Monthly Recap – October

Number of Cigars Smoked: 25

Of those smoked:

• Purchased: 15 or 60%
• Gifted: 3 or 12%
• Samples Provided: 7 or 28%

Of those purchased:

• Brick & Mortar: 1 or 7%
• Online: 14 or 93%

Most Memorable Cigars Smoked

#1. Quesada 40th Anniversary Corona Clasica – Tony reviewed the Quesada 40th Anniversary back in September. You can find his full review HERE. Unlike Tony, I had no problem removing the tissue paper, and I am convinced it was more of a user error on Tony’s part than anything else But I am not here to critique the cigar necessarily. Last month, my dog that I had since I was in 8th grade was put to rest at the age of 16. I was not there to say my goodbye as he was in El Paso with my parents. However, that evening I lit up the Quesada 40th and reflected on the great memories I had with him including taking him snowboarding in the Upper Peninsula, falling through ice while ice fishing, and several others. He was one stubborn, loving dog that I will miss.

#2. Cain F Lancero – Easily one of my favorite offerings from Oliva. The Cain F Lancero is a solid cigar that I could smoke any day of the week. I have to keep them hidden at the bottom of the humi to not smoke them all at once. I picked up a box of these bad boys in the Summer of 2013, allowing myself one every few months.  With only 4 or 5 remaining, it is time to order up another box. My opinion of this cigar has not changed since I reviewed it back in June 2013, when I had this to say (find the full review HERE):

I am just going to say it. I freakin love this cigar! While it has been well over a year since I smoked the 2011 release, I felt that this release offered bolder flavors and more complexity. While ugly in appearance, the construction and burn were excellent. As I have mentioned in previous reviews, I lean towards cigars that deliver some sweetness and the Cain F Lancero it right up my alley.  I adore the Lancero format and it is just unheard of to find a lancero in the $6.00 range…

Cigar Reviews

La Gloria Cubana Domino 758, a Mike’s Cigars Exclusive

Beginning with a mild profile, the cigar developed to medium in the middle third and ended on a high note with medium/full, rich flavors. Only once did I have to correct the burn in over two hours of smoking. So a 10 second annoyance out of 7200 seconds of smoking is really no issue at all.

Espinosa Cigars – La Zona Habano

For a cigar that can be found for under $4 on most days and around $2 on good days, La Zona Habano by Espinosa Cigars is a good stick that delivers without breaking the bank.

Exactus – Puro Ambar Short Coloso

The flavors delivered in the first and second thirds, but tapered off in the final third, which I will blame on the void in tobaccos near the head. I am pleased to report that the issue did not occur in the other sample. When I think of the lines I have smoked under the Exactus brand, I can honestly say that the Puro Ambar is a step above the other lines.

Romeo Y Julieta Primer Lote 770, a Mike’s Cigars Exclusive

Beginning with the Romeo Y Julieta RyJ in 2013, followed by The Banker by H. Upmann a few months ago, and now the Romeo y Julieta Primer Lote 770, my perception of Altadis U.S.A. is changing. The Primer Lote 770 delivered a good performance with medium flavors. But what  made this Mike’s Cigars exclusive unique was the distinct flavor profiles in each third. For a price under $8, this cigar falls right into the sweet-spot.

Tony’s Reviews

Padron- Family Reserve 50 Years Maduro

…the Padron Family Reserve 50 Years Maduro is an exceptional cigar delivering most notably in the flavor department. As any of you who are familiar with the Family Reserve releases would expect, the flavors were quite complex, yet very smooth and balanced. Not to mention they are ideal for beer pairing especially with the early winter seasonal releases.

Asylum 13 Ogre

As with most Asylum cigars I have smoke, the Ogre is a solid stick. That being said, there wasn’t anything outside of the strength which really stood out to me. I did like the flavors, and the changeups, but I would probably reach for the standard Asylum 13 over the Ogre.

Matilde Renacer Corona

This is a little cigar with a whole lot of personality. The flavor profile is pretty different, but a breath a fresh air showcasing some great floral and sweetness combined with some nice spice, and natural flavors which all developed at the right moments to keep my on my toes. Matilde’s Renacer is one of the better Dominican-rich cigars that I have smoked in a long time

Guest Reviews by Jeff Oda

L’Atelier Imports – L’Atelier Extension de la Racine ER 13

A tasty and relaxing medium-full bodied smoke with low-medium strength – hell yes!  I have really enjoyed the several L’Atelier Extension de la Racines that I have smoked, with flavors that are certainly not run of the mill providing a good amount of complexity without pounding you over the head with them.  Construction was pretty much spot-on, with just one small correction required and no re-lights.  The price is entirely in line with a cigar of this quality, and even more so with the limited availability. .

Nomad C-276 Torpedo

The Nomad C-276 is a great cigar, especially for those who are into the fuller bodied and stronger smokes. The flavors are distinct and complex, and the construction is solid. Although I did eventually have to correct the burn a few times, it was not an aggravation, and did not affect the flavors. Fred did an outstanding job in blending this stick, and the inclusion of the Ometepe leaf takes it a step beyond the S-307 that I had previously enjoyed, in terms of additional flavors and balanced complexity

The post Monthly Recap – October 2014 – Jeremy Hensley Edition appeared first on Cigar Reviews | Beer Pairings | Casas Fumando.

Photo Credit: Mike’s Cigars

According to Mike’s Cigars:

This fantastic four country blend, featuring Nicaraguan, Honduran, Dominican Republic fillers, Nicaraguan binder and topped off with 3 year old Habano Ecuadoran Sumatra or Broadleaf Maduro wrapper with a small batch release accommodating 10 wonderful and affordable cigars in a ‘domino’ box that pays homage to their Cuban roots. With a wonderful smoke that’s both rich in culture and exceptionally tasty flavor.

While the vitola is stated as a churchill, the size is much larger than the traditional 7 by 47-50 size. As the name suggests, the Domino 758 measures in at 7 inches by 58 ring gauge. Blend tobaccos and wrapper choice of Habano Ecuadorian Sumatra and Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro are similar to the standard La Gloria Cubana line with Honduran tobacco as an added ingredient in the Domino 758 filler tobaccos.

The Facts

Samples Provided by Mike’s Cigars
Price: $72.95 for a box of 10
Vitola: Churchill
Size: 7 by 58
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Dominican, Honduran, and Nicaraguan
Smoke Time:2 Hour and 10 Minutes
Drink: Water

Pre-light

The La Gloria Cubana 758 is one hefty cigar coming in at 7 inches by 58 ring gauge. The Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper is consistent in its medium to dark brown color. Mainly small veins run down the cigar with a only a few medium in size to be found. The wrapper leaf is coated in oils and a fine tooth that can be felt on the finger tips. Actually feels like a fine coarse sand paper.

Notes of dry fruit, chocolate, and a faint pungency are found on the wrapper, as big notes of raisin, honey and more chocolate come off of the foot of the cigar. Additionally, I am picking up some sort of chili powder. The aroma of the foot is just awesome. The double cap has been applied very clean and once cut presents a decent draw with rich notes of cedar, chocolate, and some holiday spices of nutmeg and clove.

First Third

A bit more toned down that expected, the 758 begins with deep savory notes of cedar and earth. Coffee and unsweetened cocoa dominate the long finish that leaves a chalky texture in the mouth. There is some mild black pepper that is causing a warming sensation on the palate but the smoke moves through the sinuses smoothly. Instead of gaining in intensity, the flavors have become even more mild after the first inch with no spice to be found. A touch-up is required as I exit the first third and the firm ash is holding easily past an inch.

Middle Third

I am pleased to report that the flavors are creeping towards medium. Some sweetness has joined the rich profile of toasted woodsy notes, clove and earth. The pepper spice has regained its footing in the profile. With the profile so mild early on and now only medium, I am surprised to feeling a nicotine kick in my gut. The earthy notes have transitioned to more diesel-like and the cocoa to a sweet chocolate. The burn is now edgy and the ash has become somewhat flaky.

Final Third

A small crack has formed in the wrapper just above the band. I am hoping that the tear doesn’t continue under the wrapper. Rich smoke is pouring out of the La Gloria Cubana 758. The earth continues to have a stronghold in the profile and coffee has made its way from the finish right into the center of the flavors. The mix between the rich smoke and coffee reminds me of an espresso. What a great way to finish up a cigar!

Wrap-up

I am not sure how to put words on my experience with the La Gloria Cubana Domino 758, but I will give it a shot. As a multi-course meal begins lightly and builds to a wonderful end with a sweet, rich dessert, so did this Mike’s Cigars exclusive. Beginning with a mild profile, the cigar developed to medium in the middle third and ended on a high note with medium/full, rich flavors. Only once did I have to correct the burn in over two hours of smoking. So a 10 second annoyance out of 7200 seconds of smoking is really no issue at all. Finding two hours to enjoy a cigar can be very difficult. But a backyard barbeque or just an evening smoke with friends where you know you’ll be going for awhile, the La Gloria Cubana Domino 758 may be the perfect cigar for the occasion.

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