Cigar Reviews
Monthly Recap – May & June 2015 – Jeremy Hensley Edition
At the start of 2014, I began tracking each and every cigar I have smoked. Well, I may have missed one or two. Based on discussions I’ve seen on Twitter and questions on this site and others, I decided to compile some information that I thought you might find interesting.
May & June 2015 Recap
| May | June | |
| Number of Cigars Smoked | 18 | 25 |
| Of those smoked: | ||
| Purchased | 7 or 39% | 15 or 60% |
| Gifted | 5 or 28% | 3 or 12% |
| Samples Provided | 6 or 33% | 7 or 28% |
| Of those purchased: | ||
| Brick & Mortar | 1 or 14% | 1 or 7% |
| Online | 6 or 86% | 14 or 93% |
B&M purchases are nearly impossible in my new hometown, with the closest tobacconist about 2 1/2 hours away. I will be visiting El Paso in a few weeks and will be frequenting the local cigar lounge during my stay. I am an avid supporter of B&Ms. I just wish there was one a bit closer….maybe I should open one!
June Cigar Reviews
Review Highlights
Jeremy’s Reviews
Olive Cigar Co – Inferno 3rd Degree, a Famous Smoke Shop Exclusive
From start to finish, I thoroughly enjoyed the Inferno 3rd Degree. There were easily noticeable change-ups in the profile as the cigar progressed, but, more than anything, it just satisfied without any hassle. No touch-up, no flaky ash, just one heck of a cigar.
Ventura Cigar Co. – Psyko Seven Maduro
To say the least, the Psyko Seven Maduro far exceeded my expectations in both flavors and performance. From the core flavors of leather, pencil-shavings, and spice to the more unique saltiness, balanced out by the maduro sweetness, the Psyko Seven Maduro delivered an intriguing, but not overly complex, profile that never lost my interest. The cigar burned evenly, the ash held firm, and a mouth-full of smoke was produced with each draw.
Fusion Cigar – Headlines 2nd Edition Page
Headlines 2nd Edition brings to the table a consistent profile that is dark, meaty, earthy, and woodsy. Several times throughout the smoke, an undesirable char flavor arrived distracting me from the more enjoyable flavors. However, the biggest issue I found in the flavor department was the complete lack of any type of sweetness, which really surprised me considering the honey and chocolate I picked up on during the pre-light on both the aroma and the dry draw. The absence of sweetness made the profile off-balanced and much to be desired.
Tony’s Reviews
Crowned Heads – The Angel Anvil 2015, TAA Exclusive
The Angel’s Anvil 2015 is a bold, strong, and solid cigar which had good dimension, without being overly complex. This cigar is great for the seasoned cigar smoker who wants a bold/strong experience that isn’t overruled by the strength in the cigar, and it’s great for the novice smoker who is looking for a solid, strong cigar with great flavor.
Tatuaje – Anarchy, Mircoblend Series, a Smoke Inn Exclusive
This was, and still is probably my favorite Microblend Series that Smoke Inn has released to date. The Tatuaje Anarchy leads with bold, semi-complex flavors packaged in a great, easy smoking format. Its a great cigar, at a great price, with a long burn time delivering on all marks.
Crowned Heads – Las Calaveras 2015
I was a big fan of last year’s Las Calaveras, but the 2015 blew last year’s out of the water. I know it’s still very, very early in the year but this is the best new release that I have had so far. I’m a big fan of bold cigars, and I am even a bigger fan of bold cigars that create amazing flavor profiles without being overloaded with strength. The Las Calaveras did just that.
The ~eccj~ is a great example of an absolutely great cigar experience. The bold, complex, yet complimentary flavors provide an amazing profile with great construction and flawless burned all delivered at a decent price point. Yes, it’s one of the more expensive cigars in Illusione’s portfolio but it more than satisfies and I’d pay it time and time again.
Drew Estate – Pope of Greenwich Village, Microblend Series, a Smoke Inn Exclusive
It’s got some great bold flavors with a more medium strength level resulting in a smooth, relaxing experience at a great price. I highly recommend this cigar if you are a fan of flavorful, milder cigars of if you are into Drew Estate’s Undercrown series at all. Get them while you can.
Guest Reviews by Jeff Oda
L’Atelier Imports – LAT46 Selection Spéciale
The way the flavors built in intensity and complexity and the contrast of the smooth entry on the palate and somewhat edgy retrohale was something to behold; and despite the initial draw problem and wavy burn, the construction of the cigar was very good. Add to that a nice long smoking time, even though I was enjoying it so much in the middle portion that I was smoking a bit faster than I normally do, and the price is more than reasonable.
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