I try to have fun with things, regardless of subject or company. Life's too short to not have fun with what you're doing, whatever it is. Like Maddy said, though, I hope if I offend anyone they'll let me know.
I try to have fun with things, regardless of subject or company. Life's too short to not have fun with what you're doing, whatever it is. Like Maddy said, though, I hope if I offend anyone they'll let me know.
Well, it hasn't happened yet ! Except that damn buffalo Buffalo.
Hey, if I offend anybody, let me know. It's never intended, and I love to give a good ribbing. Incidentally, it is very difficult to offend me, so I am sometimes not the best judge of what others might find offensive.
Prelight Now prelight is actually a HUGE deal today. Im second guessing my 25 year old palate for I did smoke cigarettes (about 1 a day so not many) from age 17 to age 24 with many months of breaks inbetween so I guess Im paranoid. Paranoid in the sense that I wish to experience every flavor out there. And with spending $8-$14 a cigar I dont want to hit my peak of cigars after spending tons of money. So heres what I did I went to Kenosha, WI to the JELLY BELLY factory and bought some beans and made myself guess what the flavors were without looking all afternoon. So Im starting to train myself to recognize individual flavors instead of just mashing all the food in my mouth as fast as possible. So I wanna train myself to get back to noticing little things in food, which will in turn make me notice more about my individual cigars OKAY back to the prelight ? This cigar smells sweet of chocolate and rich oils and tobacco. I keep smelling it and it is pure cocoa for a better term. This guy is looking good in the torpedo shape and the lick on the cap is nothing I licked it again and nothing its smooth Ill give it that but thats about it. Light I snipped the end off of this guy this time BEFORE lighting to switch it up and then roasted the end with my single flame butane. This time instead of blowing through it I just waived it in the air a couple times, not to force the burn but to also make sure that when I was blowing before that I wasnt creating the uneven burns Ive been having. Pairing Just tap water chilled in a fridge the norm First third This cigar is one that Im going to try to master the nose blow technique. Ive done it in the past but always seemed faint of breath while doing it. This is my mission. The first few puffs are just to get it going and the spice hits you right off the bat. This guy takes over your tongue but very flavorful the cocoa is present but faint and the rich coffee and spices take over. Pepper is present mainly and thats captured by a little bit of an aftertaste of that of cocoa. Yes very spicy and a medium amount of smoke to this guy, but it is super tasty. Okay I think Ive got the nose thing down, the reason it was hard for me was the shortness of breath and Ive learned to take a draw in, let it float out of my mouth and keep some in my mouth, then take a breath in through my nose and as Im exhaling pushing my tongue on the top of my mouth and as I do that the excess smoke is pushed into the airway and the smoke comes out of my nose. While perfecting this I will say that the Pepper and Coffee grounds abound in this guy! These flavors are truly awesome! Ive noticed them before but it was mainly a guess. (I THINK that that was just coffee . Maybe?) NOW its more of WOW, sudden rushes of folgers and the pepper grinder pop into my head. Now I realize that the flavors were always there, and I DID catch them, but had to think now its just a punch to the jaw about what it is SHIBBY! P.s. the slight breeze is back so the burn issues are here again, but my humi is constant at 63-65 and the Hygro is calibrated so I know its not the gar just the Wisconsin weather Second third The spice has laid down a bit and the coffee has taken a bitter turn. Now its like the pot has been on the burner for awhile and its more a dark chocolate. Nothing too pronounced though in the fact a little canoeing is happening so theres more filler than wrapper burning which is hindering this cigar right now. The Pepper is the main part though. Not as rough, but thats what is kicking into gear right now. Whoo-man! Still cocoa but rich dark with spicy finish. If I had to say one thing is that this guy is consistent! Last Third One comment on the ash it is good and strong but I tried to make it a She-hulk and believe it could hold on which is why I now have a huge grey spot on my pants. :Note to self: Dont let cigar sit over the edge of table over your pants: The finishing touches is a battle royale for Pepper and Cocoa and a hint of coffee. Pepper is winning but each puff is a little different of those three. The final stretch is Coffee now or Coffee Grounds for that matter. Kinda like smelling Starbucks Garbage can. All the different used up coffees mixed in. NEW ONE Last NUB This guy was super smooth and after the band got done (my usual smoking point) I took it off and continues smoking. Ive done this several times but not on any Ive REALLY reviewed. So this one deserves it. Rich spice fills the end. A strong finish that I know is burning hot, but it doesnt taste like it. The coffee is very present too as well as the pepper. This one is down to the wire but still enjoyable! Overall this guy has shown me two things. One that I have not exhausted my palate and I can still taste subtlety in a cigar and TWO that I can now do the nose breathe thingy! The wrapper was very good with only one pronounced vein, the smell was very good and chocolatey and the smoke was medium and the taste was a powerhouse but still consistent and good. This cigar has done well with two months in my humidor and am excited to try the other one as well (89)
I love your reviews, Lazy.. But I gotta say if you can't get the flavors in a Jelly Belly, you've got a ways to go
I always smoke well past where the band was (I take mine off pre-light, or if it won't slide off, I wait until the heat has softened everything up, usually about a third of the way in). Well, except in the case where I find that I don't enjoy the cigar. Congrats on your success with the nose-exhale. I'm pretty good at that, but have never been a cigarette smoker.
I love your reviews, Lazy.. But I gotta say if you can't get the flavors in a Jelly Belly, you've got a ways to go
I was trying to go crazy on them... the sampler man said that he took all the "7up" branded beans and mixed them in a way to make "Pepsi" that was actually pretty realistic and really good. But with going through all 50 flavors and picking each out I put my tongue through Boot Camp!
8/10 Rocky Patel Decade Series
This one was smoked in front of work while one of my departments was having a night-meeting so I had to stay late. I got 4 guys together in front of the store and we all sat out front smoking the cigars. Myself being the manager in the shirt and tie I opted for the Wheelchair! The conversation was the dominant factor of this guy but rich coffee, spice and chocolate is what made this guy. It was fresh from the B&M so it burned a little uneven and went out on me once, but thats no deal the relight still tasted full-bodied and the coffee turned to coffee grounds (a little more bitter) but this cigar was excellent! (Maybe a 89)
8/13 Nestore Reserve Maduro Torpedo Fresh from the box This one was a pre-reviewed cigar for I just got the bundle today and this cigar is very fresh (but the bundle of 25 sitting in the humi is a sight to see!) and the freshness was apparent in this guy. The wrapper is perfect and theres a little squared-off-ness making it a Bundle Pressed? and the smell is faint and weak. The light of it was a nice roasting of an open flame butane and not my torch lighter for I was indoors at the bar right by my house which allows cigars.
Overall This guy was an okay smoke that started with little smoke and a tight draw but it opened up after a secondary cut with the double-blade cutter and the smoke was still weak but tasty. I was drinking and eating while smoking so I didnt pay too much attention to the flavor profile, but with the bundle I bought the price is right and I can wait till time takes it's toll on these guys!
Yup. I'll think you'll like the Nestor better after they've had time to rest a bit. It's not a spectacular cigar, but for the price, it's unreasonably good.
Yup. I'll think you'll like the Nestor better after they've had time to rest a bit. It's not a spectacular cigar, but for the price, it's unreasonably good.
I've had one and given one out... SUPER TIGHT DRAW!!!
8/? Sancho Panza Double Maduro
Still like Nestor, just out the box and making sure that it smokes well.
Lots of flavor and smoke and this thing is POURING out smoke, halfway through though, the ammonia and new cigar crap got in the way so I had to put it out early, but WOW what a good stoag for the first half
9/2/08 Gurkha Park Avenue - Churchill (from COTMC)
Nice flavor, rested a month and smoked well, even burn great cool night on the porch with one of the Supervisors from the store and talking about work and just enjoying some Miller Lites with it
9/4/08 Punch Royal Coronation Maduro
Smoked at the bar 30ft. from my house and was pretty tasty, nice even burn again and a great little smoke! Myself, the Lady and our friend Chad were all out over a pitcher of Miller Lite!
Holy crap boys... It's been a freaking while since I've done a review on a cigar... mainly for two reasons, I now have 3 official smoking converts that I've brought over from cigarettes and most of my cigars are not alone anymore so I'd be weird if I had the laptop out with the boys over... and I also have had no time since two people got fired from my work so I'm working 6.5 days a week!
9/07/08 Man O War Robusto from COTMC
Prelight Smelled of RICH chocolate and sweetness and had a nice clean wrapper that was smooth in the hand. Chocolate and Barnyard is the way Id described it. Cut with Double Guillotine cigar cutter and had allot of little pieces in the cut and the head came a little unraveled. Nothing a little lick to the cap wouldnt fix Pairing Im waiting for the Girlfriend to get home so Im in my drinky-drinky phase so I got a 24oz. can of Sparks Energy Alcohol to go with this cigar Lighting This guy lit well on a cool evening and with my single flame butane I gotta say it was lit very evenly and the first flavors in the lighting were spicy and flavorful First third Power and spice hit the back of my throat with this guy. In the first centimeter. It almost seems like it hit the back of my throat and Dried it out for there is a spice just cultivating there. It seems as the chocolate has turned to a Coffee ground (which Ive found that this happens with me allot, I smell chocolate and get coffee maybe its just DARK chocolate Im getting, for I dont really like that stuff so I relate it to coffee who knows?) Im also picking up some woody notes along with it, maybe its the cedar. Oh sheize! The cigar is unraveling now so I apply some heavy spit to anchor that sumbiotch down! Im reading the reviews on this guy and the spice and the sweetness are there. The lick of the lips does give some hint of sweetness which is good but the almonds arent here yet. Its burning a bit uneven, and even after a pretty severe corrective light the spice is mellowing and a certain smoothness is coming through to compliment the sweetness. Id almost say an earthiness, but this may be the almonds and nuts talked about. Id say earthy smoke and maybe nutty aftertaste. After the initial relight the cigar is pretty even and the ash is hanging on okay. About an inch of ash is when I knocked it off. This first third was a good one. I still get a whiff of the cigar from the prelight of chocolate and sweetness and the smoke is mellowing down a bit and very creamy I would say. Second third This guy is riddle with relights, but Im not gonna hold it against it for this may be one that got left out for 10 days due to shipping over the fourth of july, so maybe just the two months of resting wasnt enough but I do find that when I smoke on the porch the wind makes is pretty hard to keep lit. Bring on the SPICE AGAIN! After another relight this guy is picking speed back up to the flavor powerwheel. Really good cigar and smooth Last third Ive got a drunk girlfriend coming home from the Brewers game and is draggin me out to the bars, so this cigar may get cut short boo . Yup cut short! Overall this guy was tasty, spicey, creamy, and sweet and maybe almond-y and was enjoyable, just had to cut it short when I didnt want to and just too many relights! (87)
Still kind of disappointed that I couldn't do a full on review of this guy, but still great to be able to be alone with my second girlfriend (cigars)
09/08/08 Don Diego Unidentified Tubo from the Cigarette Shop owner
Smoked during the Packer Monday Night game I had to work at 6am the next day, so I was just going to drink a little and then go to bed, but in the second half during the huge touchdown I HAD to pull this guy from my pocket at the bar! Overall This guy was pretty good, had a Connecticut wrapper and was a light and smooth guy. I had a tinge of harsh/dryness to it I dont know why but I just believe it was a little dry, not cracking or anything, but I did almost nub it so it wasnt at all that bad!
Yup. I'll think you'll like the Nestor better after they've had time to rest a bit. It's not a spectacular cigar, but for the price, it's unreasonably good.
I've had one and given one out... SUPER TIGHT DRAW!!!
Have you experienced the same?
Can't say that I have. At least, not so tight that I remember it.
09/10/08 MonteCristo Cigare Des Arte Torpedo 2003
John and I had these guys while playing darts at the bar that is a stone's throw away. SUPER smooth and great taste. Not a review today, but this guy lasted almost 2 hours and did not produce much smoke, but the smoke that DID come out of it was absolutely delicious. I did have one corrective light, and one that fixed itself so I think the one relight was just impatience. Just a smooth guy with a hint of spice at the end. No harshness at all and every puff really tasted fantastic. A review will have to come through soon when I get a chance to get this guy alone! I may be biased knowing this is the ONLY aged cigar Ive had, but this ranks at the top of what Ive smoked so far. Thats not saying much for the oldest cigar Ive smoked was 2 months old, but hey, this guy was gooooood thats all I can say. (95)
09/17/08 Diamond Crown Maximus Robusto No. 5 Bought on 6/23/08
Prelight Cut with Double-G and smelled not as strong as some of the cigars Ive had but still very nice. Just rich tobacco in this guy. Construction leaves something to be desired though. The thick veins do lend to some lifting of the wrapper and after a nice even cut on the cigar I noticed a potential for unraveling. First third Smoke was immediately in your face and powerful. Very earthy and had a great deal of smoke. Even though the draw is a little tight this guy does fill my mouth with smoke. Unfortunately right off the bat it is burning uneven, but thats because its windy as heck outside right now, but oh so beautiful. Partially my fault for the crappy light (windproof my ass) and partial due to the large gust of winds, but Im not counting this against the cigar. Rich earth notes abound. I may not exactly know what the earth notes taste like, but Id say this is it. Not really peppery as I normally tell a full-bodied cigar would be but very full and robust in nature, but doesnt sting the tongue like others do. Second Third The ash held about two inches tight before I knocked it off. The girlfriend isnt home so if I get any burns to my crotch I cant explain it to her so I had to knock it off. But even with high winds the ash did surprise me quite a bit. This cigar may not look pretty, but is well made and the 3 months resting means that the burn issue is a little bit wind, but also the huge vein is what is holding the one side to burn slower. The earthiness steps to the back plate as the spice and maybe wood(?) come into play. The flavor isnt as intense but the pepper has come up a little. I want to say this cigar is mellowing a bit, but in all reality its just getting a little one-dimensional with the spice. I do think that the flavor has escaped this guy. Not much going on anymore Last Third After the wind knocked it off the table and smashed to ash off of it, it actually opened this sumbitch up! The Earthy flavor came back in full force and really meshed well with the spice! Burn has evened itself out and this cigar has been through hell and survived. Smoke is still abundant and tasty! Overall With some construction flaws and a really veiny wrapper this cigar comes through with a great taste, smooth draw, and a taste that is really appreciated. This was recommended on a hunt at my local B&M for OpusX and I will have to thank the owner! (90)
09/19/08 - Gurkha Class Regent Toro Resting since 02/08/08
Prelight Construction is very nice. A rich Marble finish to the wrapper and no overbearing veins or lines. Smells of Barnyard rich, blue-ribbon winning barnyard. Cut with Double blade and the draw is somewhat loose (or maybe just Im used to tight draws on my young cigars and my Nestors Pairing Tap water partially frozen in a water bottle mmmmmmm First Third The light was a little troublesome, my crappy torch flame just went out about 10 seconds into the roasting of the foot. But after a quick refill this guy is pouring out smoke. The smoke is very nice and flavorful. Not as much Barnyard as I would have imagined, but a little spicy to it. Rich woody flavors come through, maybe Spanish cedar or an old drawer at my grandmas house (not trying to be an aficionado, but it just smells like it!) The ash is STARK white and very fine (not falling off fine, but just looks pretty) I would like to start add that this is my first Gurkha ever, so this is treat! Rich wood abound in this guy. Its a flavor Ive never really had before, but somehow it seems familiar. The barnyard has moved a little bit up in the food chain and is delicious. The ash pretty much just flaked away and didnt hold together at all. Second third This may actually not be the second third of the cigar for this thing is burning super slowly and smoothly. But the rich earthy wood flavors and a hint of spice is what makes this guy a champ. The burn is getting uneven, but with no shade and a slight breeze this does not worry me at all.. although I am already done with hour number one and the stick is only halfway through! Just a smooth mellow taste and a pinch of spice. The barnyard/earthy taste is still here. Not much changing and the intensity has fell a bit, but just surfing the web and smoking is sooo relaxing Last third Im getting a more musty taste or something a little darker than just wood. The barnyard has all but gone except for an aftertaste and the earthy and musk remain on the tongue. Nice change not sure what the last flavor that came up is but Im not complaining. Many burn issues still that the ol torch flame is taking care of. Well after over an hour and a half its time to put this guy to rest. A touch up light on a short nub just made things too hot. This guy lasted long and was a flavor ride. Overall My first Gurkha was a good one. Thanks to Kuzi for hooking it up and it was delicious. Well made and well played. The flavors werent overpowering and were fantastic. My first Wood cigar that I could pick up and Im always a fan of Barnyard. The construction was great and smooth. A nice semi-oily wrapper with the slight box pressed shape and perfect cap. The draw was perfect and the burn couldve been better but Ive just learned to deal with this for most of my smokes are outside (92)
Comments
Smoking Time: 1.5 Hours
Prelight Now prelight is actually a HUGE deal today. Im second guessing my 25 year old palate for I did smoke cigarettes (about 1 a day so not many) from age 17 to age 24 with many months of breaks inbetween so I guess Im paranoid. Paranoid in the sense that I wish to experience every flavor out there. And with spending $8-$14 a cigar I dont want to hit my peak of cigars after spending tons of money. So heres what I did I went to Kenosha, WI to the JELLY BELLY factory and bought some beans and made myself guess what the flavors were without looking all afternoon. So Im starting to train myself to recognize individual flavors instead of just mashing all the food in my mouth as fast as possible. So I wanna train myself to get back to noticing little things in food, which will in turn make me notice more about my individual cigars OKAY back to the prelight ? This cigar smells sweet of chocolate and rich oils and tobacco. I keep smelling it and it is pure cocoa for a better term. This guy is looking good in the torpedo shape and the lick on the cap is nothing I licked it again and nothing its smooth Ill give it that but thats about it.
Light I snipped the end off of this guy this time BEFORE lighting to switch it up and then roasted the end with my single flame butane. This time instead of blowing through it I just waived it in the air a couple times, not to force the burn but to also make sure that when I was blowing before that I wasnt creating the uneven burns Ive been having.
Pairing Just tap water chilled in a fridge the norm
First third This cigar is one that Im going to try to master the nose blow technique. Ive done it in the past but always seemed faint of breath while doing it. This is my mission. The first few puffs are just to get it going and the spice hits you right off the bat. This guy takes over your tongue but very flavorful the cocoa is present but faint and the rich coffee and spices take over. Pepper is present mainly and thats captured by a little bit of an aftertaste of that of cocoa. Yes very spicy and a medium amount of smoke to this guy, but it is super tasty. Okay I think Ive got the nose thing down, the reason it was hard for me was the shortness of breath and Ive learned to take a draw in, let it float out of my mouth and keep some in my mouth, then take a breath in through my nose and as Im exhaling pushing my tongue on the top of my mouth and as I do that the excess smoke is pushed into the airway and the smoke comes out of my nose. While perfecting this I will say that the Pepper and Coffee grounds abound in this guy! These flavors are truly awesome! Ive noticed them before but it was mainly a guess. (I THINK that that was just coffee . Maybe?) NOW its more of WOW, sudden rushes of folgers and the pepper grinder pop into my head. Now I realize that the flavors were always there, and I DID catch them, but had to think now its just a punch to the jaw about what it is SHIBBY! P.s. the slight breeze is back so the burn issues are here again, but my humi is constant at 63-65 and the Hygro is calibrated so I know its not the gar just the Wisconsin weather
Second third The spice has laid down a bit and the coffee has taken a bitter turn. Now its like the pot has been on the burner for awhile and its more a dark chocolate. Nothing too pronounced though in the fact a little canoeing is happening so theres more filler than wrapper burning which is hindering this cigar right now. The Pepper is the main part though. Not as rough, but thats what is kicking into gear right now. Whoo-man! Still cocoa but rich dark with spicy finish. If I had to say one thing is that this guy is consistent!
Last Third One comment on the ash it is good and strong but I tried to make it a She-hulk and believe it could hold on which is why I now have a huge grey spot on my pants. :Note to self: Dont let cigar sit over the edge of table over your pants: The finishing touches is a battle royale for Pepper and Cocoa and a hint of coffee. Pepper is winning but each puff is a little different of those three. The final stretch is Coffee now or Coffee Grounds for that matter. Kinda like smelling Starbucks Garbage can. All the different used up coffees mixed in.
NEW ONE Last NUB This guy was super smooth and after the band got done (my usual smoking point) I took it off and continues smoking. Ive done this several times but not on any Ive REALLY reviewed. So this one deserves it. Rich spice fills the end. A strong finish that I know is burning hot, but it doesnt taste like it. The coffee is very present too as well as the pepper. This one is down to the wire but still enjoyable!
Overall this guy has shown me two things. One that I have not exhausted my palate and I can still taste subtlety in a cigar and TWO that I can now do the nose breathe thingy! The wrapper was very good with only one pronounced vein, the smell was very good and chocolatey and the smoke was medium and the taste was a powerhouse but still consistent and good. This cigar has done well with two months in my humidor and am excited to try the other one as well (89)
I always smoke well past where the band was (I take mine off pre-light, or if it won't slide off, I wait until the heat has softened everything up, usually about a third of the way in). Well, except in the case where I find that I don't enjoy the cigar. Congrats on your success with the nose-exhale. I'm pretty good at that, but have never been a cigarette smoker.
I was trying to go crazy on them... the sampler man said that he took all the "7up" branded beans and mixed them in a way to make "Pepsi" that was actually pretty realistic and really good. But with going through all 50 flavors and picking each out I put my tongue through Boot Camp!
This one was smoked in front of work while one of my departments was having a night-meeting so I had to stay late. I got 4 guys together in front of the store and we all sat out front smoking the cigars. Myself being the manager in the shirt and tie I opted for the Wheelchair! The conversation was the dominant factor of this guy but rich coffee, spice and chocolate is what made this guy. It was fresh from the B&M so it burned a little uneven and went out on me once, but thats no deal the relight still tasted full-bodied and the coffee turned to coffee grounds (a little more bitter) but this cigar was excellent! (Maybe a 89)
This one was a pre-reviewed cigar for I just got the bundle today and this cigar is very fresh (but the bundle of 25 sitting in the humi is a sight to see!) and the freshness was apparent in this guy. The wrapper is perfect and theres a little squared-off-ness making it a Bundle Pressed? and the smell is faint and weak. The light of it was a nice roasting of an open flame butane and not my torch lighter for I was indoors at the bar right by my house which allows cigars.
Overall This guy was an okay smoke that started with little smoke and a tight draw but it opened up after a secondary cut with the double-blade cutter and the smoke was still weak but tasty. I was drinking and eating while smoking so I didnt pay too much attention to the flavor profile, but with the bundle I bought the price is right and I can wait till time takes it's toll on these guys!
Have you experienced the same?
Still like Nestor, just out the box and making sure that it smokes well. Lots of flavor and smoke and this thing is POURING out smoke, halfway through though, the ammonia and new cigar crap got in the way so I had to put it out early, but WOW what a good stoag for the first half
9/2/08 Gurkha Park Avenue - Churchill (from COTMC)
Nice flavor, rested a month and smoked well, even burn great cool night on the porch with one of the Supervisors from the store and talking about work and just enjoying some Miller Lites with it
9/4/08 Punch Royal Coronation Maduro
Smoked at the bar 30ft. from my house and was pretty tasty, nice even burn again and a great little smoke! Myself, the Lady and our friend Chad were all out over a pitcher of Miller Lite!
and I also have had no time since two people got fired from my work so I'm working 6.5 days a week!
9/07/08 Man O War Robusto from COTMC
Prelight Smelled of RICH chocolate and sweetness and had a nice clean wrapper that was smooth in the hand. Chocolate and Barnyard is the way Id described it. Cut with Double Guillotine cigar cutter and had allot of little pieces in the cut and the head came a little unraveled. Nothing a little lick to the cap wouldnt fix
Pairing Im waiting for the Girlfriend to get home so Im in my drinky-drinky phase so I got a 24oz. can of Sparks Energy Alcohol to go with this cigar
Lighting This guy lit well on a cool evening and with my single flame butane I gotta say it was lit very evenly and the first flavors in the lighting were spicy and flavorful
First third Power and spice hit the back of my throat with this guy. In the first centimeter. It almost seems like it hit the back of my throat and Dried it out for there is a spice just cultivating there. It seems as the chocolate has turned to a Coffee ground (which Ive found that this happens with me allot, I smell chocolate and get coffee maybe its just DARK chocolate Im getting, for I dont really like that stuff so I relate it to coffee who knows?) Im also picking up some woody notes along with it, maybe its the cedar. Oh sheize! The cigar is unraveling now so I apply some heavy spit to anchor that sumbiotch down! Im reading the reviews on this guy and the spice and the sweetness are there. The lick of the lips does give some hint of sweetness which is good but the almonds arent here yet. Its burning a bit uneven, and even after a pretty severe corrective light the spice is mellowing and a certain smoothness is coming through to compliment the sweetness. Id almost say an earthiness, but this may be the almonds and nuts talked about. Id say earthy smoke and maybe nutty aftertaste. After the initial relight the cigar is pretty even and the ash is hanging on okay. About an inch of ash is when I knocked it off. This first third was a good one. I still get a whiff of the cigar from the prelight of chocolate and sweetness and the smoke is mellowing down a bit and very creamy I would say.
Second third This guy is riddle with relights, but Im not gonna hold it against it for this may be one that got left out for 10 days due to shipping over the fourth of july, so maybe just the two months of resting wasnt enough but I do find that when I smoke on the porch the wind makes is pretty hard to keep lit. Bring on the SPICE AGAIN! After another relight this guy is picking speed back up to the flavor powerwheel. Really good cigar and smooth
Last third Ive got a drunk girlfriend coming home from the Brewers game and is draggin me out to the bars, so this cigar may get cut short boo . Yup cut short!
Overall this guy was tasty, spicey, creamy, and sweet and maybe almond-y and was enjoyable, just had to cut it short when I didnt want to and just too many relights! (87)
Still kind of disappointed that I couldn't do a full on review of this guy, but still great to be able to be alone with my second girlfriend (cigars)
Smoked during the Packer Monday Night game I had to work at 6am the next day, so I was just going to drink a little and then go to bed, but in the second half during the huge touchdown I HAD to pull this guy from my pocket at the bar!
Overall This guy was pretty good, had a Connecticut wrapper and was a light and smooth guy. I had a tinge of harsh/dryness to it I dont know why but I just believe it was a little dry, not cracking or anything, but I did almost nub it so it wasnt at all that bad!
John and I had these guys while playing darts at the bar that is a stone's throw away. SUPER smooth and great taste. Not a review today, but this guy lasted almost 2 hours and did not produce much smoke, but the smoke that DID come out of it was absolutely delicious. I did have one corrective light, and one that fixed itself so I think the one relight was just impatience. Just a smooth guy with a hint of spice at the end. No harshness at all and every puff really tasted fantastic. A review will have to come through soon when I get a chance to get this guy alone! I may be biased knowing this is the ONLY aged cigar Ive had, but this ranks at the top of what Ive smoked so far. Thats not saying much for the oldest cigar Ive smoked was 2 months old, but hey, this guy was gooooood thats all I can say. (95)
Some Cigar Porn
Prelight Cut with Double-G and smelled not as strong as some of the cigars Ive had but still very nice. Just rich tobacco in this guy. Construction leaves something to be desired though. The thick veins do lend to some lifting of the wrapper and after a nice even cut on the cigar I noticed a potential for unraveling.
First third Smoke was immediately in your face and powerful. Very earthy and had a great deal of smoke. Even though the draw is a little tight this guy does fill my mouth with smoke. Unfortunately right off the bat it is burning uneven, but thats because its windy as heck outside right now, but oh so beautiful. Partially my fault for the crappy light (windproof my ass) and partial due to the large gust of winds, but Im not counting this against the cigar. Rich earth notes abound. I may not exactly know what the earth notes taste like, but Id say this is it. Not really peppery as I normally tell a full-bodied cigar would be but very full and robust in nature, but doesnt sting the tongue like others do.
Second Third The ash held about two inches tight before I knocked it off. The girlfriend isnt home so if I get any burns to my crotch I cant explain it to her so I had to knock it off. But even with high winds the ash did surprise me quite a bit. This cigar may not look pretty, but is well made and the 3 months resting means that the burn issue is a little bit wind, but also the huge vein is what is holding the one side to burn slower. The earthiness steps to the back plate as the spice and maybe wood(?) come into play. The flavor isnt as intense but the pepper has come up a little. I want to say this cigar is mellowing a bit, but in all reality its just getting a little one-dimensional with the spice. I do think that the flavor has escaped this guy. Not much going on anymore
Last Third After the wind knocked it off the table and smashed to ash off of it, it actually opened this sumbitch up! The Earthy flavor came back in full force and really meshed well with the spice! Burn has evened itself out and this cigar has been through hell and survived. Smoke is still abundant and tasty!
Overall With some construction flaws and a really veiny wrapper this cigar comes through with a great taste, smooth draw, and a taste that is really appreciated. This was recommended on a hunt at my local B&M for OpusX and I will have to thank the owner! (90)
Prelight Construction is very nice. A rich Marble finish to the wrapper and no overbearing veins or lines. Smells of Barnyard rich, blue-ribbon winning barnyard. Cut with Double blade and the draw is somewhat loose (or maybe just Im used to tight draws on my young cigars and my Nestors
Pairing Tap water partially frozen in a water bottle mmmmmmm
First Third The light was a little troublesome, my crappy torch flame just went out about 10 seconds into the roasting of the foot. But after a quick refill this guy is pouring out smoke. The smoke is very nice and flavorful. Not as much Barnyard as I would have imagined, but a little spicy to it. Rich woody flavors come through, maybe Spanish cedar or an old drawer at my grandmas house (not trying to be an aficionado, but it just smells like it!) The ash is STARK white and very fine (not falling off fine, but just looks pretty) I would like to start add that this is my first Gurkha ever, so this is treat! Rich wood abound in this guy. Its a flavor Ive never really had before, but somehow it seems familiar. The barnyard has moved a little bit up in the food chain and is delicious. The ash pretty much just flaked away and didnt hold together at all.
Second third This may actually not be the second third of the cigar for this thing is burning super slowly and smoothly. But the rich earthy wood flavors and a hint of spice is what makes this guy a champ. The burn is getting uneven, but with no shade and a slight breeze this does not worry me at all.. although I am already done with hour number one and the stick is only halfway through! Just a smooth mellow taste and a pinch of spice. The barnyard/earthy taste is still here. Not much changing and the intensity has fell a bit, but just surfing the web and smoking is sooo relaxing
Last third Im getting a more musty taste or something a little darker than just wood. The barnyard has all but gone except for an aftertaste and the earthy and musk remain on the tongue. Nice change not sure what the last flavor that came up is but Im not complaining. Many burn issues still that the ol torch flame is taking care of. Well after over an hour and a half its time to put this guy to rest. A touch up light on a short nub just made things too hot. This guy lasted long and was a flavor ride.
Overall My first Gurkha was a good one. Thanks to Kuzi for hooking it up and it was delicious. Well made and well played. The flavors werent overpowering and were fantastic. My first Wood cigar that I could pick up and Im always a fan of Barnyard. The construction was great and smooth. A nice semi-oily wrapper with the slight box pressed shape and perfect cap. The draw was perfect and the burn couldve been better but Ive just learned to deal with this for most of my smokes are outside (92)