Cu Avana Punisher is marketed as a full body flavorful bombshell. This cigar has been touted to be unique and original among cigars in this category.
Appearance/Construction : 4/5
The dark wrapper and subtle band give this cigar a mystic appearance. I don't care much for the foot band, and would find this cigar much more visually striking out of the box without it. The exterior shows no major flaws. just the typical small cracks and veins found on many mid level cigars. The interior has the average density.
The Smoke : 5/5
From all that I've heard, this is a pretty intense cigar. But from the moment I put it to my lips, WOW. Unknowing to me, they put something on the wrapper to tingle the lips and this caught me by surprise. After getting used to the tingle from the cold draw, lighting the cigar started a sensory bombardment. Billowing smoke began filling the air, and it hits the tongue with a strong complex blend of spice and leather right off the bat. The sheer power of this cigar sent tingles all the way to my toes. This cigar gives bold flavor with each draw building upon the last into a sensory symphony. The burn on this cigar is fairly fast, yet burns even and does not get too hot. Moving towards the end, the spiciness just keeps climbing to the point that you feel that you can't take anymore. Then just when you think you've reached your limit, the cigar calls to your subconscious to take another draw. From start to finish this cigar defines what a full body experience should be.
Value : /5
Overall : /5
At first I thought that I was going to have to throw this one out because of the overwhelming tingling on the lips, but this eventually subsided once lit. Punisher is one of those few cigars that seriously blow me away. It combines everything I look for in a full body cigar; taste, power, and at the perfect balance to be smoked all the way through. After smoking this one, I realize that I need to go out and buy a full box ASAP. Although it is far too powerful to be an everyday cigar for me, it's one that is good for anyone to have on hand when in the mood for something powerful. This is truly an intoxicating cigar.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Cu Avana
Appearance/Construction : /5
This cigar comes across as run of the mill as far as looks are concerned. It may not be a supermodel, but it sure doesn't deserve a paper bag over its head either. Although its covered with small veins, lumps, and cracks, the overall construction is still solid. This cigar seems to be packed fairly dense and it holds it's shape well. The aroma is nothing out of the ordinary either.
The Smoke : /5
After cutting, the cigar presented itself with a surprisingly sweet cold draw. Once lit, the first third produced only a mild creamy flavor. Once further down, some leather notes emerged but the primary flavor remained a light cream.
Value : /5
Overall : /5
This cigar comes across as run of the mill as far as looks are concerned. It may not be a supermodel, but it sure doesn't deserve a paper bag over its head either. Although its covered with small veins, lumps, and cracks, the overall construction is still solid. This cigar seems to be packed fairly dense and it holds it's shape well. The aroma is nothing out of the ordinary either.
The Smoke : /5
After cutting, the cigar presented itself with a surprisingly sweet cold draw. Once lit, the first third produced only a mild creamy flavor. Once further down, some leather notes emerged but the primary flavor remained a light cream.
Value : /5
Overall : /5
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Nica Libre (Imperial)
Nica Libre offers its line of tasty boxed pressed maduros in several formats, from a small 4.5x46 to the giant 7x50. These cigars are targeted at offering a premium flavor profile without a premium in price. The blend has all the ingredients to make a fine cigar without creating too small of a niche. This cigar blend generates a medium to full bodied experience. Nica Libre also recently introduced a double perfecto figurado that I have previously had a few of and will be reviewing soon.
The cigar being rated is a Imperial form (6x54)
Appearance/Construction : 4/5
Coming in a box pressed format gives it an attractive appeal to me. The wrapper is fairly consistent with some veins, but no detracting flaws. Inside it is packed moderately loose, low enough density to have some squish to it, but still appear solid and not have to worry about it falling apart. From what I remember, the smaller size that I previously ordered seemed to be packed a little tighter, but this is no downside to the cigar. The band is subtle in nature, but contributes a classic look.
The Smoke : 4/5
After an easy cut, the cigar presents itself with a earthy/spicy cold draw. After a good light, it had a bit of a harsh spice to it (foot seemed to be burning a bit hot). After a quick cool down the first third emerged with creamy leather notes, and copious amounts of smoke. Into the second half hints of spice began to emerge. The light construction allows for a good draw, but you can get it hot easily if you aren't careful. As progressed towards the end, more notes of spice emerge, but remained leathery and creamy overall. The burn throughout was consistent and even, although requires attention to draw strength to keep temperatures in check.
Value : 4.5/5
The Nica Libre line is often compared to the Padron 64 Anniversary in overall profile, but with a far greater value. I believe that it does offer a superior cigar to the standard Padron line, although does not quite fill the shoes of the 64, it comes close. This size typically sells online for around $60 per box of 20 ($3 per stick), which is about the price I paid. At that price it falls into the mid range of most cigars within its profile. In my mind it offers more than most of the competition, and can even rival brands with twice the price. This gives Nica Libre high points in this category.
Overall : 4/5
Gaining solid scores in all categories, this cigar is solid all around. Nica Libre in all its formats combines many great attributes that cigar lovers look for into the right package. This cigar is definitely on my recommendation for those looking for a box pressed maduro with premium flavor, without the premium price. If this combination sounds intriguing then don't hesitate to give it a try!
The cigar being rated is a Imperial form (6x54)
Appearance/Construction : 4/5
Coming in a box pressed format gives it an attractive appeal to me. The wrapper is fairly consistent with some veins, but no detracting flaws. Inside it is packed moderately loose, low enough density to have some squish to it, but still appear solid and not have to worry about it falling apart. From what I remember, the smaller size that I previously ordered seemed to be packed a little tighter, but this is no downside to the cigar. The band is subtle in nature, but contributes a classic look.
The Smoke : 4/5
After an easy cut, the cigar presents itself with a earthy/spicy cold draw. After a good light, it had a bit of a harsh spice to it (foot seemed to be burning a bit hot). After a quick cool down the first third emerged with creamy leather notes, and copious amounts of smoke. Into the second half hints of spice began to emerge. The light construction allows for a good draw, but you can get it hot easily if you aren't careful. As progressed towards the end, more notes of spice emerge, but remained leathery and creamy overall. The burn throughout was consistent and even, although requires attention to draw strength to keep temperatures in check.
Value : 4.5/5
The Nica Libre line is often compared to the Padron 64 Anniversary in overall profile, but with a far greater value. I believe that it does offer a superior cigar to the standard Padron line, although does not quite fill the shoes of the 64, it comes close. This size typically sells online for around $60 per box of 20 ($3 per stick), which is about the price I paid. At that price it falls into the mid range of most cigars within its profile. In my mind it offers more than most of the competition, and can even rival brands with twice the price. This gives Nica Libre high points in this category. Overall : 4/5
Gaining solid scores in all categories, this cigar is solid all around. Nica Libre in all its formats combines many great attributes that cigar lovers look for into the right package. This cigar is definitely on my recommendation for those looking for a box pressed maduro with premium flavor, without the premium price. If this combination sounds intriguing then don't hesitate to give it a try!
Monday, August 29, 2011
La Herencia Cubana CORE
LHC CORE is a new release from AJ Fernandez. It is marketed as a complex blend resulting in a premium full body cigar. One aspect of this cigar that sets it apart from other cigars I've purchased in this price range is the quality of presentation in the box. The box is beautifully constructed with a rustic appeal, and a leather divider. I chose not to include this into the rating at all, since it is not actually related to the cigar directly, but it does however add an appeal.
The cigar being rated is a Robusto form (5x52)
Appearance/Construction : 5/5
This cigar out of the box is truly a box pressed beauty. The exterior is flawless and smooth. Its dark wrapper is complemented by the classy band. Inside it is tightly packed. In my mind, it's what every cigar should be. I'm not too picky about overall look, but when it looks this great its hard to resist. Also I'm a fan of box pressed sticks, along with dense construction, so this cigar scores highly in this area in my opinion. But being a premium cigar, I would be very disappointed if it did not excel in this category.
The Smoke : 4.75/5
The tightly packed cigar was surprisingly easy to cut, but presented more issues with lighting. The foot did not ignite as easily with an indirect flame as most cigars, but with patience a good toast was achieved without direct flame. Once lit it started immediately producing a thick cloud of toasty smoke. The first draws were of spicy coffee, with a hint of sweet. After a few draws this transformed into a spicy leather. Even with a non-perfect light, the burn is consistent and even. About halfway through the flavor transforms into a creamy spice, with hints of chocolate. One benefit to tight construction is that even into the 2/3, a good draw does not end up with too hot of smoke causing foul tastes or uncomfortably heating up the tongue. This cigar offered a complex full body smoke that was truly a great experience.
Value : 3/5
Unsurprisingly the price of this cigar turns many buyers away. Most online stores sell this for around $10 a stick or $160 per box of 20 ($8 per stick). I paid considerably less for a box, just over $3.50 per stick, so for that price I couldn't pass it up. This is one of the hardest categories for me to judge CORE in. It is a fabulous cigar discounting any sort of monetary value, but once factoring that in the game changes. I've enjoyed many premium and super premium cigars, some that have blown me away, and others that have disappointed. This cigar falls somewhere in the middle. At this point I can't really decide if it justifies the $160/box price. At the price I paid, it is a great value, but I am not going to rate it as such. If you have the chance to get this at a discounted price, go for it. If you were considering full price, maybe order a single stick online or stop by your local cigar shop and establish an opinion from there.
Overall : 4.5/5
After reading reviews elsewhere criticizing heavily the cigars price, I was skeptical of whether it would be worth the purchase. In the end I am very happy with what I received for the price and if budget wasn't a huge issue it would be a good cigar for special occasions at the full price. Overall this is a great full body cigar that offers attractive looks and a pleasantly complex smoke.
The cigar being rated is a Robusto form (5x52)
Appearance/Construction : 5/5This cigar out of the box is truly a box pressed beauty. The exterior is flawless and smooth. Its dark wrapper is complemented by the classy band. Inside it is tightly packed. In my mind, it's what every cigar should be. I'm not too picky about overall look, but when it looks this great its hard to resist. Also I'm a fan of box pressed sticks, along with dense construction, so this cigar scores highly in this area in my opinion. But being a premium cigar, I would be very disappointed if it did not excel in this category.
The Smoke : 4.75/5
The tightly packed cigar was surprisingly easy to cut, but presented more issues with lighting. The foot did not ignite as easily with an indirect flame as most cigars, but with patience a good toast was achieved without direct flame. Once lit it started immediately producing a thick cloud of toasty smoke. The first draws were of spicy coffee, with a hint of sweet. After a few draws this transformed into a spicy leather. Even with a non-perfect light, the burn is consistent and even. About halfway through the flavor transforms into a creamy spice, with hints of chocolate. One benefit to tight construction is that even into the 2/3, a good draw does not end up with too hot of smoke causing foul tastes or uncomfortably heating up the tongue. This cigar offered a complex full body smoke that was truly a great experience.
Value : 3/5
Unsurprisingly the price of this cigar turns many buyers away. Most online stores sell this for around $10 a stick or $160 per box of 20 ($8 per stick). I paid considerably less for a box, just over $3.50 per stick, so for that price I couldn't pass it up. This is one of the hardest categories for me to judge CORE in. It is a fabulous cigar discounting any sort of monetary value, but once factoring that in the game changes. I've enjoyed many premium and super premium cigars, some that have blown me away, and others that have disappointed. This cigar falls somewhere in the middle. At this point I can't really decide if it justifies the $160/box price. At the price I paid, it is a great value, but I am not going to rate it as such. If you have the chance to get this at a discounted price, go for it. If you were considering full price, maybe order a single stick online or stop by your local cigar shop and establish an opinion from there.
Overall : 4.5/5
After reading reviews elsewhere criticizing heavily the cigars price, I was skeptical of whether it would be worth the purchase. In the end I am very happy with what I received for the price and if budget wasn't a huge issue it would be a good cigar for special occasions at the full price. Overall this is a great full body cigar that offers attractive looks and a pleasantly complex smoke.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Gurkha Sherpa
I bought a bundle of these on a whim since the price was right, and the blend sounded like something on the medium side that I would enjoy. From previous experiences I've enjoyed the lower priced offerings from Gurkha, but haven't been blown away by their higher ended lines. This fits in as one of their lower priced cigars, but has the recipe to stack up against some premium blends.
The cigar in this review is of Toro form (6x50)
Appearance/Construction : 3/5
Some small lumps and cracks, but nothing to fret about. No major flaws found with any that I've smoked from the bundle. The one cut for this review had some issues with the wrapper separating near the head, but this was due to a bad cut on my part (and needing to clean my cutter), the others that I've smoked have not had any issues. It is packed to about the average density, allowing for a good draw without burning too fast. The bright orange band stands out against the dark brown wrapper, giving it a striking visual appeal. Cold nose is leathery.
The Smoke : 3.5/5
Starts with a light leather flavor with a hint of sweet. Earthy tones start to come through about halfway through, with a hint of some spice. Towards the end some hints coffee started to come through. Aroma while lit is toasty overall. Generous amounts of smoke throughout, with an easy draw with no blockages. Burns fairly uniform. Overall a well balanced smoke, with some complexity to it. Did not end up burning too hot or too cold. Meets all expectations that I had for the cigar, with no real variation from the descriptions Ive read. While I tend to prefer full body cigars, this provides a nice lighter everyday medium bodied cigar.
Value : 4/5
These sell online for around $2.50 a stick ($50 per bundle of 20), while I paid just over $1.50 per stick. At the going rate these are a great deal, offering a great smoke for the price, and being affordable for an everyday cigar. At the price I paid, I would have given it a 4.5/5
Overall : 3.5/5
Combining a smooth, mildly complex smoke with medium body flavor gives the Sherpa a great overall balance. The price point is definitely this cigar's strong point, but don't let the low price for a Gurkha give you the idea that you're getting a low quality cigar. I will see if these improve at all after some aging, or if the majority of the profile changes. If you are looking for a medium body cigar or are a mild lover and want to try something more, give Sherpa a try!
The cigar in this review is of Toro form (6x50)
Appearance/Construction : 3/5
Some small lumps and cracks, but nothing to fret about. No major flaws found with any that I've smoked from the bundle. The one cut for this review had some issues with the wrapper separating near the head, but this was due to a bad cut on my part (and needing to clean my cutter), the others that I've smoked have not had any issues. It is packed to about the average density, allowing for a good draw without burning too fast. The bright orange band stands out against the dark brown wrapper, giving it a striking visual appeal. Cold nose is leathery.The Smoke : 3.5/5
Starts with a light leather flavor with a hint of sweet. Earthy tones start to come through about halfway through, with a hint of some spice. Towards the end some hints coffee started to come through. Aroma while lit is toasty overall. Generous amounts of smoke throughout, with an easy draw with no blockages. Burns fairly uniform. Overall a well balanced smoke, with some complexity to it. Did not end up burning too hot or too cold. Meets all expectations that I had for the cigar, with no real variation from the descriptions Ive read. While I tend to prefer full body cigars, this provides a nice lighter everyday medium bodied cigar.Value : 4/5
These sell online for around $2.50 a stick ($50 per bundle of 20), while I paid just over $1.50 per stick. At the going rate these are a great deal, offering a great smoke for the price, and being affordable for an everyday cigar. At the price I paid, I would have given it a 4.5/5
Overall : 3.5/5
Combining a smooth, mildly complex smoke with medium body flavor gives the Sherpa a great overall balance. The price point is definitely this cigar's strong point, but don't let the low price for a Gurkha give you the idea that you're getting a low quality cigar. I will see if these improve at all after some aging, or if the majority of the profile changes. If you are looking for a medium body cigar or are a mild lover and want to try something more, give Sherpa a try!
Saturday, August 27, 2011
What Im doing here
Hello readers! I'm Nick. What I am planning on doing with this blog is posting reviews of various products within my interests. These reviews will include cigars, wine, beer, spirits, firearms and accessories, and other various topics.
Hope you enjoy!
Hope you enjoy!
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