Oliveros Swag Toro Review

When Rafael talked about this cigar to us, it was an interesting concept.  A moderately inexpensive cigar that came with an opportunity to acquire some swag.  As the old saying goes, "don't judge a book by it's cover", as this cigar has an incredible smoking enjoyment value.

It is draped with a toothy reddish hue wrapper with slight blemishes accented with a tight head and a clean foot.  Construction is perfect resulting in an excellent draw, allowing me to enjoy it's medium to full flavours of cinnamon peppery combined with raisin sweetness and consistent spicy tingle.  The nasal exhale reveals a treat of earthy vanilla caramel.  Totally not what I had initially expected from this cigar marketed as a budget stick, in fact far exceeding my prejudiced notions of how these bargain cigar projects usually turn out.  Oliveros has turned out a sure winner for this after dinner smoke.

Torano Master Robusto Review

A dark brown toothy wrapper adorns this cigar.  Slight imperfections such as discoloration and veins are present.  Construction is up to par as indicated by the good draw.  Upon smoking, I am greeted with spice, citrus tang, some pleasant sour notes and hints of earth with accents of wood.  A decent cigar worthy of a casual smoke, but not the kind of stick I would go for to impress others... in short a good "yard gar" for when raking the leaves or standing in front of the barbeque.

La Aurora Corojo Robusto Review

An interesting little number from the La Aurora company, this cigar had an impressive reddish brown uniform wrapper complete with a clean foot and a tight cap.  The construction quality was backed with a good draw.  Upon smoking the cigar, there was fruity sweetness, cinnamon spice, cream notes, and hints of oak.  The texture of the smoke itself was interesting as this was probably the first time I had experienced a rich velvet texture.  The combination of the flavours and mouth feel (yes, this is a very rare finding for me when smoking cigars) prompted me to purchase two boxes.

Torano Single Region Serie Jalapa

This robusto sports a reddish brown hue wrapper, tight cap and solid cut foot, and great construction as evidenced from it's amazing drawing characteristics.  Many flavours of peppery spice, woody oak, vanilla and sweet cinnamon fill my palate.  The spiciness does subside eventually and is supplemented with creamy notes.  A nasal exhale reveals flavours of vanilla, earth and some more spice for those of you who wonder where the kick went.  Overall a good full cigar that I would suggest smoking as an after dinner treat.

Alec Bradley New York Robusto Review

Had an opportunity to acquire this robusto from a local tobacconist.  It is clean, well made cigar with flawless wrapper, clean foot and a tight cap.  The draw was fantastic.  Upon smoking I was able to pick up flavours of white pepper spice, leather and earth with some sweet notes.  A nasal exhale reveals a floral bouquet complimented with hints of vanilla.  Although a full flavoured cigar, I found it very unbalanced and the flavours were over powered by the peppery spice, and as such I myself can not place a good time frame for smoking this stick.  A decent stogie over all but in the end to me this is something I would categorize as a yard gar contributed from it's flavour imbalance.

Is a cigar really "just a cigar"?

A.K.A. - Are we really all that stupid? pt. 2

In response to the anonymous criticisms left on the previous intended stand alone rant, I felt some clarification was needed.  I do appreciate input, however slight they are, or close minded, as long as they have some intellectual value, or some form of merit in terms of expressed opinions such as mine that might in fact stir free thinking.

There are some major flaws are presented.  I do enjoy smoking cigars.  It is a hobby, promotes relaxation for myself.  I find it so enjoyable that I make time to smoke one or two per day, no matter how hectic or tight my daily schedule is.  To think that I do not enjoy smoking is proof of ignorance to the rest of the content on this blog. 

And to the claim that the first part was a large whine... yes of course it is.  The disgust and anger presented is not directed at the products but at the people who make the products.  Cigars are the unfortunate vehicle to relay the piss poor project management and customer service delivered to the consumers. 

If you, the reader, are offended, I invite you to not read it.  Plain and simple. Don't waste your time with anything discouraging, negative, and go off into your utopia where everything is fantastic.  Don't waste your precious brain power to think up some meaningless response that just wasted 4 minutes of your life and 3 seconds of mine.

If you the reader, are somewhat moved emotionally and/or intellectually and might actually agree or disagree combined with some examples to concur or dispute the ideas being discussed, then feel free to express yourself.  I have provided examples to support my rant, targeting some beloved brands that I myself was infatuated with and ultimately betrayed by.  I encourage you readers to do the same.

Is a cigar really just a cigar? For the one hour that I take to smoke that robusto, or toro, or lancero, or churchill... the world just fades away and I find myself in a relaxed state, much like if I were to go on vacation at an all inclusive resort drinking an ice cold beer on the beach during sun set having a pleasant conversation with a few friends.  Now is a cigar really just a cigar? 

Nestor Miranda Art Deco 6x60 Review

Had an opportunity to try this new release from the Miami Cigar Co. 

As the size indicates, this is a large format cigar, with a flawless smooth uniform wrapper, clean foot and tight cap.  The construction is further accented by its excellent draw.  Full flavours abound with balanced woody flavours coupled with pepper, cream and coffee.  A nasal exhale reveals hints of vanilla, coffee, and pepper spice.  I would place this as an after dinner cigar, however its low nicotine buzz makes this a versatile cigar ready to be smoked at any interval of the day.