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| The 2022 Marine Toys for Tots drive is under way again this year. This is the way to earn the Toys for Tots badge for being a contributor. If you give a kit for auction, win an auction, or donate at least $20 you will be awarded the badge A special thanks goes out to Emerson (McBryde) for stepping up to run the drive again this year.  |  |
| | | The points contest is under way for the month of October. The 26 members with the most points for the month have a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to Famous Smoke Shop. You can read the details HERE. To view the previous month's contest results see here. |
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| Dissident Tirade (2020) | November, 2022 | 88
CG Rating |  | | Written by Cigar Geeks Member: Brian (ninfiction) | | Thanks to Byron for supplying the cigars and sponsoring the critique. It was cool to be able to smok... Read More | | Dissident Tirade (2020) | November, 2022 | 91
CG Rating | | | Written by Cigar Geeks Member: Todd (tuck0411) | | Excellent smoke, this one, with great full-bodied flavors and very good construction. The only compl... Read More | | Dissident Tirade (2020) | November, 2022 | 87
CG Rating | | | Written by Cigar Geeks Member: Adam (BewareDaPenguin) | | Thanks again to my bro Byron and Cigar Geeks for giving me the chance to review this stick. I haven’... Read More | | Dissident Tirade (2020) | November, 2022 | 91
CG Rating | | | Written by Cigar Geeks Member: Deener27 | | I would like to thank Byron a ton for selecting a great cigar for this month's critique and for sele... Read More | | Dissident Tirade (2020) | November, 2022 | 90
CG Rating | | | Written by Cigar Geeks Member: Brlesq | | A cigar doesn't always need to be complex to be enjoyable. The Tirade was the right size ... Read More |
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| Camacho Liberty 2021 | September, 2021 | 89
CG Rating |  | | Written by Cigar Geeks Member: Murphy223 | | Thanks to Kevin (wescat) and Bruce for allowing me to participate. This one was fun. Overall, I enjo... Read More | | Camacho Liberty 2021 | September, 2021 | 86
CG Rating | | | Written by Cigar Geeks Member: tuck0411 | | Pretty nice smoke, this one, the uneven burn and needed maintenance aside. Flavor for days and if I ... Read More | | Camacho Liberty 2021 | September, 2021 | 92
CG Rating | | | Written by Cigar Geeks Member: nirab | | I really enjoyed this cigar. The oak notes were perfect with the coffee and pepper, and the natural ... Read More | | Camacho Liberty 2021 | September, 2021 | 83
CG Rating | | | Written by Cigar Geeks Member: Nick (nkowal) | | The Camacho Liberty 2021 was a bit of a disappointment given the high bar I have for the Liberty ser... Read More | | Camacho Liberty 2021 | September, 2021 | 87
CG Rating | | | Written by Cigar Geeks Member: Steve Ladd (Caveman Steve) | | All in all, this was real pleasure to smoke. The performance of the cigar itself overcame... Read More |
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| Don Pepin Garcia (My Father Cigars) Vegas Cubanas Invictos |  | tuck0411 | 12/4/2022 3:02 PM | Humidor time: 313 days
Humidimeter reading: Head - 67, foot - 56
Appearance and construction: A few veins, a light sheen, a light green cloth foot-band, and a moderately firm pack with no soft spots... Gave it a double shallow V-cut and PLD was moderately open. (8/10)
Flavor: PLA gave a whiff of tobacco. The light gave a medium/full profile with a spicy retro and notes of wood, leather, coffee, and spice. The spice in the nose faded quickly with the other flavors mellowing through the first third and the body receding towards medium. The leather and coffee notes were mere hints by the 2nd third and the spice had faded by this point as well, leaving just a smooth wood note with a hint of butter that crept in along the way. This mellower profile was then consistent through the remainder. Very pleasant, overall, but the first third was more enjoyable than the latter two thirds what with the relative lack of spice in those. Strength was about medium. (27/35)
Smoking characteristics: The light produced a moderately easy draw, smoke volume on the low side of optimal, and an even burn to start. The burn stayed even through the first third with the ash falling at 1 1/4" leaving a small cone. The burn continued wavily in the 2nd third and then proceeded to get lopsided, but it managed to self-correct itself without any help. Things were then uneventful down to the nub with draw and smoke output remaining slightly sub-optimal throughout. (17/20)
Overall impression: Not one of the better sticks in the My Father line what with the somewhat uninspiring flavors and slightly sub-par construction. It was OK, just not anything I'd probably buy again. (28/35)
Burn time: 1:05
Rating: 80 | | Romeo y Julieta (Cuban) Exhibicion No. 4 |  | ljlemer | 12/3/2022 2:00 PM | In my humidor for 2-3 years. I love when they taste great from the first puff! I taste leather, no bitterness. Burn has started off very even. Medium strength. Nicotine strength is mild-medium so far. I'm only 1/4 way through. Retrohaling is pleasant. Overall, it doesn't scream Cuban and could pass for some good non-cubans too. It's genuine, though. Halfway the draw remains clear. This stick is good, but it isn't bowling me over. I got it so long ago I don't remember the price. Still good and even down to the end. I would give it a 4.25 were that option available, but not a 4.5. Nicotine never got stronger.
| | Don Pepin Garcia (My Father Cigars) El Centurion (2013 Reblend) Robusto |  | tuck0411 | 12/3/2022 12:37 PM | Humidor time: 312 days
Humidimeter reading: Head - 68, foot - 61
Appearance and construction: A few veins, a light sheen, and a moderately firm pack with no soft spots... Gave it a double shallow V-cut and PLD was moderately open. (8/10)
Flavor: PLA gave a whiff of tobacco. The light gave a medium/full profile with a spicy retro and notes of wood, coffee, and spice. The spice in the nose faded after a few puffs with the other flavors mellowing a bit through the first third with the body receding towards medium+ but otherwise staying consistent throughout. No transitions to note but this was very tasty with plenty of spice to keep things interesting throughout. Strength was about medium. (32/35)
Smoking characteristics: The light produced an easy draw, good smoke volume, and an even burn to start. The burn stayed even through the first third with the ash falling at 1 1/4" leaving a small cone. The burn continued slightly wavy but self-correcting through the last two thirds and things were otherwise uneventful down to the nub. Draw and smoke output remained optimal throughout. (19/20)
Overall impression: This was the 2nd vitola I've had in this blend, the first being the toro, and it was a similar experience, except I was getting black pepper in that one in place of the wood in this one. A nice smoke, at any rate, with great construction, and I'd definitely smoke it again. (32/35)
Burn time: 1:35
Rating: 91 | | Privada Cigar Club Subterraneo Cobalum by AJ Fernandez | | tuck0411 | 12/2/2022 1:49 PM | Humidor time: 318 days
Humidimeter reading: Head - 71, foot - 61
Appearance and construction: A few veins, a light sheen, and a moderately firm pack with no soft spots... Gave it a double shallow V-cut and PLD was moderately open. (8/10)
Flavor: PLA gave a whiff of earthy tobacco. The light gave a full-bodied profile with a spicy retro and notes of black pepper, leather, spice, and a hint of something like black cherries as it had a bit of a fruity, citrusy tang to it. The spice in the nose faded after a few puffs with the other flavors staying consistent throughout. No transitions to note but this was very flavorful with plenty of spice and tang to keep things interesting throughout. Strength was about medium or a bit better. (33/35)
Smoking characteristics: The light produced an easy draw, good smoke volume, and an even burn to start. The burn stayed even through the first third with the ash falling at 1 1/4" leaving a small cone. Things were then uneventful down to the nub with draw and smoke output remaining optimal throughout. It was a bit of a fast burner, clocking in at under an hour from light to nub. (19/20)
Overall impression: This one came from Privada CC as one of their monthly selections earlier this year and was the first of about 12 or 15 sticks in this series that were all released over the course of the first half of 2022. All blended and made by AJ Fernandez at one of his factories in Esteli. I don't have all of them, but I do have the majority of them, and if this one is anything to go by they'll all be bangers, which is no surprise coming from AJ. Great smoke. (32/35)
Burn time: 0:56
Rating: 92 | | Stallone Cigars Zaino Broadleaf Toro | | tuck0411 | 12/1/2022 2:59 PM | Humidor time: 317 days
Humidimeter reading: Head - 71, foot - 60
Appearance and construction: A few veins, a light sheen, and a moderately firm pack with no soft spots... Gave it a double shallow V-cut and PLD was moderately open. (8/10)
Flavor: PLA gave a whiff of rich tobacco. The light gave a full-bodied profile with a spicy retro and notes of black coffee, black pepper, leather, and spice. The spice in the nose faded after a few puffs with the other flavors mellowing just a bit through the first third. This all stayed fairly consistent through the first two thirds, then the leather ramped a bit in the last third along with a hint of something like dark cherries creeping in also in the last third. Very tasty, overall, with just enough spice hanging around in the background to keep things interesting throughout. Strength was about medium or a bit better. (32/35)
Smoking characteristics: The light produced a moderately easy draw, smoke volume a bit below optimal, and an even burn to start. I quickly gave it a single deep V-cut and this helped to improve smoke output to optimal about a half inch in. The burn stayed even through the first third with the ash falling at 1 1/4" leaving a small cone. Things were then uneventful down to the nub with draw and smoke output remaining optimal from the first third on. (19/20)
Overall impression: Another winner from Stallone, this one, with both flavors and construction checking all the right boxes. This brand hasn't let me down yet and this one was no exception. Just a really good smoke on the fuller end of things. Would definitely smoke this one again. (32/35)
Burn time: 1:44
Rating: 91 | | La Palina Bronze Label Bronze Age Edition (Privada CC Exc) | | tuck0411 | 11/30/2022 2:56 PM | Humidor time: 316 days
Humidimiter reading: Head - 61, foot - 59
Appearance and construction: A few veins, a light sheen, a pig-tail cap, and a moderately firm pack with no soft spots... Gave it a punch and PLD was moderately open. (8/10)
Flavor: PLA gave a whiff of tobacco. The light gave a medium/full profile with a spicy retro and notes of leather, coffee, spice, and a hint of citrus. The spice in the nose faded after a few puffs with the other flavors mellowing a bit and the body receding towards medium through the first third. A note of light wood came in during the 2nd third along with the coffee leather fading to mere hints with the spice and citrus maintaining throughout. Very tasty, overall, and pretty close to my wheelhouse for a medium blend with plenty of spice in the mix to keep things interesting throughout. Strength was about medium. (32/35)
Smoking characteristics: The light produced an easy draw, good smoke volume, and an even burn to start. The burn stayed even through the first third with the ash falling at 1" leaving no cone behind. Things were then uneventful down to the nub with draw and smoke output remaining optimal throughout. (20/20)
Overall impression: This one came from Privada CC as one of their monthly selections earlier this year and is an exclusive size for them. I thought I had previously had this blend in at least one vitola, but nope, this is the first one. A really nice smoke it was with both flavors and construction hitting the mark and I'd definitely smoke it again. I'm pretty sure C-bid carries this blend so will have to look for it in whatever vitolas are available next time I'm shopping there. (32/35)
Burn time: 1:17
Rating: 92 | | Arturo Fuente Gran Reserva Cuban Corona Maduro | | Bob Cordell | 11/30/2022 8:35 AM | I loved this cigar as I do most Fuentes, especially the Gran Reserva Maduros. The wrapper was slightly rough but lit easily and produced a ton of coffee-leather like flavors. The first half inch or so added some dark chocolate and espresso flavors. I never had to touch this cigar up one, the burn was perfect.
The chocolate-coffee flavors remained throughout the entire smoke, I seriously nubbed this one out. AF Maduros are quickly becoming one of my all-time favorite cigar offerings...YUMMY! | | La Perla Habana Classic (Natural) Robusto | | metalhead y cigarguy | 11/29/2022 6:49 PM | Smoked: 11/29/22
Purchased: Cigarbid
Days In Humidor: 199
Paired With: Coca-Cola
Time of Smoke: Afternoon
Duration: 65 minutes
Pre – Light & Light: This cigar had a slightly oily wrapper with some tooth, minimal veins, and the cap was solid. There were no soft spots as the cigar had a firm pack. The cap punched well, the foot of the cigar smelled of hay, and the pre-draw was firm. The cigar lit well with my triple torch lighter.
First Third: The initial draw had some spice but that gave way to earth and woodsy notes. A short way in the leather notes picked up with the earth remaining in the background. The spice was minimal, and it came and went.
Second Third: The second third was similar to the first as there were notes of leather, earth and some spice at times.
Final Third: The final third was similar to that of the first and second, though the spice was a little more prominent in the final third.
Comments: The cigar started off with a very firm draw, so I used my trusty paper clip to free up the draw. The draw remained open after that. The burn started off wavy, so I gave it a minor touch up, and it stayed fairly even throughout the remainder of the smoke. The ash held for an inch at a time, and there was decent smoke output. The flavor profile was consistent throughout the smoke and was enjoyable. Overall, this is a pretty good cigar for the price. I’ve had this line of cigars multiple times now, and it’s always been a solid cigar.
| | Archive Cigars Japan Habano Petite Gordito | | tuck0411 | 11/29/2022 11:00 AM | Humidor time: 314 days
Humidimeter reading: Head - 67, foot - 61
Appearance and construction: A few minor veins, a light sheen, and a firm pack with no soft spots... Gave this short, stubby "nub" a wide-ring punch which caused a cap/wrapper crack at the head but I was able to keep it in check and PLD was moderately open. (8/10)
Flavor: PLA gave a whiff of tobacco. The light gave a medium-bodied profile with a spicy retro and notes of wood, spice, and a hint of citrus. The spice in the nose faded after a few puffs with the other flavors staying consistent throughout. No transitions to note but this was very tasty, overall, with plenty of spice to keep things interesting throughout. Strength was about medium. (31/35)
Smoking characteristics: The light produced an easy draw, good smoke volume, and an even burn to start. The burn stayed even through the first third with the ash falling at 1 1/4" leaving a cone. Things were then uneventful down to the nub with draw and smoke output remaining optimal throughout. (20/20)
Overall impression: This one came from Privada CC as one of their "Brian's Box" selections earlier this year. They had previously sent out this blend in the toro vitola and my review of that one shows a quite different experience, both with flavors and construction. I was getting more of a medium/full profile in that one with flavors of black pepper and coffee and not nearly as much spice as in this one. Construction wasn't nearly as good, either. At any rate, this one was a fine smoke with great habano flavors and excellent construction. Would definitely smoke it again. (32/35)
Burn time: 1:09
Rating: 91 | | Maya Selva Cigars Villa Zamorano Classic Toro No 2 (Privada CC Exc.) | | tuck0411 | 11/28/2022 10:21 AM | Humidor time: 314 days
Humidimeter reading: Head - 67, foot - 64
Appearance and construction: A few veins, a light sheen, and a moderately firm pack with one soft spot below the band... Gave it a double shallow V-cut which caused the cap and wrapper to crack at the head but I was able to keep it in check. PLD was moderately open. (8/10)
Flavor: PLA gave a whiff of tobacco. The light gave a medium-bodied profile with a slightly spicy retro and notes of light wood, cream, red pepper, and spice. The spice in the nose faded quickly with the other flavors mellowing a bit through the first third and the red pepper and spice fading to mere hints by the 2nd third with the other flavors maintaining throughout. Pretty tasty, overall, although it could have used more spice. Strength was about medium or a bit better. (28/35)
Smoking characteristics: The light produced a moderately easy draw, good smoke volume, and an even burn to start. The burn stayed even through the first third with the ash falling at 1 1/4" leaving a cone. The burn continued a bit wavily but self-correcting through the last two thirds and things were otherwise uneventful down to the nub. Draw and smoke output remained optimal throughout. (19/20)
Overall impression: This was the last of the Privada CC "farm-rolled" pack that these came in and was easily the best of the bunch both with flavors and construction. This one had a little more spice than the other three vitolas and I was also getting the red pepper in this one that I didn't notice in the others so it seemed to have a bit more going on and was a little more interesting. Still nothing overly amazing or that I'd really be interested in smoking again but if I did it'd probably be this vitola. (29/35)
Burn time: 1:21
Rating: 84 |
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