Cigar Committee Round 3
The Rules.
Each month, a group of experienced cigar smokers participate in tastings of five new cigars. All smoke one of the selected cigars each day, and it is the first cigar of the day. All cigars are paired only with water, and are purchased at the same time from the same vendor. The cigars are stored for at least one week in a humidor prior to smoking. Everyone follows strict scoring guidelines. Taste is weighted heavily (50%), followed by construction (10%), draw (10%), burn (10%), and taste evolution (20%). Additional points are awarded for uniqueness or that intangible “wow factor”.
Why a committee?
Cigar reviews are very subjective, and influenced by the smoker’s environment (see When Good Cigars Taste Bad, part 2). In a committee review, the results are averaged over all participants, providing a better yardstick to measure a cigar’s quality. In addition to a numerical ranking, each review will include tasting notes by each of the committee members. This should help in determining if these new cigars are worth purchasing.
I hope you enjoy this feature, and keep checking back (or join the Newsletter) to see when new cigars are posted.
Alec Bradley Fine & Rare Toro 2015 6.5×56
This cigar had a wide range of reviews. Half the smokers complained of poor construction while others praised its firm ash. This is a heavy stick loaded with tobacco, perhaps too much. Everyone did agree, however, that the flavors were indistinguishable…nothing seemed to jump out. However, one smoker absolutely loved the stick.
Wrapper: Honduran Corojo; Binder: Nic; Filler: Nic/Hon; Blender: Alan Ruben; MSRP: $18.50
Caldwell Blind Mans Bluff Robusto 5×50
The majority of smokers enjoyed this cigar, but one reviewer utterly trashed it, pulling down its overall rating. Most felt it was a smooth/creamy cigar, with notes of earth, dark fruit, cocoa, and pepper. It did, however, progress towards a bitter finish.
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano; Binder: Hon; Filler: DR/Hon; Blender: Robert Caldwell; MSRP: $7.50
Warped Corto X50 Robusto 4.5×50
This is a very small, box pressed cigar (it seems smaller than 50 gauge). Its flavor, however, is anything but small. One smoker loved it, while others found it harsh. It’s an intense cigar. Notes of spearmint, basil, grass, hay.
Wrapper: Nic. Habano; Binder: Nic; Filler: Nic; Blender: Kyle Gellis; MSRP: $8.65
Crowned Heads La Imperiosa Dbl Robusto 8 3/8×50
Almost everyone enjoyed this large cigar. Two gave it outstanding reviews. Notes of dark chocolate prevailed, with a sweet fruit finish, and a peppery character.
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro; Binder: Nic; Filler: Nic; Blender: Jon Huber MSRP: $9.26
Regius Black Label Robusto 4 7/8×50
Everyone agreed that this cigar was very well constructed and enjoyable. However, it is a mild cigar with no outstanding features. Notes of light fruit, pencil lead, leather, and mild spice.
Wrapper: Nic Habano Shade Grown; Binder: Nic; Filler: Nic; Blender: Nestor Plascencia; MSRP: $9.10
Rating Legend:
0-74 = Unsmokeable
75-79 = Disappointing
80-84 = Average
85-89 = Very Good
90-94 = Excellent
95-100 = Outstanding
