Dunhill Aged Reserva Especial 2003 Robusto Grande

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic

Factory: General Cigar Dominicana

Size:  5 ½ X 54

Vitola: Robusto Grande

Wrapper: Connecticut Shade Grown

Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf Grown in Dominican Republic

Filler: Aged 2003 Dominican Piloto Cubano and Nicaraguan Tobaccos

Box Quantity: 10 Cigars per box

Production: Limited Edition Vintage Cigars only 3500 were made Worldwide

MSRP: $15-16.00

 

I walked into 8 to 8 Cigars today with one question on my mind, “What will be my first cigar of the day”?

Luckily, within minutes that question would be answered for me. In walked the Dunhill rep toting a brand new box of never smoked in the Chicago land area yet, Dunhill Reserva Especial’s.

Matt was kind enough to open the box and introduce me to this newly released smoke.

I thanked him and waited until he left before I lit up so as not to have my impression influenced by his presence.

If you are a fan of Connecticut shade grown wrapper, this cigar is for you. Beautifully constructed, evenly filled, the cap was applied perfectly.

Lighting this cigar was effortless. The match charred the foot very quickly and I was careful not to burn this beautiful wrapper.

Almost immediately, I picked up a creamy smooth taste accented by a light taste of cocoa. This was a great choice for my first cigar. Mild and tasty.

About half way through and the taste has picked up a little to a medium body with some fuller tones of chocolate.

At this point you can truly start to appreciate the Piloto Cubano Vintage filler. The aroma emanating from this wonderful cigar is a result of the 2003 Vintage tobacco which some people standing near me have said smells incredible. I concur.

I am really starting to enjoy this smoke as it is getting its legs under it. Woodsy, spicy, cocoa, truly delicious.

As this cigar is coming to the final third, the taste has become a little more intense, not overpowering just smooth with some added spiciness detected. 

This is a wonderful example of what an aged Piloto Cubano tobacco can mean to a cigars taste.

I am very happy with the way this cigar smoked and tasted. Dunhill has got a winner with this one. When you can find one, try it. This is a new release and not available everywhere right now, so if your lucky enough to try one, you wont be disappointed.

My final thoughts are:

Great Cigar to start the day.

Smooth and Creamy

Lots of Flavors

Excellent Construction

Even burn

 

This is only my opinion and your experience with a cigar will be based on when you smoke it, where you smoke it, what you drink with it or what you have eaten.

Form your own opinion and I am always available to answer any questions or address any comments.

Cuban Rob

This cigar is available at www.TopQualityCigars.com

Davidoff Limited Edition 2009 Seleccion 702 Toro Especial

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic

Factory: Davidoff of Geneva

Size: 6 5/8" x 48

Vitola: Toro Especial

Wrapper: Special Ecuadorian Hybrid Sun Grown 702

Binder: Dominican Republic

Filler: Piloto, Olor, San Vincente

Box Quantity: 10

 

When I woke this morning the first thing on my mind was, “What will be my first cigar today”? 

I sipped on a café con leche still pondering that question which many of us have when thinking about the first cigar of the day.

This question is even more difficult for me when you consider that I frequent what is one of the finest Cigar stores in the United States, Casa De Montecristo, who’s selection is second to none. When arriving at their sister store, 8-8 Cigars, I walked into the inner sanctum, the Vintage room. Here the owners keep a vast selection of rare and aged cigars. (See Photo below).

While considering what would set the tone for the day, looking through aged My Father LE’s, La Aurora 100 anõs, Fuente Lost City, the cigar reached out and grabbed me. There it was tucked away in the Davidoff section. The Davidoff, Seleccion 702 L.E. 2009.

These rare beauties have been almost non existent since 2009 when whoever was lucky enough to smoke one snapped them up quicker than a Chicago politician takes a bribe.

I opened the white outer box to find a beautiful wooden box decorated with the Davidoff Logo, Limited Edition 2009 and Toro Especial, Seleccion 702 printed on top. I was excited beyond belief to have another opportunity to enjoy this incredible cigar but now with 3 years of age.

I opened the box and was amazed at what I saw. The wrapper looked a shade darker than I remembered and so inviting, yet I couldn’t help but continue to admire the way the cigars looked at me, beckoning me to reach out to them. I didn’t want to disappoint them, so I did.

I removed the cigar from its cello sleeve and inspected a flawless medium brown colored wrapper.  A typical “Davidoff “ band laid above a second band proudly proclaiming, “Seleccion 702”. I noticed a beautiful woodsy, cedar fragrance emanating from it almost immediately.

This cigar was flawless, the wrapper was a work of art, the cigar was filled perfectly from the head to the foot.

I cut the cigar with a V cut and gently warmed the foot with a match. When I finally lit the cigar, the taste hit my pallet with the first draw, I knew that I chose wisely.

I sat back with a second cup of coffee and waited.

Not a typical Davidoff, this cigar has a peppery, spiciness from the very first draw. Tones of cedar were evident also as I got into this wonderful stick. You can taste what the aging has done as you hit the first third. The cedar flavor and aroma is very evident at this point which is a bonus from the 3 years of age.

If it wasn’t so early in the day, I would love to experience this cigar with a Vintage Port. I can only guess how those two would pair and make an even greater smoking experience.

About half way through and I don’t detect much difference in the taste. Still pepper, cedar and

spice. Incredibly consistent and flavorful. Perfect burn The ash is medium gray and holds the cigar until you decide you don’t want to take a chance of soiling your shirt.

I am at the point where I have to remove the second band and thinking about another one to try with a port.

I am coming to the part of the cigar I hate, The End. Of course, this only applies to a cigar I thoroughly enjoy. This is it. I have already removed the final band and can say without any doubt, this is one of the finest cigars I have had the pleasure of smoking in a very long time. Even at the end, there is no harshness or bitterness. Smooth, creamy and flavorful.

My best recommendation is that this cigar is at its peak.

Get some, smoke them and get ready for one of the best smoking experiences of your life.love.

 

Total smoking time around 1hour.

This is only my opinion and your experience with a cigar will be based on when you smoke it, where you smoke it, what you drink with it or what you have eaten.

Form your own opinion and I am always available to answer any questions or address any comments.

Cuban Rob

 

This cigar is available at www.TopQualityCigars.com

Perdomo 20th Anniversary 2012 Release

Country of Origin: Nicaragua

Factory: Tabacalera Perdomo

Size: 6' x 60

Vitola: Gordo (Maravillas No.3)

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Sun Grown

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan

Box Quantity: 24 Cigars in each box

Production: 20^th Anniversary

Pairing with: Not Paired

When you see this non cello cigar in a newly opened box, all you can say is “Wow”. This is an impressive and gorgeous looking cigar. Right after I opened the box, I had two people come to me asking for them. The band is the classic Perdomo logo along with the words “20^th Anniversary” proudly displayed on the bottom portion of the band.

I am a big fan of Sun Grown wrapper leaf, this one has been aged for six years and then an additional year in a Bourbon Barrel before being wrapped around the Nicaraguan filler and binder. An inviting medium brown color with just a slight hint of oiliness gives this cigar wonderful curb appeal. Not quite box pressed yet not perfectly round. Removing one from the box, I noticed several very visible veins that I could live with, but was disappointed to see in an Anniversary edition. The cap was also a little disappointing as it was not applied evenly on several of the cigars I inspected. This cigar was filled to perfection with no soft spots anywhere on all the cigars I inspected.

I chose a standard straight cut and used a triple torch to light this beauty because of the girth. The unlit draw gave me some leathery tones along with a mild spiciness.

It was a little hard igniting but once it got going I didn’t have a problem, be patient.

About an inch into it, I noticed a slightly uneven burn. I am still picking up a leathery taste and so far nothing else. Thus far I would classify this as medium bodied.  Not much aroma other than tobacco. The medium grey colored ash fell off itself about an inch into it.

The second third of the cigar gives me no different taste other than a little stronger tobacco flavor from some additional Ligero, but this is still a medium bodied cigar. At this point, the burn has evened up and the ash is holding at about an inch.

As I am starting the final third of this cigar, I am a little disappointed that I haven’t experienced a little more complexity in an Anniversary edition. No difference in taste at this point, so I guess you can say it was consistent throughout.

 

Total smoking time was about 1 ¼ hours.

Final Thoughts: Great first impression when you open the box. A wonderful medium bodied cigar with mostly a tobacco taste and light leathery tones throughout. This is not a bad thing, I have never tasted roasted chestnuts or black currant other than when I am eating. However I was hoping for more with a 20th Anniversary Edition. I would still smoke this cigar, but would not be my choice after a great steak dinner.

Overall rating: 88

 

This is only my opinion and your experience with a cigar will be based on when you smoke it, where you smoke it, what you drink with it or what you have eaten.

Form your own opinion and I am always available to answer any questions or address any comments.

 

Cuban Rob

This cigar is available at www.TopQualityCigars.com 

My Father Limited Edition 2012 Cigar

Country of Origin: Nicaragua

Factory: My Father S.A.

Size: 6 ½” x 52

Vitola: Toro

Wrapper: Pelo de Oro

Binder: Cuban seed grown in Nicaragua

Filler: Nicaraguan

Box Quantity: 12 Cigars in each box

Production:  Limited production only 3500 were made worldwide

Pairing with: Grahams 2003 Vintage Porto

 

When I looked at the box for the LE 2012 I knew I was in for something special. A difference in color from the 2011, but this has a more elegant look and feel to it. I have seen many ornate boxes which when I smoked the cigar, I wished I had smoked the box instead. 

I opened the box with guarded anticipation. Could this truly live up to what I had enjoyed in the LE 2011?

I removed the first cigar, took it out of the cello wrapper, felt a perfectly filled cigar, no soft spots, perfect triple cap with a flawless chocolate brown color all of which strangely reminded me of my first love.

This double banded cigar was another work of art from the Pepin family.

I must say it took me about 15 minutes of enjoying the fragrance of this cigar. I was almost afraid to light it; I was so enamored by its beauty and the fragrance of aged tobacco. Would it live up to my expectations? Some people watching me told me to get a room. I chose to smoke it instead.

I used a straight cut to get the full draw from the circumference. Using wooden matches, I intentionally lit only a portion of the foot to test the quality of construction. I learned long ago that if a cigar is properly made even if you light half of the foot, it would catch up. It did within minutes.

Almost immediately, the taste filled my mouth and tantalized my senses. Starting out medium strength with sweet, peppery tones as is common with a Pepin,  I knew I was in for something special.

By the time I had to remove the first band, I was plotting how to get my hands on more of these.

The taste picked up quite a bit at this point transforming from a medium to a more full bodied smoke as I had hoped for.

The ash was a beautiful medium gray color with an even burn. I intentionally didn’t ash the cigar until about an inch into it, when I did, it was by my choice, not the cigars.  

The draw was effortless, consistent and perfect.

As I am coming to the end of the My Father LE 2012 the burn is still perfect, the ash is consistent, the taste has more spiciness than the first third and those around me are commenting on the beautiful aroma’s coming from this cigar. I am almost burning my fingers to get the last bit of taste from this magnificent creation, but all good things must eventually end.

Total smoking time around 1½ hours.

Final thoughts: I was anxious to try this cigar to see if it could live up to the My Father L.E.2011, it did and more. Consistent, smooth and flavorful.

This cigar is destined to become one of the most sought after cigars of the year. A true collector’s item for the most discerning aficionado which will get better with age.

This is a Limited Edition so if you can get some, get them quick I know I will. They will be gone once people get the chance as I have to smoke a truly incredible cigar.

Overall rating: 97

This is only my opinion and your experience with a cigar will be based on when you smoke it, where you smoke it, what you drink with it or what you have eaten.

Form your own opinion and I am always available to answer any questions or address any comments.

These cigars can be purchased at www.TopQualityCigars.com

Cuban Rob

Davidoff White Edition 2012

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic

Wrapper: Dominican Criollo
Binder: Peruvian Corojo
Filler: Dominican San Vicente and Piloto Ligero
Vitola: Robusto Gordo
Length: 5 ¾ inches
Ring Gage: 52
Strength: Medium to Full

This is the second release of the White Edition from Davidoff.  The first release of this cigar was a super belicoso size that was an immediate success.  And this latest release is no different!!!  The tobacco for this blend has been already aged for 6 years. 

Davidoff never disappoints with any aspect of their cigars.  This cigar has a gorgeous dark espresso colored oily wrapper that is offset beautifully by the white label with gold writing.  There are very few vein lines with no imperfections that I can see.  The draw and burn need little discussion since there are never issues with these when it comes to Davidoff Cigars.

Again just like the first release this is a fuller bodied cigar for Davidoff – one that I would not say is a full body for my personal taste, but nevertheless people are calling it a medium to full bodied smoke.  There is some spice, earthy notes, and almost a sweet undertone.  This is a complex smoke starting out a little strong then mellowing out for a very complex yet smooth smoke.       

This is the perfect cigar to enjoy any part of your day – the first smoke of the day or one of your last with a good premium drink to relax for the evening. 

 

 

 

La Aurora 107 Salamon (NEW SIZE)

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Ecuador Habano Sun grown
Binder: Dominican and Nicaraguan
Filler: Dominican
Vitola: Salamon
Length: 7 ¼ inches
Ring Gage: 52
Strength: Medium

 
I blogged about this cigar back at the beginning of the year and am pleased to announce that Miami Cigars has added a new size to the 107 line up.  If you had read my previous blog you will know that this cigar is a fantastic medium bodied everyday smoke that just about everyone I know enjoys. 

 This cigar has a gorgeous reddish brown wrapper.  It is impeccably rolled with very few vein lines and no imperfections that I could find.  This is a decent sized Salamon that is very reasonably priced I might add.

 This cigar has fantastic robust notes of earth, cedar, and cocoa.  There was a spicy undertone but nothing that overpowers at all.  The draw on this cigar was good with little resistance.  The burn was even and smooth. 

 As I mentioned in my previous blog this line is simply a fantastic cigar and this new size does not disappoint.  This is a great addition to the already wonderful line.  For the size, flavor, and value of this cigar is it simply a no brainer!   

 Buy these cigars online at www.topqualitycigars.com!!!!

CAO Concert

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder:  Connecticut Broadleaf
Filler: Nicaraguan and Honduran
Vitola:  Amp      
Length: 5 ½ inches
Ring Gage: 46
Strength:  Medium

The new CAO Concert is the second release from CAO since General Cigar Company has taken over the brand.  This cigar is said to be a tribute to the brands roots in Tennessee and was created and blended by Ricky Rodriguez.  The concert comes packaged in boxes that resemble amps with the logo shaped as a guitar pick.  Even the names have of the sizes pay tribute to music terminology; roadie (5 ½ by 54), solo (5 ½ by 50), stage (5 ½ by 60), and amp (5 ½ by 46). 

The cigar has a gorgeous dark and oily wrapper.  It appears to be very well constructed with very few vein lines.  It was firm to the touch with no soft spots or imperfections that I could see.  The band resembles the shape of a guitar pick with cigar strings wrapping around the cigar.  This is a classy presentation for the newest addition to the CAO line of cigars.    

There were wonderful notes of wood and spice immediately upon lighting.  This was a fairly consistent smoke that was thoroughly enjoyable.  As you smoked the notes of wood and spice were still present but I began to notice a sweet undertone that complimented the cigar nicely.  The burn on this cigar was nice and even.  I found the draw to be perfect, for my taste anyway.  I like a little bit of resistance, but something that is still an easy enjoyable smoke. 

The new mantra for this line “Perfect Harmony” describes this cigar perfectly.  It was a consistent smoke that delivered in taste and flavor. 

 

If you would like to purchase these cigars please visit www.topqualitycigars.com !!!!

Also visit www.8to8cigars.com to get information on meeting Ricky Rodriguez in person friday October 5th!!!

 

NEW IPCPR PREMIUM CIGARS OF 2012

  Since there are so many new cigars coming out I thought I would make a list of everything new that i've come acroos recently and that I know are available for purchase from topqualitycigars.com; ·          C.A.O. Concert "Perfect Harmony" ·         Nestor Miranda Limited Edition 2012 Collection Danno ·         La Aurora 107 Puro Vintage Serie Anniversario Salomon ·          Illusione Singulare  2011 &  2012 ·         Viaje Honey  and Hand Grenades "HHG" Small Batch ·         Quesada OKTOBERFEST 2012 Kaiser ·         Zino Platinum Ten - X Collector's Limited Edition 2012 ·          La Aroma De Cuba from Ashton by My Father El Jefe ·         Camacho Blend from Room 101 Limited Edition  Daruma ·         Montecristo Epic Premium Selection '07 ·         Davidoff White Edition 2012 Robusto Gordo ·         Viaje 5th Anniversary 2007-2012 Edition Box Pressed Cigars Perfecto                   (Puro Nicaraguan) ·         Oliva Serie "V" Melanio Gran Reserva Limitada  ·         Te-Amo Revolution Ovalado Box Pressed ·         Tatuaje Cojonu 2012 Habano Box Pressed Toro ·         Avo 25 Years Limited Edition Grand Piano Box Toro ·         ROMEO by Romeo y Julieta ·         L'ATELIER IMPORTS by Pete Johnson's / L'Atelier New Project ·         L'ATELIER IMPORTS by Pete Johnson's / Surrogetes ·         L'ATELIER IMPORTS by Pete Johnson's / El Suelo Bundles ·         L'ATELIER IMPORTS by Pete Johnson's / Trocadéro Bundles ·         E.P. Carrillo INCH Maduro & Natural ·         Camacho Liberty 2012, Ultra Premium Brand, Special Limited Edition 11/18 ·         My Father Commemorative 911 Cigars Blend 343 Limited Edition                     2012 2nd Release Toro BUY THEM ONLINE FROM www.TopQualityCigars.com

LA DUENA CIGARS by Pete Johnson of Tatuaje Cigar Company made for Janny Garcia of My Father Cigar Factory

LA DUENA In Spanish it means the owner, and in this case it is a special cigar made for Janny Garcia by Pete Johnson.

Janny Garcia is the daughter of Don Pepin Garcia, and the sister of Jaime from the well known My Father Cigar Factory in Nicaragua.

Pete Johnson the owner of Tatuaje cigars created this blend with the help of Janny Garcia to come up with a special line just for her. Pete has been developing the blend in secret for about a year. As did Janny revealed before she headed to London for some events, that the cigars will come out just before the IPCPR show this summer.

Pete added that the cigars are kind of a cross between the Jaime Garcia and his La Casita. The blend uses Connecticut Broadleaf for the wrapper and in the filler along with Nicaraguan tobaccos. The cigar will be a medium strength smoke, and will satisfy every smoker's taste.

TO BUY THEM JUST VISIT www.TopQualityCigars.com

BEHIKE BHK56 SECRET IS REVEALED

Great Discovery has this beauty B56 blend from Miami, Florida occupy the top spot of our website, Discovered and blended by:
Sam Khalil "Casa De Montecristo" owner, and a Master Blender with Cuban Heritage. After spending months of hard work and efforts
finally in January, 2012 Casa De Montecristo of Chicago, Illinois has revealed the secret of BEHIKE blend.

It didn't take to long before we received our first shipment of these cigars in May, 2012. Blended to satisfy all connoisseurs.
This well balanced cigar "Taste, flavor, size and shape" smokes just like BEHIKE 56, therefore the name derives from the original
Cuban BEHIKE 56, and generally speaking the price point is not even close. This is a limited production so we encourage everyone to try them before they're just a memory.

BUY THEM ONLINE FROM www.TopQualityCigars.com

Flor de Las Antillas Robusto

Flor de Las Antillas Robusto

Country of Origin: Nicaragua

Wrapper: Nicaragua

Binder: Nicaragua

Filler: Nicaragua

Vitola: Robusto Box Press

Length: 5 inches

Ring Gage: 50

Strength: Medium

This is the newest release from My Father Cigar Company.  The name pays homage to Cuba, which is often called of the flower of the Antillas.  The Antillas islands consist of Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and of course Cuba.    

Looking at this cigar is a beautiful box press with a dark seamless wrapper.  It has somewhat of a rough look to it that makes the cigar appear rustic.  It is firm to the touch with no soft spots.  Very few veins are visible and the wrapping is seamless. 

This cigar has the traditional Pepin profile.  There is a nice burst of spice right upon lighting and then opens up into woodsy and earthy notes.  The burn was even and smooth with a gorgeous dark gray ash building as it was smoked.  The draw was consistent and even, very little resistance.

It must be said that this cigar is a solid medium which is a slight variation from the more full bodied Pepin’s we are use to.  Nevertheless this a inexpensively priced cigar for the quality of the smoke and I’m sure it will become a great addition to your everyday smokes!!!! 

If you would like to purchase this cigar please visit www.topqualitycigars.com!!!!

  

Viaje Friends and Family

Country of Origen: N/A

Wrapper: N/A

Binder: N/A

Filler: N/A

Vitola: Churchill Box Press

Length: 7 inches

Ring Gage: 48

Strength: Medium to Full

Everything from the blend, the manufacturer location, and the number of boxes actually being released is unknown about this cigar.  What is known is that it was blended by Andre Farkas and said to be like his Cohiba.  The premise behind this cigar is that it will be released to Friends and Family only.  But again what has been confirmed is that the places who will be receiving these cigars are only getting a box or two.  So it is not sure if these places will keep these cigars as gifts for being “friends and family” or sell them individually to customers.  I was fortunate enough to get my hands on one of these cigars from the box that was sent to Casa de Montecristo in Countryside.

The wrapper is a gorgeous dark espresso brown color.  It felt firm to the touch and had just enough give.  The cap is perfectly constructed. The cigar also has gorgeous vein lines. 

This was a fantastic medium to full bodied smoke with a ton of complexity and balance! I picked up on espresso, chocolate, and earthy notes.  There was sweet undertone, almost caramel like.  As you smoke a spicy pepper note increases.  As you smoked the dominant notes that I picked up on shifts, just absolutely fantastic in its complexity!

The burn and draw on this cigar started out even, smooth, and strong, and finished in the exact same fashion!  The only thing I would say about this cigar is that if you do get your hands on one of these to smoke – it is a slow burning cigar.  It took just shy of two hours, so make you have the time to finish this stick because you are not going to want to put it down! If you would like to purchase this cigar please visit www.topqualitycigars.com.

Fuente Rosado Sungrown Magnum

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sungrown

Binder: Dominican

Filler: Dominican

Vitola: Toro

Length: 6.25 inches

Ring Gage: 54

Strength: Medium

I cannot believe that I have yet to review an Arturo Fuente! But I believe I have chosen a great first cigar from this manufacturer to review.  This is the newest in his line and it also made it to the 25 list in Cigar Aficionado for last year, not to mention it is one of my favorites as well!!

This is a nice change up from the usual Cigars that are produced by Fuente.  This is a nice medium bodied that could be your first smoke of the day or your last paired with fine liquor.  I do like fuller bodied smokes but it is nice to change it up every now and then with something less strong but still flavorful and robust enough for my taste, and this cigar is it.

The construction on this cigar is impeccable.  It is firm to the touch with minor vein lines.  The cap is excellently constructed.  The wrapper is a dark reddish brown, almost brick color.  The label is also different than the traditional Fuente label and just makes this cigar pop!

I always enjoyed this cigar because of the sweet undertones from the Sungrown wrapper.  It stands alone with earthy and nutty notes without the sweet undertone.  But in my opinion it adds to the cigar’s complexity by having that sweet undertone beneath the already outstanding flavors.  Another this I love about this cigar is that is has a nice peppery finish.  The finish, in my opinion, is not enough to propel it to a full bodied.  It is just another element that adds to the complexity by introducing pepper into the last third of the cigar.   The draw was in my opinion perfect.  There was a slight resistance, which I prefer.  It burned evenly and smooth.

After smoking this it is very easy to see why it made it into the top 25 list for last year.  This is a flavorful, complex, everyday medium bodied cigar!  If you would like to purchase this cigar please visit www.topqualitycigars.com.     

EP Carrillo Short Run 2012 Connecticut

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut

Binder: Connecticut Broad Leaf

Filler: Nicaraguan and Dominican

Vitola: Toro

Length: 5 7/8

Ring Gage: 52

Strength: Medium to Full

This is the first Short Run Ernesto Perez Carillo has made in a Connecticut wrapper.  There will be 3 sizes available; Exquisitos (4 7/8 by 50), Inuictos (5 7/8 by 52), and the Reinados (6 1/4 by 60).  Only 1,000 boxes will be available throughout the nation for each size.

I smoked the Inuictos which is a Toro sized cigar.  This cigar has a gorgeous honey colored wrapper.  It has a very rugged appearance with beautiful vein lines.  The triple cap looks perfectly constructed.  It was firm to the touch with no soft spots or spongy areas.  The draw was perfect and it had a nice and slow even burn. 

There was a touch of pepper upon lighting up, but that went away the more you smoked.  Overall I tasted sweetness, mixed with earthy and nutty notes.  This was a very complex cigar.  It is not very often that you have a cigar that has a Connecticut wrapper with a binder and filler that were used for a Maduro.  This made for a very interesting mix of flavors that I thoroughly enjoyed!

This cigar has a lot of body for having a Connecticut wrapper. I was very impressed with the strength and flavor of this cigar.  I say Medium to Full only because I am more inclined to fuller bodied cigars and found this to be a Medium, yet I can see where someone might say this would be a full body.

EP Carillo has done it again with this amazing addition to his already outstanding line!!!

These cigars have shipped and will be ready for purchase shortly from www.topqualitycigars.com, where they are being pre-released!!!   

  

Tatuaje Cojonu 2012

Tatuaje Cojonu 2012

Country of Origin: Nicaragua

Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf and Ecuadorian Sumatra

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan

Vitola: Toro Box Press

Length: 5.5 inches

Ring Gage: 52

Strength: Medium to Full

Pete Johnson of Tatuaje will be releasing 3 wrappers this year for his Cojonu series; a Connecticut Broadleaf, Ecuadorian Sumatra, and a Habano.  The Connecticut Broadleaf and Ecuadorian Sumatra will be released at Casa de Montecristo on March 21^st with an official book signing with Pete Johnson himself.  All 3 wrappers will officially be released at this year’s IPCPR in August.

The book that will be available on March 21^st will consist of 12 Connecticut Broadleaf and 12 Ecuadorian Sumatra, so those are the two cigars I will review. 

The Connecticut Broadleaf has a gorgeous dark brown wrapper.  There were no veins lines that I could see and it was virtuously seamless!   The cigar was firm to the touch with no visible imperfections.  The cap was beautifully constructed. 

This cigar smoked beautifully!  The draw was effortless and smooth.  The burn was nice and even.  I noticed a spicy undertone throughout.  The cigar was creamy with coffee notes also lending a sweet undertone. 

The Ecuadorian Sumatra had a dark reddish brown almost milk chocolate colored wrapper.  There were very few veins and again was seamless!  This cigar was also firm to the touch with no visible imperfections.  The cap on this cigar was perfect and well constructed. 

Both cigars are creamy!  But this one had an almost savory spice to it! Not the traditional Tatuaje spice but very pleasing and noticeable to the palate.  I picked up on coffee and espresso with almost a smoked, savory finish. 

Both cigars are simply fantastic! I would smoke these cigars again and again!  These are the type of cigars that would hold up well next to a nice scotch or whiskey after a long day! 

For more information on the Official Book Signing with Pete Johnson please visit our website at www.topqualitycigars.com!!!!

AVO Heritage

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Ecuador (Cuban Seed)
Binder: Dominican San Vincente
Filler: 3 Different Ligero, Dominican Seco, Peruvian Seco
Vitola: Short Robusto
Length: 4 inches
Ring Gage: 56
Strength: Medium to Full

The Avo Heritage is one of the latest from the Avo line and has become one of my favorite go to short smokes.  I reviewed the Robusto in December and I am revisiting the Line because of an upcoming AVO Event. 

I found the cigar great then and I still find it great months later! Appearance wise this cigar has a gorgeous dark espresso oily wrapper.  It has huge vein lines with a perfectly constructed cap.  It felt solid to the touch; there were no soft spots or imperfections I could notice.

It did have a fairly loose draw, even though it never burned too hot.  I like a more resistant draw but this did not take away from my enjoyment of this cigar.  The burn was nice, even, and smooth.

There was a nice spice upon first lighting.  I noticed a sweet caramel almost chocolate/mocha undertone.  I also picked up on earthy notes.  The spice does mellow out as you smoke but the flavors stayed pretty consistent.  There was creaminess to it that I just fell in love with.

This is a perfect short smoke when you do not have a lot of time available.  This cigar will last about 45 minutes to an hour giving you just enough time to enjoy and then be on your way!  

Avo never disappoints, in my opinion, when it comes to cigars.  I thoroughly enjoyed this cigar from the first light to the last puff of the little nub I had left!

If you would like to purchase this cigar please visit www.topqualitycigars.com!!!!

Also to find out more information on the AVO Heritage Tasting Event that is visiting 8 to 8 Cigars on March 23^rd please visit our website: www.8to8cigars.net!!!

La Aurora 107

Country of Origin: Dominican Rebublic
Wrapper: Ecuador
Binder: Dominican and Nicaraguan
Filler: Dominican
Vitola: Robusto
Length: 4 1/2
Ring Gage: 50
Strength: Medium

This cigar is made by the Miami Cigar Company to celebrate the 107 years of La Aurora making cigars. This cigar has been out for awhile but I wanted to blog about it because it is just a fantastic cigar that has become a staple of mine and many people I know.

The cigar has a nice dark chocolate almost espresso colored wrapped. It has nice construction with very beautiful veins running along the cigar. There are no soft spots and it feels very firm to the touch. The cap also appears to be perfectly constructed as well.

This cigar is a perfectly balanced and smooth smoke from beginning to finish. I pick up on earthy and nutty notes, as well as semi-sweet undertones. About halfway through I did start to pick up on a nice spicy undertone as well.

The cigar had a nice even draw and a smooth even draw. The 107 is a consistant smoke every time that does not disappoint! Like I said at the beginning of this blog this has become a go-to staple for myself and many people! This cigar will not disappoint!

If you would like to purchase this cigar please visit www.topqualitycigars.com!!!!

Diamond Crown Julius Caesar

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic

Wrapper: Ecuadorian (Havana Seed)

Binder: Secret Blend

Filler: Secret Blend

Vitola: Robusto

Length: 4 ¾ inches

Ring Gage: 52

Strength: Medium

This line was launched in 2010 and traditionally is released only to Diamond Crown Lounges.  I’m very excited to say that these cigars are available at 8 to 8 Cigars and are also offered through topqualitycigars.com.  This cigar is rolled by the Fuente Family in the Dominican Republic.  This cigar was named after the founder of JC Newman Cigar Company; Julius Caesar Newman. 

These cigars are packaged in beautiful black boxes accented with the coveted Roman purple, with 20 to a box.  There are four sizes available:

·         Churchill (7 ¼ by 52)

·         Pyramid (6 ½ by 52)

·         Toro (6 by 52)

·         Robusto (4 ¾ by 52)

The cigar has a striking, dark, slightly oily wrapper.  It looks very well constructed with very few vein lines and perfect cap construction.  I read some reviews that stated they believed their cigar to be a bit squishy, I have to admit I didn’t notice that at all.  I thought the cigar had just the right amount of firmness.  It had a nice, even slow burn.  And I have to say that the ash was amazing.  It stayed for quite a bit and was a stunning dark gray and white color. 

This cigar was very smooth, creamy, and flavorful.  I picked up on earthy and woodsy notes.  I also did notice a semi-sweet undertone that I couldn’t quite place but was very pleasing and added great flavor to the overall smoke. 

I’ve seen this cigar reviewed as a mild to medium or a solid medium smoke.  I’m on the fence actually, I can see both sides.  If you start this out as the first smoke of the day I can see why people would say a solid medium.  But if you’ve smoked a medium bodied, or even a full bodied cigar, before this one I can see where people would quantify it as a mild to medium.  Either way it is a medium at its strongest, which is just fine by me.  Because occasionally you need something a little milder to switch things up a bit, and this will become one of my go to medium smokes when I need that break!!!

If you would like to purchase these cigars please visit www.topqualitycigars.com!!!

Avo Heritage



Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Ecuador (Cuban Seed)
Binder: Dominican San Vincente
Filler: 3 Different Ligero, Dominican Seco, Peruvian Seco
Vitola: Robusto
Length: 4 7/8 inches
Ring Gage: 50
Strength: Medium to Full

The Avo Heritage is one of the latest from the Avo line and a great addition it is!! This cigar is a fantastic everyday smoke!

Appearance wise this cigar has a gorgeous dark espresso oily wrapper.  It has huge vein lines with a perfectly constructed cap.  It felt solid to the touch, there were no soft spots or imperfections I could notice.

It did have a fairly loose draw, even though it never burned too hot.  I like a more resistant draw but this did not take away from my enjoyment of this cigar.  The burn was nice, even, and smooth.

There was a nice spice upon first lighting.  I noticed a sweet caramel almost chocolate/mocha undertone.  I also picked up on earthy notes.  The spice does mellow out as you smoke but the flavors stayed pretty consistent.  There was a creaminess to it that I just fell in love with.

Avo never disapoints, in my opinion, when it comes to cigars.  I thoroughly enjoyed this cigar from the first light to the last puff of the little nub I had left!

If you would like to purchase this cigar please visit www.topqualitycigars.com!!!!

Alec Bradley Black Market

Country of Origin:  Honduras
Wrapper: Nicaraguan from Jalapa
Binder: Sumatra
Filler: Honduas and Panama
Vitola: Toro
Length: 6 inches
Ring Gage: 50
Strength: Medium

Leave it to Alec Bradley to do something a little different!  The band on this cigar is at the foot rather then being wrapped near the top.  The box is a beautiful presentation as well, it has a distressed wooden appearance.  The whole package looks very well put together.

The cigar looks very pretty as well.  It has a medium dark brown wrapper that is slightly oily, with very few vein lines.  It feels firm to the touch and the cap is perfectly constructed.

The draw on this cigar was perfect.  There was a slight resistance, but that's what I like in a cigar.  The burn for the most part was fairly even.  I did have to do a few touch ups, but it did not ruin the overall smoking experience at all.

There was a lot of spice upon lighting the cigar.  A chocolate sweet undertone hit me almost right away as well.  The spiciness mellowed out as you smoked.  I wouldn't quantify this as a complex cigar, but the flavors were prominent throughout the smoke and made up for the lack of complexity.

On a side note, on the internet I've noticed people are quantifying this as a medium to full.  My taste buds tell me this is a mild to medium cigar.  But again keep in mind I do enjoy a more fuller bodied smoke.  This would be a great everyday smoke for the medium bodied smoker and a great first cigar of the day for a fuller bodied smoker.  Just overall a great cigar!!!

If you would like to purchase this cigar please visit www.topqualitycigars.com!!!