DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4 - Page 10

DBall · 02-10-2011, 11:36 AM

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

DennisP · 02-10-2011, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DBall

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

Booooo

CRIMPS · 02-10-2011, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DBall

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

Sad

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

DBall · 02-10-2011, 12:54 PM

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.

jdawg · 02-10-2011, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DBall

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.

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

DennisP · 02-10-2011, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DBall

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.

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!

hscmit · 02-10-2011, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DennisP

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!

+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.

Adriftpanda · 02-10-2011, 02:25 PM

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

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

DennisP · 02-10-2011, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adriftpanda

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

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

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

CRIMPS · 02-10-2011, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adriftpanda

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

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

wayner123 · 02-10-2011, 03:10 PM

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!!

Samsquanch · 02-11-2011, 10:44 AM

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!

CRIMPS · 02-17-2011, 10:31 AM

Review of #10 inbound shortly

Brutus2600 · 02-17-2011, 11:01 AM

Looking forward to seeing #10!

CoreyD · 02-17-2011, 01:57 PM

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

CRIMPS · 02-17-2011, 09:19 PM

#10 delivered. Bittersweet feeling.

DBall · 02-18-2011, 08:06 AM

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

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

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 .

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.

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.

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.

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

DBall · 02-18-2011, 08:07 AM

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

DBall · 02-18-2011, 08:16 AM

What they smoked:

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)!

jesseboston81 · 02-18-2011, 08:23 AM

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!!

02-10-2011, 11:36 AM	#181
DBall Cigar Jesus Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Dan Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 3,781 Trading: (46)	Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4 ...only 1 cigar left in this the fourth, and final, Newb Blind Taste Test! __________________ --------Dan--------- My Music \| My Videos

02-10-2011, 12:54 PM	#184
DBall Cigar Jesus Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Dan Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 3,781 Trading: (46)	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. __________________ --------Dan--------- My Music \| My Videos

02-10-2011, 02:25 PM	#188
Adriftpanda Peter's Daddy Join Date: May 2009 First Name: Huy Location: No one wants me Posts: 10,313 Trading: (74)	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!! I really enjoy reading this, and maybe I'll pick this up if you stop, Dan. But thanks for the good reads.

02-10-2011, 03:10 PM	#191
wayner123 Country Gentleman Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Deltona, FL Posts: 2,351 Trading: (159)	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!! __________________ 'It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife; But every fool will be quarrelling.'

02-11-2011, 10:44 AM	#192
Samsquanch Feeling at Home Join Date: Jun 2010 First Name: Andrew Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 564 Trading: (21)	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! __________________ ...I'm not saying I agree with it, it's just that bird law in this country, it's not governed by reason.

02-17-2011, 10:31 AM	#193
CRIMPS Benn/Seguin best friends Join Date: Sep 2010 First Name: Zach Location: North Texas Posts: 1,520 Trading: (50)	Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4 Review of #10 inbound shortly __________________ I'm a Dallas Stars fan. So, yes, this is a confusing time for me.

02-17-2011, 11:01 AM	#194
Brutus2600 Your resident lancerHO Join Date: Apr 2010 First Name: Brian Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 2,063 Trading: (46)	Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4 Looking forward to seeing #10! __________________ www.halfwheel.com \| news+reviews You can also follow me on Twitter @brutus2600

02-17-2011, 01:57 PM	#195
CoreyD Licking my wounds Join Date: Oct 2010 First Name: Corey Location: NE Wisconsin Posts: 1,468 Trading: (23)	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. __________________ Serenity - 1. A disposition free from stress or emotion. 2. The absence of mental stress or anxiety

02-17-2011, 09:19 PM	#196
CRIMPS Benn/Seguin best friends Join Date: Sep 2010 First Name: Zach Location: North Texas Posts: 1,520 Trading: (50)	Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4 #10 delivered. Bittersweet feeling. __________________ I'm a Dallas Stars fan. So, yes, this is a confusing time for me.

02-18-2011, 08:06 AM	#197
DBall Cigar Jesus Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Dan Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 3,781 Trading: (46)	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 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 . 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. 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. 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. 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 __________________ --------Dan--------- My Music \| My Videos

02-18-2011, 08:07 AM	#198
DBall Cigar Jesus Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Dan Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 3,781 Trading: (46)	Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4 CRIMPS Cigar #10 ************ 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. 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. 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. 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. 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** __________________ --------Dan--------- My Music \| My Videos

02-18-2011, 08:16 AM	#199
DBall Cigar Jesus Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Dan Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 3,781 Trading: (46)	Re: DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test #4 What they smoked: 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)! __________________ --------Dan--------- My Music \| My Videos

02-18-2011, 08:23 AM	#200
jesseboston81 CC Simple PIF Promoter Join Date: Dec 2010 First Name: Jesse Location: Londonderry, NH Posts: 2,231 Trading: (41)	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!! __________________ Come play in the CC Simple PIF!