It was very cool seeing your favorite cigars of 2014. I see a few of the cigars landing on our 2014 Top Ten Lists.

Contest Winner:

Alright, alright. I will get to the point. The winner of the contest is Scott W.. Congratulations, Scott!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Due to a family matter that needed to be taken care of yesterday, I was unable to post my regularly scheduled Friday review. But don’t worry, I will be bringing to you a rare weekend post tomorrow of the Exactus Puro Ambar for you reading pleasure.

The post Box Giveaway of Riot Cigars by StogieBoys Contest Winner appeared first on Cigar Reviews | Beer Pairings | Casas Fumando.

The Riot is produced in the Dominican Republic under the watchful eyes of Jose Dominguez, owner and master blender at Victor Sinclair. If you have spent anytime on the major online cigar retail sites, you are probably familiar with the products produced at the factory. The Riot is value-priced and is available in three vitolas: ‘45’ Robusto (4 ½ by 54), ‘55’ Toro (5 ½ by 54) and ‘65’ Grande Toro (6 ½ by 52).

According to StogieBoys.com:

Riot is a 5 country blend, sporting top quality long filler tobaccos from 5 different countries…Impeccably blended and handmade in the Dominican Republic, Riot delivers smooth, warm flavor without the bite of typical medium-full bodied cigars.  The No-Cut Cap on the Riot cigars is a crowd pleaser too.  The only premium cigar like it, this one requires no cutter. Simply pinch the end and the cap pops open for a perfect opening every time!

The Facts

Samples provided by StogieBoys.com
Price: $4.50
Vitola: ‘55’ Toro
Size: 5 ½ by 54
Wrapper: Mexican San Andres Maduro
Binder: Indonesian Sumatra
Filler: Brazilian Matafina, Pennsylvanian Broadleaf, and Dominican Piloto
Smoke Time: 1 Hour and 30 Minutes
Drink: Water

Pre-light

The StogieBoys Riot is dressed in a Mexican San Andres leaf that is very dark brown with an oily sheen. Small veins are all over the place and a fair share of bumps can be found, but the cigar lacks the amount of tooth I usually find on San Andres wrappers. Bringing the cigar to my nose, I am greeted with a wonderful aroma of thick honey and faint barnyard. And it gets only better as I check the foot of the cigar.

The honey is accompanied by big notes of chocolate and rich cedar. This has to be one of the most pleasing prelight aromas of I ever come across. The cigar comes to an end in a very unique style cap referred to as a “No-Cut Cap”. The cap is very similar to the cap on the Chisel by La Flor Dominicana. Pinching with a bit of force, the cap splits perfectly clean across allowing a decent to draw. The richness is really showing off on the cold draw with a potpourri-like spice and woodsy notes. Removing the ribbon foot band with ease, this cigar is ready to be lit.

 First Third

As I toasted the foot, a small half inch cracked formed at the head of the cigar. It does not look like it will be problematic at this point. The Riot is opening up much more full than expected. A mild honey sweetness hits the front of my palate, followed by deeper flavors of coffee and black pepper spice. The spice comes across sharp on the retrohale but not harsh. Coffee and pepper linger on the palate for a decent amount of time between draws. At the one inch mark, the sweetness has really gained ground. Smoke is pumping out of the Riot at rest and a decent amount of smoke is produced with each draw. The burn has been a bit concerning from the start and it is finally time to bust out the lighter. 

Middle Third

Pulling into the middle third, things are going real well with the Riot. The pepper has toned down, a common maduro sweetness and coffee are holding strong, and leather notes have entered the mix. After the touch-up early on, the Riot has been burning evenly with an edgy line. The pepper has been shifting in intensity throughout the smoke, and a toasted quality has arrived. Placing the head of the cigar vertically in the mouth and lightly biting down on the cap opens up the draw immensely. I am finding that repeating this every 10 to 15 minutes really helps.

Final Third

Relaxation is washing over me as the strength has picked up to the low side of full. The coffee and leather are at the forefront of the profile pushing the sweetness to the back. But the profile remains well-balanced. The finish of the smoke is of toasted notes and dry cocoa. The burn is off mark with one side burning considerably faster than the other. One more quick touch-up.  

Wrap-up

In the last couple of months I have burned through 5 or 6 Riots. Each one presented a decent draw, a somewhat wacky burn-line, and solid, enjoyable flavors. The flavors have been consistent in each of the  samples and sizes. The medium/full flavors and strength fit me just right. For a price under $5, the Riot is a cigar that is under-priced and well worth the coin. Make your way over to StogieBoys.com and order up a fiver. The StogieBoys Riot won’t break the bank and you won’t be disappointed.

Contest

We are giving away a 20 count box of 6 1/2 by 52 Riot Cigars by StogieBoys. This contest starts Friday, September  26th and will run through the end of day, Thursday, October 9th. To enter, use the widget below. One winner will be chosen at random using Rafflecopter. We will notify and post the winner October 10th. You must live in the US and be at least 18 years of age.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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StogieBoys.com has this to say about Thurman Thomas cigars:

NFL Hall of Fame running back Thurman Thomas has teamed up with StogieBoys and the highly reputable General Cigar Company to create a gem of a cigar brand. Manufactured by General Cigar (manufacturer of popular brands such as Punch, Macanudo, Partagas, Hoyo de Monterey, and more), these cigars will set the cigar world on fire.

Just the way he played football throughout his Hall of Fame career, Thurman Thomas’ cigars are silky smooth and deliver ample amounts of flavor. Smoke what the pros smoke and pick up a Thurman Thomas cigar today, only at StogieBoys.com.

The Facts

Samples Provided by StogieBoys.com
Price: $3.95 per Single/ $79.95 per Bundle/ $84.95 per Box
Vitola: Toro
Size: 6 by 52
Wrapper: Dominican (Natural)
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Dominican
Pairing: Water
Smoke Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Pre-light

The natural wrapper is very light brown in color and greenish in some areas.  The tiny veins look like hundreds of cracks running down the cigar.  There are a few small tears in the wrapper, making it known that this wrapper is probably on the delicate side. The wrapper is firmly packed and I have located only one soft spot on the entire cigar.

The faint aroma off the wrapper is of wood, a light hay sweetness, and paper, while the foot gives off tobacco, light pepper, and some more woodiness. What appears to be a triple cap cuts clean with my Xikar Xi cutter revealing a beautiful, easy draw.  The cold draw is leaving a coolness in the mouth much like spearmint.  I am looking forward to lighting up this Thurman Thomas Hall of Fame Natural.

First Third

The smoke is light on the palate.  There are two dimensions to the flavor profile of the Hall of Fame Natural. On one side, there are softer flavors of sweet hay and wood.  The other side of the profile brings out the darker notes that include black coffee,  light pepper, and a toastyness. The black coffee is really brought forth on the retrohale, along with some spice.  A light grey, flaky ash is being left behind by an eyeliner burn that has a slight wave to it. An inch and a half in, a crack has formed running just short of an inch from the burn line down the wrapper. The flavors are mild moving up to medium as I put a close to the first third.

Middle Third

The milder flavors are hanging in the background and incorporate a sweet hay/woodiness that  is similar to the sweet bread flavor I picked up on in the Maduro version of the Hall of Fame. However, it is not as pronounced in the natural version.  Along with the coffee and toasty notes from the first third, there is also a unique popcorn flavor.  The smoke continues to be light on the palate.  I am really surprised by the boldness of the retrohale, while not overwhelming, it is much more than I anticipated with this natural wrapper.  The finish is short with some nuttiness and black coffee. The burn has surpassed the crack in the wrapper with no additional construction issues thus far. The flavors and strength have moved up to a solid medium.  The ash is holding firm close to an inch and half.

Final Third

Entering into the final third, I am now understanding the pace this cigar is to be smoked.  By letting it rest for a minute or two between draws has had a major impact on the flavor profile. The bitter notes fade, while the sweet wood, coffee and nuttiness are showcased.  However, the pace is way too slow for me.  Coming down to the band, I remove it with ease, but I am not sure if I will be smoking this cigar too much farther.  Bitter coffee is dominating the profile and it is time to put this Thurman Thomas cigar to rest.

Wrap-up

First off, a big thanks to the crew at StogieBoys.com for providing the samples.  The Thurman Thomas Hall of Fame Natural delivered consistent flavors (other than the bitterness in the final third) and it offered an excellent burn and a decent ash.  It was interesting to see the darker coffee and toasted notes in this Natural cigar. However, I believe a more pronounced sweetness would round out the profile and that is exactly what I found in the Maduro version. The Hall of Fame Maduro just fits my palate much more.  Also, the pace in which I smoked the Hall of Fame samples had an impact on both the Maduro and Natural versions.  So, if you have an opportunity to smoke the Thurman Thomas Hall of Fame, make sure to take your time.  With that said, you really can’t go wrong trying out this cigar.  You can pick up a single cigar or a five pack, heck even a bundle, without breaking the bank.

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C&C cigars are available in three different wrappers: Corojo, Connecticut, and Maduro (LRMD).  What I find unique is that each cigar in the C&C line comes with its own blend instead of just throwing a different wrapper on the same binder and filler.  Each cigar is available in four vitolas: Robusto (5 by 50), Toro (6 by 54), Churchill (7 by 50), and Gigantor (6 by 60). C&C’s site has this to say on their C&C lines:

A premium line at an everyday smokers price. The C&C line outperforms everytime. Effortless draws, perfect burn, and three taste profiles that will amaze mild, medium, and fuller bodied smokers.

The Facts

Samples Provided by StogieBoys.com
Price: Around $4.00
Vitola: Robusto
Size: 5 by 50
Wrapper: Brazilian Arapiraca Maduro
Binder: Dominican Criollo
Filler: Dominican Ligero, Cubano Seco
Pairing: Water
Smoke Time: 1 Hour

* I have come across conflicting information on the wrapper on the C&C LRMD.  Several online retailers state the wrapper as Dominican Maduro.  However, candccigars.com has it listed as Arapiraca.

Pre-light

The C&C Maduro wrapper is milk chocolate in color with a good amount of water spots and imperfections. The small and medium veins are pronounced by their dark color and web across the entire stick. As I roll the stick between my fingers, I notice the velvety feel of the wrapper, along with a few soft spots.  Right next to the band is a rock hard spot.  I really hope this cigar isn’t plugged.

The aroma off the wrapper is of hay, sweet tea, and cardboard, while the foot is rich, highlighting tea and spice.  The cap clips easily revealing a perfect draw. That is a relief.  Sweet, rich tobacco shines on the cold draw.

First Third

The C&C LRMD is rocking in the smoke department.  Each small draw pulls an ample amount of smoke.  The first thing to hit my palate is a sugary sweetness, followed by a rich mixture of earth, pepper, and salt.  A decent amount of spice warms my entire palate.  The long finish is on the dry side and somewhat bitter.  As I approach an inch into the cigar, the draw has become stiff requiring a firm draw and charred notes have entered into the mix. The eyeliner burn is fairly even, producing a black and white ash which held to an inch before I knocked it off.  The flavors are medium with no perceivable nicotine.

Middle Third

The earth and pepper are overwhelmed by charred cedar and sugar, which is now dominating the profile. Biting down on the head of the C&C LRMD relieves the tight draw producing thick white smoke. The spice is now hitting me in the back of throat. The finish and retrohale are very similar with bitter coffee and cedar notes followed by a lingering spice.  The burn line is edgy as I wrap up the second third. Once again the ash held for over an inch.

Final Third

The earthiness of this cigar is in full force.  The charred wood is still prevalent with an added dirt and diesel flavors.  The finish of the LRMD reminds me of drinking the bottom of a cold cup of black coffee that contains old coffee grounds and has become bitter. The burn has been wavy but not a single touch-up has been needed.  The flavors are medium and the strength is on the low side of medium.   While not harsh, the flavors have become extremely bitter and with an inch and three-fourths remaining it is time to put down this cigar.

Wrap-up

The first few puffs of the C&C LRMD Robusto were so promising,producing a rich, balanced profile. Unfortunately, the charred flavors dominated the rest of the smoke.  On the more objective side of things, the construction was superior for a $4.00 stick.  The burn line never required any touch-ups and the ash held firm up to an inch.  Prior to receiving these samples, I picked up a couple from Spec’s and each cigar has been consistent in both flavor and construction. Always remember that taste is subjective and if you enjoy dark earthy, charred flavors this stick may be right up your alley.  For $4.00 a stick, you can’t go wrong trying out this cigar.  And you never know, this may be a great everyday stick for you.

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The Facts
Samples Provided by StogieBoys.com
Price: $3.95 per Single/ $79.95 per Bundle/ $84.95 per Box
Format: Toro
Size: 6 by 52
Wrapper: Dominican (Maduro)
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Dominican
Pairing: Water
Smoke Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Pre-light

The Dominican Maduro wrapper appears weathered with criss-crossing small and medium veins covering the length of the cigar.  To the touch, the wrapper feels like fine grain sandpaper and is firmly packed through and through.   The wrapper is inconsistent in color and has two different brown tones with one half of the wrapper being significantly darker.

There is a faint pungent aroma with a combination of earth, wood,  and pepper with a hint of sweetness.  Even though the aroma off the foot is light, it shows off welcoming honey and tea notes.  As I snip the cap of the cigar, the extremely packed tobacco underneath is revealed.  I hope I don’t have to fight a stiff draw.  As expected, the draw is on the firm side. After two more cuts, the draw is doable. I am unable to pick up much flavor on the cold draw.

First Third

After toasting the foot of the Thurman Thomas Hall of Fame Maduro, I am presented with leather, coffee, cedar and citrus undertones.  There are no dominating flavors, just a smooth, balanced profile. The smoke it light on the palate.  A mild pepper steps in about an inch into the cigar.  Also, I am noticing a nice mixture of bread dough and a hint of sweetness.  The flavor mix reminds me of sweet dinner rolls.  Very tasty.  Even though the draw has a little more resistance than preferred,  I am still able to pull a good amount of smoke with each puff. The burn line is right on, leaving a dark grey, dense ash which held on for over an inch. The flavors are in the mild to medium range, and I am feeling no nicotine.

Middle Third

The smoke has become creamy, presenting dry cedar (pencil shavings), pepper,and the same sweet dinner roll-like flavor. I could retro this Thurman Thomas Hall of Fame all day.  The creamy, woodsy smoke coats my nasal passage with each retrohale.   The sweet dough flavors continue to develop, playing a more significant role in the profile.  The finish brings forth roasted nuts, coffee, and a diesel-like flavor.  The Thurman Thomas Hall of Fame seems to be burning fast but I have not encountered any burn issues.  Once again, the ash held on over an inch.  The flavors are on the medium side and strength is on the low end.

Final Third

With about two and a half inches remaining, the smoke became warm allowing in bitter flavors.  I made a conscious effort to slow down from my normal smoking pace.   I am glad I did.  The flavors have once again meshed.  The flavor profile is similar to the first third with added roasted notes and  the smoke remains creamy.  As I make my way into the last final inch plus, I remove the band with ease.  I must be having some good luck going on because I have yet to review a cigar that put up a fight on the band removal.  Nothing to add about the burn line and ash other than they were exceptional the entire stick.  Flavors remain medium and the strength is still clocking in on the low to medium side.

Wrap-up

Taking price out of the picture, the Thurman Thomas Hall of Fame Maduro performed to par and is a great representation of a mild to medium Dominican puro.  The Maduro wrapper gives off the bread-like sweetness which fits perfectly with the woodsy filler notes.  Since I spend most of time with more full bodied, Nicaraguan cigars, it was nice to escape from by daily routine.  I  was presently surprised with the Thurman Thomas Hall of Fame Maduro.  Now putting price back into the picture, WOW! This could be a great everyday smoke for the mild/medium cigar smokers out there or a morning smoke for the more full-bodied guys.  This cigar would pair perfectly with a cup of Joe early in the morning or anytime of the day.  Grab a few sticks or a bundle from StogieBoys.com and give this Hall of Fame cigar a try.

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