Tuesday, 13 August 2013
A brief pause on reviews...
I will be away for a little bit, but will return with a bunch of new reviews very soon!!! I have a lot of cigars just waiting in the humidor, begging to be puffed away on...soon my pretties!!
CRC.
Thursday, 1 August 2013
Liga Privada (Drew Estates) Unico Series "Feral" flying pig (Perfecto 5-3/8 x 60)
This will be a short review of a cigar that was given to me by a friend. Unfortunately, I was not in a position to be able to take my usually photos of the smoking experience. Regardless, here is my review of what I thought about the "Flying Pig"!
Pre-light; Was very cedar-y and light smelling, slight spice and chocolate, smooth coffee bean, draw is loose, cigar is very light in the hand, great curly pig-tail cap, tapering foot (classic perfecto shape, but big!) Dark black wrapper, soft feel/lightly packed tobacco.
First 3rd; After I cut of the pigtail, it took a re-light to get it going properly. tons of smoke coming off the foot, medium body, slight pepper, nice rounded coffee flavour, full mouth feel, very flavourful smoke.
Second 3rd; Coffee, sweet chocolate and pepper notes bounce back and forth all the way through, nice cedar wood flavour, creamy smoke, still lots of smoke off the foot, burn is nice and straight, wonderful aged tobacco taste.
Last 3rd; More of the same with the classic roasted nut flavour coming in, flavours continue to move between the coffee and spice notes, still lots of smoke, stays cool all the way to the nub.
Final notes; This thing is a beast with killer flavours! It required no touch ups along the way, the smoke just kept pouring off the foot. Lot's of smoke output after the draw, flavours were complex and kept coming and going throughout the smoke. These are box worthy for sure, although not the cheapest cigar out there. I have seen some prices online and they are around $200 for a box of 10. Well worth it though. I would recommend these to anyone looking for a great complex smoke that will keep you interested all the way to the nub!...I was kinda sad when this one ended :(
My rating; 9 out of 10
Pre-light; Was very cedar-y and light smelling, slight spice and chocolate, smooth coffee bean, draw is loose, cigar is very light in the hand, great curly pig-tail cap, tapering foot (classic perfecto shape, but big!) Dark black wrapper, soft feel/lightly packed tobacco.
First 3rd; After I cut of the pigtail, it took a re-light to get it going properly. tons of smoke coming off the foot, medium body, slight pepper, nice rounded coffee flavour, full mouth feel, very flavourful smoke.
Second 3rd; Coffee, sweet chocolate and pepper notes bounce back and forth all the way through, nice cedar wood flavour, creamy smoke, still lots of smoke off the foot, burn is nice and straight, wonderful aged tobacco taste.
Last 3rd; More of the same with the classic roasted nut flavour coming in, flavours continue to move between the coffee and spice notes, still lots of smoke, stays cool all the way to the nub.
Final notes; This thing is a beast with killer flavours! It required no touch ups along the way, the smoke just kept pouring off the foot. Lot's of smoke output after the draw, flavours were complex and kept coming and going throughout the smoke. These are box worthy for sure, although not the cheapest cigar out there. I have seen some prices online and they are around $200 for a box of 10. Well worth it though. I would recommend these to anyone looking for a great complex smoke that will keep you interested all the way to the nub!...I was kinda sad when this one ended :(
My rating; 9 out of 10
Thursday, 18 July 2013
Casa De Garcia, Nicaragua
Country; Nicaragua
Size; Corona
Price; bundle (online) $35, each $4-$6 CAN (approx.)
Pre-light;
Earthy loose draw, pipe tobacco flavour,
raisin sweetness, rough look and feel,
mottled colour, light flecks in the wrapper.
First 3rd;
Medium-full body, woody/aged tobacco,
smooth flavour, robust round mouth feel.
Second 3rd;
Medium-full body, more woody/aged tobacco,
pipe tobacco, coffee notes, slight throat-zing and
dry mouth feel.
Last 3rd;
Stronger flavour, more smoke output, bolder
coffee flavour, woody/smooth/robust tobacco.
Final notes;
I got a slight head buzz from this one, but it was very enjoyable. I was surprised, for another bundle cigar this one is definitely leading the pack on flavour profile. I would buy these again for sure and would recommend them to people. Just a simple smoke, but with a very defined profile and round flavours. Check em out!
My rating; 6 out of 10
Size; Corona
Price; bundle (online) $35, each $4-$6 CAN (approx.)
Pre-light;
Earthy loose draw, pipe tobacco flavour,
raisin sweetness, rough look and feel,
mottled colour, light flecks in the wrapper.
Medium-full body, woody/aged tobacco,
smooth flavour, robust round mouth feel.
Medium-full body, more woody/aged tobacco,
pipe tobacco, coffee notes, slight throat-zing and
dry mouth feel.
Stronger flavour, more smoke output, bolder
coffee flavour, woody/smooth/robust tobacco.
Final notes;
I got a slight head buzz from this one, but it was very enjoyable. I was surprised, for another bundle cigar this one is definitely leading the pack on flavour profile. I would buy these again for sure and would recommend them to people. Just a simple smoke, but with a very defined profile and round flavours. Check em out!
My rating; 6 out of 10
Bravos Maduro (robusto)
Country; Nicaragua
Size; 5 x 54
Price; bundle = $60 CAN (approx.)
Pre-light;
loose draw, woody tobacco, cedar,
slight earthy scent, dark brown/maroon
wrapper, rough feel, large veins,
medium-fine tooth.
First 3rd;
Lots of smoke output, slightly bitter,
medium body, earthy/woody tobacco,
smooths out near the end of the 1st,
slight coffee flavour with a touch of
leather.
Second 3rd;
Slight roasted nut flavour, young tobacco
flavour coming out, medium-full body,
starting to get warm, still has the coffee flavour.
Last 3rd;
Getting warm at the start, more bitter than
earlier, dry mouth feel, near the end
almost to hot to enjoy.
Final notes;
So, this is another bundle cigar so it is what it is once again. The flavours that are mentioned are very slight, just underneath the strong tobacco flavour. The second 3rd is the most enjoyable, having the coffee flavour as the most prominent note. This is sold in bundles as is the Quorum, although the Quorum is more enjoyable from start to finish. Verdict is; ok, but not fabulous. Another pass-out smoke or a yard cigar when a simple smoke is wanted. Try one and let me know what you think.
My rating; 4.5 out of 10
Size; 5 x 54
Price; bundle = $60 CAN (approx.)
Pre-light;
loose draw, woody tobacco, cedar,
slight earthy scent, dark brown/maroon
wrapper, rough feel, large veins,
medium-fine tooth.
Lots of smoke output, slightly bitter,
medium body, earthy/woody tobacco,
smooths out near the end of the 1st,
slight coffee flavour with a touch of
leather.
Slight roasted nut flavour, young tobacco
flavour coming out, medium-full body,
starting to get warm, still has the coffee flavour.
Getting warm at the start, more bitter than
earlier, dry mouth feel, near the end
almost to hot to enjoy.
Final notes;
So, this is another bundle cigar so it is what it is once again. The flavours that are mentioned are very slight, just underneath the strong tobacco flavour. The second 3rd is the most enjoyable, having the coffee flavour as the most prominent note. This is sold in bundles as is the Quorum, although the Quorum is more enjoyable from start to finish. Verdict is; ok, but not fabulous. Another pass-out smoke or a yard cigar when a simple smoke is wanted. Try one and let me know what you think.
My rating; 4.5 out of 10
Sunday, 14 July 2013
Quorum Corona (regular)
Origin; Nicaragua
Size; 5.5 x 43
Price; Bundle of 20 = $65, each $2.50 - $4.00 CAN (approx.)
Pre-Light:
Mild earthy tobacco, dark mottled wrapper colour,
tight seams, smooth feel.
First 3rd:
Slightly bitter, earthy grass flavour,
lots of smoke, easy loose draw,
mild-medium body.
Second 3rd:
Still bitter, young tobacco is evident,
slight tongue spice, bordering on medium
body.
Last 3rd:
More of the same, starting to get warm,
slight nut flavour coming in from the heat.
Final Notes:
This is a bundle cigar so it is what it is. The flavours are simple and not that exciting, but not terrible. Anyone who enjoys a straight tobacco flavoured cigar, this is it. It's a good stogie for yard work, a round of golf or a party-pass-out to friends when you don't want to pull out the $20 cigars. I have had these in my humidor since December and they have mellowed and rounded out some. A good humi-sleep definitely makes these smoke and taste better. Give em a try and let me know what you think.
My rating; 5 out of 10
Size; 5.5 x 43
Price; Bundle of 20 = $65, each $2.50 - $4.00 CAN (approx.)
Pre-Light:
Mild earthy tobacco, dark mottled wrapper colour,
tight seams, smooth feel.
Slightly bitter, earthy grass flavour,
lots of smoke, easy loose draw,
mild-medium body.
Still bitter, young tobacco is evident,
slight tongue spice, bordering on medium
body.
More of the same, starting to get warm,
slight nut flavour coming in from the heat.
Final Notes:
This is a bundle cigar so it is what it is. The flavours are simple and not that exciting, but not terrible. Anyone who enjoys a straight tobacco flavoured cigar, this is it. It's a good stogie for yard work, a round of golf or a party-pass-out to friends when you don't want to pull out the $20 cigars. I have had these in my humidor since December and they have mellowed and rounded out some. A good humi-sleep definitely makes these smoke and taste better. Give em a try and let me know what you think.
My rating; 5 out of 10
J.Fuego 777 Corojo (belicoso)
Origin; Nicaragua
Size; 5.5 x 54
Price; $4.99 - $10.00 CAN (approx.)
Pre-light:
Sweet mild tobacco flavor, hay,
earthy, loose draw, barnyard, suede notes,
smooth wrapper, tight seams, fine tooth.
First 3rd:
Sweet dry smoke, flavor fades quickly,
earthy grass notes, mild body, slightly bitter (but nice),
slight throat spice/almost cinnamon note.
Second 3rd:
More of the same with
a toasted nut flavor, dry throat tingle,
lots of smooth smoke.
Last 3rd:
Roasted nut ramps up, sweetness
continues with a slight cocoa flavor.
Final notes:
Overall, a very enjoyable smoke. It gets hot very quickly at the beginning of the last 3rd. I ended it before the band. A nice round flavor, but very mild. A perfect morning or easy smoke when you have about an hour and fifteen to kill.
My rating; 6.5 out of 10
Size; 5.5 x 54
Price; $4.99 - $10.00 CAN (approx.)
Pre-light:
Sweet mild tobacco flavor, hay,
earthy, loose draw, barnyard, suede notes,
smooth wrapper, tight seams, fine tooth.
First 3rd:
Sweet dry smoke, flavor fades quickly,
earthy grass notes, mild body, slightly bitter (but nice),
slight throat spice/almost cinnamon note.
a toasted nut flavor, dry throat tingle,
lots of smooth smoke.
continues with a slight cocoa flavor.
Final notes:
Overall, a very enjoyable smoke. It gets hot very quickly at the beginning of the last 3rd. I ended it before the band. A nice round flavor, but very mild. A perfect morning or easy smoke when you have about an hour and fifteen to kill.
My rating; 6.5 out of 10
Thursday, 11 July 2013
Bolivar, #3 (red tubo)
Origin; Cuba
Size; 5 x 38 (this is an estimate)
Price; $7.00 - $10.99 CAN (approx.)
Pre-light;
Leather, cedar wood, earthy
draw, firm roll, light brown wrapper,
smooth silky finish.
First 3rd;
Full body, spicy, strong thick
smoke, leathery cedar, roasted nuts,
long lingering finish.
Second 3rd;
More of the above, but taking
over is a coffee/espresso note
with a subtle sweetness.
Last 3rd;
Stronger body, more coffee/espresso
and roasted nut, leathery cedar with a lip
tingling spice, little head buzz and throat zing.
Final notes;
Overall a strong, full bodied cigar. Not overpowering and very satisfying. When I was buying this cigar, the sales person said "it's our strongest cigar, are you sure you want one?". Um...yes! This was a very good smoke and well worth the money. Full of interesting flavours and changes. For a small ring gauge, there's lots to enjoy. Two thumbs up on this one for it's power and flavours.
My rating: 8 out of 10
Size; 5 x 38 (this is an estimate)
Price; $7.00 - $10.99 CAN (approx.)
Pre-light;Leather, cedar wood, earthy
draw, firm roll, light brown wrapper,
smooth silky finish.
Full body, spicy, strong thick
smoke, leathery cedar, roasted nuts,
long lingering finish.
More of the above, but taking
over is a coffee/espresso note
with a subtle sweetness.
Stronger body, more coffee/espresso
and roasted nut, leathery cedar with a lip
tingling spice, little head buzz and throat zing.
Final notes;
Overall a strong, full bodied cigar. Not overpowering and very satisfying. When I was buying this cigar, the sales person said "it's our strongest cigar, are you sure you want one?". Um...yes! This was a very good smoke and well worth the money. Full of interesting flavours and changes. For a small ring gauge, there's lots to enjoy. Two thumbs up on this one for it's power and flavours.
My rating: 8 out of 10
Monday, 8 July 2013
Punch ~ London Club Maduro, Petit corona
Made in; Honduras
Size; 5 x 40
Price; $2.99 - $4.99 CAN (approx.)
Pre-light:
Cedar wood, earthy smooth
tobacco, firm roll, medium draw,
toothy/rough look and feel.
First 3rd:
Lots of thick dry smoke, cedar wood
cocoa/coffee flavour, earthy lingering
finish, medium-full body.
More cocoa/coffee flavour, bordering on full body
dark chocolate, slight tongue-zing/spice note
More spice and tongue-zing, intense flavours of
coffee & cocoa, roasted nuts, dark chocolate, deep
rich tobacco, slightly more tongue-zing spice.
Final notes;
Overall a satisfying smoke, especially for the price. Smoke time was about 40 minutes. The transitions are slight, but enjoyable. The flavours basically just intensify as the smoking progresses. I stopped close to the band because it was getting too hot to be enjoyable. Anyone looking for a reasonably priced cigar will enjoy the Punch ~ London Club Maduro, two thumbs up for me.
My rating; 7.5 out of 10
On deck
Next on deck; PDR 1878 Reserva Dominicana Habana Blue (robusto), Brittania Reserva ~ small corona, Don Pepin Garcia Series JJ Maduro...
Introduction to Cigar Review Canada
Hello world!
This is "Cigar Review Canada" where I review any and all cigars from around the world regardless of cost or prestige. I will review everything from machine made premium cigars to bundled brands to low and high level boutique smokes. The difference between a Canadian based review and a US or other countries review, is that brands of cigars are not available in all places. Canada has the bonus of an embargo-less trade with Cuba, so we can get these babies and not have any "issues". We also have different locally made (machine and by-hand) cigars that are unique to Canada and do not have any reviews online that I can find.
I welcome everyone's comments on this blog, but please be respectful of the opinions shared and other posters comments. This is for the benefit of all cigar buffs and newbee smokers that want an unbiased, honest review from a taste perspective.
"Smoke 'em if you got 'em"
Cheers,
C.R.C.
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