3x3 Corona - Pictoral

[stearns]

It had recently been brought to my attention that many people didn't know the deal with the 3x3 line. i have had minimal experience, most of which tasted like mild, hot air, however shellie was kind enough to send me another, so i figure'd today while doing some reading for my history final would be the perfect time to light her up. it only seemed right to try to educate the populous, and hopefully someone will learn something.

To start off, here is the description of the cigar:

"The new 3 x 3 Tubos are produced in Davidoff's Dominican Republic facility. These medium-bodied, long filler cigars are blended with San Vincente, Olor, and Piloto tobaccos in a Connecticut shade wrapper. "

I had a corona, and was ready to dig in. the appearance was a very simple looking tube with "3x3" in large letters. somewhere on the line between classy and cheap looking, but im gonna say that its teetering towards cheap, but i dont blame it, this is a very cheap (priced) cigar. the wrapper follows, showing veins, slight imperfections, and a musty looking cap. switched things up and cut it with my xikar, brewed a cup of coffee, and let the experience begin.

The prelight draw was very mild, however i could discern a light hay smell. took to a match very well, yielding a mild, muted tea-like flavor. throughout the first third, this faded, showing a sweet undertone. the flavors changed pretty drastically to an intense spice of sorts as it transitioned to the second third. i ran to my spice cabinet to try to compare scents, however my meager college kid spice rack didnt have anything i was looking for.

The flavors kept the same going into the final third, getting harsher by the puff. a gentle purge could usually push off the bitter flavor, but it wasnt the same as the middle. i probably smoked it a bit too far, it was tasting really bad towards the last inch, but i was almost done with my reading, so i had to smoke it out.

Overall, was this a good smoke? i'd say it was decent. considering the price (i've paid around $2 per before), well... lets just say i've paid more for far less quality. this was SIGNIFICANTLY better than the past two that i've had. i thought i maybe had one puff transitioning between the first and second thirds that loosely, loosely reminded me of davidoffs, dont expect these to be straight 'davi seconds,' but shellie has certainly convinced me that i need to buy at least a bundle when i can, these can be a good smoke (especially for times when you cant be focusing completely on each puff). thank you very much shellie, and i hope that i can help out some BOTLs who werent too familiar with this blend.

Now... for the pictures. no making fun of my messy desk, or Class-A one stick ash tray, i have many that fit multiple cigars, but this is what i use for when its just me at my desk. Enjoy, and happy smoking!!!







stearns