Miura Directo de Fabrica Panamanian Rosado Magnum

At first glance, it is a giant torpedo, roughly 7x62, trunk pressed adorned in a smooth oily wrapper sporting a clean foot and tight cap.  Thanks to it's massive girth, the cigar has an easy draw.  Primary flavours consist of creamy earthy vanilla notes, spice, and coffee, topped off with a hidden citrus flavours revealed from a nasal exhale.  The cigar was mild at first, but eventually picked up intensity. 

An enormous smoke for someone who does have the time to spend roughly 2 hours, ideal for the 18 holes of golf.

Oliveros King Havano Black Knight Review.

Thanks to Rafael for the opportunity to try this cigar.

It is a box pressed chocolate candy bar with a neat foot.  As far as appearance goes, the wrapper shows a gradual color change getting darker at the foot.  It is somewhat soft to the touch, and upon clipping the draw is a bit tighter than I prefer it to be.  The flavours however were interesting, starting out with raisin sweetness and anise spice highlighted with creamy notes.  Mild at first, but after an inch the flavours started to really shine, and the nasal exhale discovers rich cocoa flavours.  Eventually leading up to a nice woody finish, most probably mesquite.

This cigar was definitely a pleasant surprise comprising of balance, complexity and of course the unique combination of flavours.

Berger & Argenti Entubar Robusto Natural Review

An interesting little concept where a small cylinder of ligero tobacco protrudes from the foot to offer more flavour and ensure a conical cherry whilst smoking.  Personally, a lot of these form vs function ideas are more like gimmicks such as the tickler head, shaggy feet, and excess wrapper over the foot.  However, the protrusion does add an extra dimension and really brings out the flavours.

It is a solid beautiful taupe cigar, neat cap, with a great draw.  The flavours are introduced with hints of spice, but later are solidified with woody accents, notes of cream and toasted almonds, finishing with earthy vanilla notes and exotic woods and vanilla cream with a dash of nutmeg spice.  Certainly a well balanced cigar, and an impressive treat after lunch, or before dinner.  And yes, the protruding foot nipple does enhance the smoking experience and helps the formation of a conical ember.

Alec Bradley MAXX Connecticut Review

One of the new additions to the Alec Bradley collections, I had a chance to try the MAXX Connecticut in what seems to be a Toro Size, roughly 6x54, although unsure of the exact dimensions.  The wrapper was a beautiful light gold similar to fancy maple syrup.  It sported an easy draw, solid construction, and had a good weight to it.  A mild cigar, consistent creamy flavours, nutty and cappuccino notes and underlying sweetness.  Not my favourite profile, but still an enjoyable cigar. Very appropriate for a pre-lunch smoke or on the golf course.

Quesada Tributo Alvarito Review

Had an opportunity to try a few of them and smoked one yesterday for review. 

The cigar measures 4.5x40 adorned in a flawless red hued hybrid wrapper.  Construction is impressive, tight neat cap and a cleanly cut foot.  After clipping the cigar, the initial draw was effortless.  Upon smoking, there are many outstanding complex flavours of spice, cocoa, notes of sweetness.  A nasal exhale revealed creamy undertones.  Truly an amazing well balanced cigar leading to a smooth oak finish. 

7-20-4 Dogwalker

First cigar to be tried by myself at the IPCPR NOLA 2010.  I am unsure of the exact dimensions but it belongs to the petite corona line, roughly 4.5 X 42.

Smooth construction, and easy draw, the size of the cigar is by no means indicative of it's flavours.  Pronounced leather and cocoa tones take center stage supported by notes of spice leading to a smooth creamy crescendo.  Lasting a good 40 minutes, the cigar had a consistent even burn, the flavours were well balanced, and held its own weight in nicotine.  Yes, I enjoyed this cigar.  This is the second one I've smoked, and am sure it won't be the last.