12-06-2011, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by irratebass

Great review as always, This sounds right up my alley

Yep, a fish cigar for a bass lover

Tio Gato · 12-06-2011, 10:53 AM

Great review! Gonna get me some of these.

Brutus2600 · 12-06-2011, 11:06 AM

A MUWAT release that isn't 60rg? That's fantastic...I'll have to watch for these to go on sale at NHC. Thanks for the review

12-06-2011, 11:12 AM

Definitely something I wouldn't mind trying; the only thing that ever turned me off to MUWATs was the excessive ring guage.

danreeve · 12-06-2011, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LigaPrivadaT84

Definitely something I wouldn't mind trying; the only thing that ever turned me off to MUWATs was the excessive ring guage.

12-06-2011, 10:39 AM	#1
danreeve Feeling at Home Join Date: Jan 2010 First Name: Dan Location: Columbus Ohio Posts: 733 Trading: (2)	MUWAT BAIT FISH by Subculture Studios (and release info) Up for review today is a brand new cigar from Subculture Studios (a subsidiary of Drew Estate) that has been discussed in length on many cigar message boards. Instead of restating all of the info about this release, I'm going to copy and paste a quote from Jonathan Drew that he posted on the BOTL website that sums it all up nicely: Quote Jonathan Drew: MUWAT "BAIT FISH", is a 4x44 in the MUWAT "EF" Collection. The EF represents Fuerte due to the increase in strength from the other BAIT FISH blends that we worked on AND the regular 60 RG collection that the brand is released in. Please remember that the MUWAT brand itself, as originally released, is supposed to be truly medium bodied (seems to be a bit over medium). So when we began working on the BAIT FISH samples the blend was tweaked up from the beginning, to "M" and "F". The finished blend that was selected was the F, so I thought it would be logical to call this SPECIAL, EXCLUSIVE selection "EF" cause its got Extra from the Original MUWAT. As I was introduced to Dan at NHC at this year's IPCPR we were able to spend a little while getting to know each other a bit better. I have been watching him as a truly passionate retailer and one who prides himself on good quality, special cigars in a boutique environment - I offered Dan the Exclusive for BAIT FISH. He seemed pretty jazzed about the concept, and we began to review blends. I'm looking forward to the introduction of the 4x44 into the MUWAT line just as the weather gets cold. It should be 30 to 40 minutes of happiness for the people in the freezing areas. I hope that some of you guys enjoy them. Now that we know more about this release, let's move onto the review to see how it held up. (Due to the size of this cigar, this review is only in two parts instead of the traditional thirds.) Specifics Vitola: Petit Corona Length: 4 Ring Gauge: 44 Wrapper: Mexican San Andreas Binder: Connecticut Shade Filler: Brazilian, Nicaraguan Price: $6.10 Smoking Location: New Havana Cigars Beverage: nothing Before I begin the smoking experience portion of the review, I want to mention the packaging for this release because it would be a shame to not at least touch on it. These sticks come packed in 5 count paper-wrapped bundles with the Bait Fish logo screen printed on the front. The design is so simple, yet comes off truly creative and different from what you would normally get in a premium cigar release. The pack is the perfect size to stick in a shirt or pants pocket, so carrying them to the park or while walking the dog will be a breeze. Kudos to Subculture Studios for the great packaging design. The cigar itself had a very dark wrapper with an oily sheen to it. There was really only one visual line on the stick and it was from the edge of the wrapper leaf. Squeezing the body of the cigar, I could tell it was evenly packed but not tight or anything close to hard. The pre-lit aroma was of fresh tobacco which reminded me of the smell of a rolling floor at a cigar factory. The cold draw was sweet with hints of cedar and nuts. First Half The first thing that came to mind a few puffs into my Bait Fish was just how smooth the start of the cigar was. I normally smoke a lot of black peppery sticks that sort of hit you in the face right away and that was not the case here. It was very relaxing and an easy to smoke start. The main flavors I picked up were oak notes on the front, mixed with some warm cinnamon spice on the finish. The cinnamon was most noticeable on the roof of my mouth. The cigar tasted very clean and didn't leave any film on my teeth or tongue. The burn and the draw were great and it was easy to pull large amounts of smoke, which was nice from such a small vitola. I would put the strength of the cigar in a solid medium. Second Half and Final Thoughts The second half of my Bait Fish is where the strength that is advertised in the promos for this cigar started to show. It was not a knock your head of strong nicotine buzz, but it was significantly stronger than the first half. The flavors of the second half also changed up and I finally got a taste of what many others have written about but I had never experienced before...I would say the main flavor now was very meaty and dark. It was so meaty that I almost felt like I should be able to chew the smoke. Again this is a new taste for me, so I'm not that well versed in describing it. I'm sure some others who pick this up a lot will have a better way of putting it, but I will say I was enjoying it. This flavor was dominant both on the front and the finish, but even with such a strong taste, the finish was very clean. I smoked this cigar all the way to the nub and it never got hot which is what I normally experience in small sticks at the end. Full strength now. My final thoughts on the MUWAT BAIT FISH by Subculture Studios? I was like a lot of other people with the original MUWAT release in that I liked it, but wished it was smaller and a bit stronger. Well that is exactly what the Bait Fish was, with the meaty flavor added in as a twist. If you're a fan of the MUWAT line you are going to love this. For this time of year, when the weather is cold up here in Ohio, this is a perfect smoke. Would I buy it again? This is going straight into my small winter cigar rotation. I will be buying a lot more of these. Would I buy a box? Bundles of 25 sticks for $130 bucks? This is a no-brainer to me. I will grab more than one bundle. Side Note: These are a New Havana Cigars exclusive release and will go on sale this Wednesday, December 7th in the evening. I'm not sure what the special is, but Jonathan Drew and Dan Welsh (owner of NHC) told me that there will be some sort of promotion pack that will come with these cigars on release day. For more pictures please visit http://tinyurl.com/d6j48r3 Dan __________________ http://cigarpress.com/

12-06-2011, 10:41 AM	#2
Remo C.I.A Join Date: Feb 2011 First Name: Mike Location: Palm Harbor, Florida Posts: 12,597 Trading: (122)	Re: MUWAT BAIT FISH by Subculture Studios (and release info) Very cool, thanks Dan __________________

12-06-2011, 10:42 AM	#3
Blak Smyth Think Blue! Join Date: Jun 2011 First Name: SD Location: THE WOOD Posts: 8,486 Trading: (52)	Re: MUWAT BAIT FISH by Subculture Studios (and release info) Awesome, thanks for the review. If they are still around in a few weeks I might try and pick-up a bundle. __________________ SUPPORT OUR TROOPS

12-06-2011, 10:44 AM	#4
elderboy02 Lets Go Buckeyes! Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Dan Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 12,508 Trading: (133)	Re: MUWAT BAIT FISH by Subculture Studios (and release info) Is this a one time release for NHC or will he always make them for NHC?

12-06-2011, 10:44 AM	#6
danreeve Feeling at Home Join Date: Jan 2010 First Name: Dan Location: Columbus Ohio Posts: 733 Trading: (2)	Re: MUWAT BAIT FISH by Subculture Studios (and release info) Thanks for reading guys. I'm taking the dog to the park tonight with another one of these. Dan __________________ http://cigarpress.com/

12-06-2011, 10:49 AM	#7
irratebass EMPEROR TOMPKINS Join Date: Aug 2011 First Name: Mickey Location: Mooresville, Indiana Posts: 8,313 Trading: (48)	Re: MUWAT BAIT FISH by Subculture Studios (and release info) Great review as always, This sounds right up my alley __________________

12-06-2011, 10:53 AM	#9
Tio Gato Uncle Kitty Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Jeff Location: Casa Grande, AZ Posts: 2,075 Trading: (11)	Re: MUWAT BAIT FISH by Subculture Studios (and release info) Great review! Gonna get me some of these. __________________ "You stink like cigars Uncle Kitty!" Said my Boo age 3. "Kid, take care of your family and the hell with anyone else" My Grandpa Bubba.

12-06-2011, 11:06 AM	#10
Brutus2600 Your resident lancerHO Join Date: Apr 2010 First Name: Brian Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 2,063 Trading: (46)	Re: MUWAT BAIT FISH by Subculture Studios (and release info) A MUWAT release that isn't 60rg? That's fantastic...I'll have to watch for these to go on sale at NHC. Thanks for the review

12-06-2011, 11:12 AM	#11
LigaPrivadaT84 Guest Posts: n/a	Re: MUWAT BAIT FISH by Subculture Studios (and release info) Definitely something I wouldn't mind trying; the only thing that ever turned me off to MUWATs was the excessive ring guage.

12-06-2011, 12:26 PM	#13
Ranger_B Have My Own Room Join Date: Apr 2009 First Name: Frank Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,321 Trading: (31)	Re: MUWAT BAIT FISH by Subculture Studios (and release info) I can not wait to try these. I have not had a MUWT yet due to the RG. __________________ http://www.cigarrights.org/

12-06-2011, 03:49 PM	#15
hscmit Have My Own Room Join Date: Sep 2010 First Name: James Location: no where Posts: 2,200 Trading: (4)	Re: MUWAT BAIT FISH by Subculture Studios (and release info) sounds like a good stick

12-07-2011, 12:22 PM	#16
Remo C.I.A Join Date: Feb 2011 First Name: Mike Location: Palm Harbor, Florida Posts: 12,597 Trading: (122)	Re: MUWAT BAIT FISH by Subculture Studios (and release info) Just got the email, looks like some good swag with the promo pack __________________

12-07-2011, 01:04 PM	#18
danreeve Feeling at Home Join Date: Jan 2010 First Name: Dan Location: Columbus Ohio Posts: 733 Trading: (2)	Re: MUWAT BAIT FISH by Subculture Studios (and release info) ya, undercrowns are a nice little bonus. Dan __________________ http://cigarpress.com/

12-07-2011, 01:15 PM	#19
elderboy02 Lets Go Buckeyes! Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Dan Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 12,508 Trading: (133)	Re: MUWAT BAIT FISH by Subculture Studios (and release info) Dan, do you think these are similar at all to the Dirty Rat?