64 replies to this topic

[petecaps]

Contacted Mark from Tower Pipes and Cigars (towerscigars.com) where, as we all know, good ol’ Mark always takes care of the FOG from cigarfamily, now known as FLOGT (pronounced flaggot if one really wants to know). Anywhhoooo, said I was in need of some Tat Red label Victorias, and while he was in his beautiful humidor at Tower Pipes and Cigars, which I have never been, to grab 10 sticks for a blind tasting. I also told him he is free to throw in some Cubans (and charge me for them) to keep me off guard, as I have been prone to be a wee harsh on the non-Cuban sticks from time to time. I will admit that physcologically I am a bit convinced that Mark, who by the way has a very nice website, put very few if any Cubans in the mix, but who knows….well Mark would as he neatly packed them individually in custom Tower Cigar bags with humipacks.

The cigars arrived on Sunday and I will get down to business this weekend, 6 days rest from the journey from Tower Pipes and Cigars should be enough. I will not look at the cap, but it will be hard to not notice the wrapper, but that only fkd me up when I let that influence me in the Moki blind tasting, so whatever.

So here is what myself, with the aid of Mark from Tower Pipes and Cigars located conveniently in downtown Sacramento, are trying to surmise.

1)Exactly how bad do I suck at guessing the origins of a cigar; Cuban, Nicaraguan, Honduran, or Perdomo (has its own AOC according to Norton).

2) The brand. Good frgn luck to me on that one.

3) Whether I liked the cigar or not, and how much would I pay for it. How much the SRP (no taxes) is.

4) Anything I am forgetting???

[alwayslit]

Nice, Mark is good peeps. This should be fun.

[petecaps]

Holly cow!!!! I was outside about ready to finish my post and it starts heavin down out here ( was out on the balcony at the time) and couldn't edit my posts. Funny, I usually have a crap load of mistakes. The only one I can find is it's

Towercigars.com not towerscigars.

Too blatant.

Oh back out on the balcony now. A bit cold , but hell winter will be here soon enough and it will be over out here for a few months.

[terrantheman]

I look forward to this again... This is always such great entertainment

[LenDog]

Sweet cheeks! This should be good! Get after it Pete, YURZ!

[Lemon :)]

Mark is good people for sure.

[moki]

Get that Mark bastage over here, will ya, Petecaps?

[petecaps]

He said he was going to be checking in last night.....me thinks he fears the ruffians at this site.

Anywhooo, will start ahead of schedule with a cigar this evening.

[MU Mike]

I love these things. Good luck Petey!

Edited to add: Mark's one of the best! He needs to get to posting over here.

Edited by MU Mike, 11 November 2009 - 08:42 PM.

[insight]

Mark is good people, this should be fun to watch after the last one.

[petecaps]

dam Lemon...I am not a breast man, but holly Mukai-zake!!!!!!!!!!

Gonna start waaayyy ahead of schedule boys. Blowing off the gym this afternoon and going for a cigar out on the balcony in a minute. Forecasted rain has turned into an overast day at around 65 . Themz smoking weather right there

And MOKI...enoght of the smiley guys already. I am indeed impressed.

[NorcalMark]

I'm here!

Petecaps is gonna blow this taste test to bits!

[MWiltse]

So, where exactly did you get the cigars again???

[petecaps]

Cigar labeled #6. Let the education begin


The rain forecasted Thursday afternoon did not come, and indeed quite a bit of sun and warm enough for the balcony. Decided to put on a light coat and have a cigar. Chose cigar #6 as this the size ( Corona Gorda) I was in the mood for……and hoping Mark might have thrown in a ’97 Punch Super Selection #2 .) My dreams were crushed soon enough……

Good looking cigar. Couldn’t help but notice a beautiful brownish tan wrapper. Cut the cigar and it seemed pack with tobacco, but once I lit it up, the draw was good enough at the beginning of the smoke then very good from the middle on.

First 1/3 of the cigar there was quite a bit of a metallic taste. Now I usually get this from a Connecticut wrapper, but this taste was from the smoke itself. There was also a bit of bitterness. These two flavors were joined with a bit of a floral taste on the finish.

Sencond 1/3 of the cigar. The dominant metallic taste had diminished. As a matter of fact most of the flavors mellowed considerably….too considerably!!! A light metallic taste would come through when I held the smoke and let it loose slowly. Some floral notes there. A bit of pepper I guess. Surprisingly no spiciness to this cigar thus far.


Last 1/3 of the cigar. Well why not go on. This is why not. The metallic taste returned with a vengeance. On the draw, and more so on the finish of the cigar. Then during the last 1/5 of the cigar a pungent taste mixed in with all the above mentioned tasting notes. ...OK it wasn't that awful.

I will say that I thought this cigar looked very nice and drew very well. Well made cigar. I also thought this cigar was turning the corner ¼ the way in, and then it just turned metallic and funky on me.


1) Not Cuban. Ecuadorian wrapper and Dominican filler or Nicaraguan. Hard to tell as it was quite metallic. Have I mentioned it tasted of metal….

2) At it’s peak I thought it might be an La Riqueza (had one last year and it had this metallic taste in the smoke). However, at it’s worst a Cuesta Rey, but it couldn’t be because this cigar did have some redeeming qualities from time to time.

3) I would not smoke this cigar (unless it turns out to be Cuban ) for free. However, I guess it is priced around $6 as the price of metals has been up lately....

[buzzed]

Sounds like you really enjoyed the experience... lol

[moki]

"Metallic taste"... wtf, you go around licking guardrails?

[buzzed]

or smoking poles.....

[petecaps]

beat me to it buzzed.

[NorcalMark]

Well...I knew you would F@ck up the blind taste test.

JK buddy!

#6 God of Fire Don Carlos Robusto 2006

After smoking about a dozen or so of these, I have to say...I'm just not a huge fan. Beautiful wrapper and superb construction.
Doesn't do it for me.

Mark

[chado]

Nice - I love following these! I have tried a few times to get into the GoFs but just not my cup of tea, either.

[buzzed]

Maybe you got one of the special Platinum edition GOFs????

[moki]

NorcalMark, on 13 November 2009 - 11:22 AM, said:

Well...I knew you would F@ck up the blind taste test.

JK buddy!

#6 God of Fire Don Carlos Robusto 2006

After smoking about a dozen or so of these, I have to say...I'm just not a huge fan. Beautiful wrapper and superb construction.
Doesn't do it for me.

Mark

I'm not a fan either.

[fordjustom]

I might smoke them if they were $6.00

[terrantheman]

buzzed, on 13 November 2009 - 01:02 PM, said:

Maybe you got one of the special Platinum edition GOFs????

LMAO! The copper edition is the best because it leaves your tongue green

[petecaps]

As I am keeping score I'll put me down for a win on this one Was non-Cuban, and I got the wrapper right

I take it these are a pretty penny....YIKES!!!!!

will post a review of the cigar I smoked last night later.

Cheerio.

[petecaps]

Cigar Labeled #4.

I nice corona sized cigar with a very nice dullish brown wrapper. As I mentioned in the intro, unless they have done something ulta-funky with the wrapper, I do not believe this will give it away. Anywhoooo…had this on Friday afternoon. The rain had finally come so had it inside me tiny living room with some ooron-tea. Love this stuff.

First 1/3. Very good draw with lots of smoke. However, there it was again (same as cigar #6) a light metallic taste in the smoke. The metallic undertone was much lighter than in cigar #6. This cigar had a bit of earthy notes at this point. Not much spice and no pepper notes. No lead pencil or orange peels either, but go figure.

Second 1/3. The draw was still good. This was a well made cigar, no doubt. Just wish they had put a bit of ligero in there……..or maybe that is what Jalapallllala ( or whatever that valley in Nicaragua is called) ligero tastes like. You might have guessed that I thought this was a light cigar. You are correct. Just that same light metallic taste with earthy, and not good ones maybe muddy would be a better descriptive word, undertones. If this cigar would havehad a hint of old sock, I would have been thinking a Rocky Patel cigar, but alas it did not. I was still at a loss at what this cigar could be.

Last 1/3. Why not….the cigar was unoffensive and it did indeed stay that way. Light metallic undertones and a bit of everglade swamp on the finish. To be honest, I can see how some would like this cigar. As stated, unoffensive in strength, and ……


1) Not Cuban. Guessing Ecuadorian wrapper and some Dominican and Nicaraguan filler.



2). Have no frgn idea. Think I have put myself out of my league in this area. Will say it tasted like a light version of cigar #6.

3) Again wouldn’t buy this cigar for any price. For those inclined for this taste profile I would say it goes for around $5


Well two down, eight to go. Will have a Tatuaje Red Label Angeles later tonight…with a beer!!!)))


Have I told you all about towercigars in Sacramento. Well let me say the service at Towercigars is top-notch. Personable, friendly, knowledgeable…..with tough to beat prices. Towercigars.com.

[petecaps]

It is an absolutely beautiful night here in Tokyo. Out on the balcony and just finished cigar labeled #1. Will write a review tomorrow. For now, will have a Niigata Porter and then off to bed. Just beautiful out here, I tell ya

[NorcalMark]

I kinda like this cigar. I didn't find any metallic. I found a bit of sweet spice.

#6 cigar is.....Ambos Mundos Toro #2 Sumatra.

While not a super premium, I found the cigar to be pleasurable. Nothing to write home about, but certainly not a dog rocket.

[JxBr]

Great read here guys. Thanks. Mark, hope all is well,Since we haven't spoke in a year or so.

[petecaps]

Cigar labeled #1.

A robusto sized cigar with a nice dark maduro wrapper. Had that "Charmin" like feel too it ...which is good. It was a beautiful November night here at abut 6o degrees, no wind and not a clould in the sky. Bummer that summer is just around the corner. Cut the cigar.

First 1/3. this baby drew like a dream from the get go. Had a nice light tobacco taste to it with a hint of sweetness and just a dash of spice on the finish. No biterrnes nor metallic taste to speak of. A very nice light bodied cigar.

Second 1/3. Not much change in this cigar. Still drew flawlessly and the flavors were the same. I did stop drinking the Niigata Porter I was having with it as it was too powerfull for this cigar.

Last 1/3. Agin not much change til the last 1.5 inches of the cigar. Then it fianlly kicked in with the same flavors, but with a bit more kick.

I must admit I was under the impression this was an Ashton Aged Maduro after the first few minutes into the cigar. The dark wrapper, perfect construction and nice sweet undertones to the cigar. And I do believe that is what this cigar is. I have only had a handful of these and none were up to this cigar (mine were bought at store and most likey young). I imagine this one had a bit of age on it as it had no bitterness at all.

I will also add, that althogh I did like this cigar, I would only knowingly smoke it on the golf course ( or yard work if one has yard). As a matter of fact this is the perfect golf course smoke. The reson is it wasn't that complex, and also important is it didn't have any nicotine stregth which can seriously get the had a trebblin' and lead to an awful day on the putting greens. Also as stated, flawless contruction and a sturdy cigar that could put up with the elements.


1) Non Cuban. Conn maduro wrapper. Dominican fillers.

2) Ashton Aged Maduro.

3) If it is indeed an Ashton Aged Maduro (and it is ) then iot goes for around $10. Wayyy tooo much. $5 would be a fair price for this stick.

Well off to the gym and then will be back hame for another smoke. Having a final BBQ this evening with some friends out on the balcony. Ohh, it is a beautiful day....just may cut out the workout and go for a steamer

[FillerBinderWrapper]

I've only had one Ashton Aged Maduro and it was just awful. So bad I've never considered having another.

This is a great read gents. I love these blind tastings,

[petecaps]

Released in February 2009, Pete Johnson created the Ambos Mundos blend to appeal to the masses hurt by the current economic woe. Unlike the other Tatuaje brands the Ambos Mundos is using B and C grade tobaccos. These bales are from the same plants, farms and soils as the regular Tatuaje tobacco but they do not look as fine and may need additional fermentation. The Ambos Mundos is a great option for those looking to save money or who want Tatuaje flavor but do not mind letting their cigars age a little first. These Nicaraguan cigars are available in two sizes, Robusto and Toro. The two wrappers available for the Ambos Mundos are Nicaraguan Habano and Ecuadorian Sumatra.

Man, I do not know about that. The Tat brown labels I have had were spicey (too spicey and power bombs). The Ambus was very very light. Soo I am guessing they might indeed be from the same plants but very likey differnet leaves (lower primings??) of the plant. Nice marketing mumbo-jumbo though on trying to help out the masses.

[petecaps]

From a cigar website

"Released in February 2009, Pete Johnson created the Ambos Mundos blend to appeal to the masses hurt by the current economic woe. Unlike the other Tatuaje brands the Ambos Mundos is using B and C grade tobaccos. These bales are from the same plants, farms and soils as the regular Tatuaje tobacco but they do not look as fine and may need additional fermentation. The Ambos Mundos is a great option for those looking to save money or who want Tatuaje flavor but do not mind letting their cigars age a little first. These Nicaraguan cigars are available in two sizes, Robusto and Toro. The two wrappers available for the Ambos Mundos are Nicaraguan Habano and Ecuadorian Sumatra."


Man, I do not know about that. The Tat brown labels I have had were spicey (too spicey and power bombs). The Ambus was very very light. Soo I am guessing they might indeed be from the same plants but very likey differnet leaves (lower primings??) of the plant. Nice marketing mumbo-jumbo though on trying to help out the masses

[LenDog]

Great thread, nice work Mark and Petey! Hey Pete, in the reviews of the smokes you didn't like you have failed to write the proverbial YURZ I so love to see!!! WTF?

[NorcalMark]

That's a pretty good review Petey!

You were close but yet oh so far away! LOL

Cigar #6

El Rey del Mundo robusto.

Conn. Broadleaf wrapper
Honduran Binder
Honduran Filler.

Sells for roughly 4 dollars, probably less from JR cigars.


This tissue wrapped beauty is a fan favorite. When I can to work for my father some 15+ years ago, maybe closer to 18 years. I don't remember. To many cigars and way way to much Scotch.
My father carried three shapes of the El Rey Del Mundo. The Robusto, Robsuto Larga and Robusto Suprema . All Oscuro wrappers. Once I started placing the orders, I expanded the El Rey line to what seems like 15 or 16shapes. rectangulars, Flor de Lovanda, you name it I had it.

Fast forward to today. We carry three shapes. The Robusto, Robsuto Larga and Robusto Suprema. I feel these are the finest shapes with the best flavor and selling power in the line.

I really like this cigar, flavor, construction, price.

Mark

[Lemon :)]

+1 for you Mark for being an awesome retailer. I refer people to Marl all the time. The only one that I refer more people to is Sm0kinGranny because she licks her cigars first

[petecaps]

Excellent!!!! I haven't had an non- Cuban ERDM in years. I do remember that I did liked them. For the golf course and for the occasional light afternoon smoke, at $4 a cigar.... MINE!!!

Ohhh, and love the Get Smart gute. "Fang..... hitin the dirtin!!!!"


Had cigar labeled # 8 last night. Review to follow shortly....

[petecaps]

Cigar Labeled #8.

Got home early Tuesday night and decided it was time to have a smoke out on the balcony. Another beautiful night. . Was going to go for two from the tasting bags tonight (more on that later), so picked out a nice corona looking cigar.

I have to admit right off the bat that it was impossible not to notice the nice little piggytail on the foot of the cigar. Good looking brownish-hint of red wrapper. Cut and lit the sucker.

First 1/3 of the cigar. Well I was given notice of what I was in for…..a perfumey smoke. I was praying that this would go away (spoiler alert….IT DIDN’T). Lots of smoke and that, in this case, was a bad thing. Channel come out with a cigar no one told me about.

Second 1/3 of the cigar. That perfume taste was shinning on!!! The joy. I had a good idea of what I thought the cigar was and marched ahead hoping, but knowing better, that the perfume taste would die down….

Last 1/3 of the cigar. Now had an upset stomach and felt like I was coming down with a bit of the Swine Flu. . Tasting notes same as above.

1) Not Cuban. I am pretty sure of Dominican origin.

2) Pretty sure an Opus X. Which means it could be a Cuban Bolivar if MOKI”s last test with me is any precedent. Seriously though, Opus X.

3) Obviously would not regularly smoke it at any price. Guessing, if it is an Opus it goes for around $15. YURZ

I know I am going out on a limb here and have at me if this cigar is something totally different.

I do not get how anyone could enjoy this flavor profile young. If it is an Opus X, I have I have to say I have had a couple GREAT peitit lanceros that were 8 years or older. I have also had 5 or so very enjoyable Opus that were around 5 years old or so. I also smoke the little Opus Pyramid (has a red ribbon around the head) once every couple of months. I pay around $25 for it, and enjoy it for a change of pace actually.


This cigar reminded me VERY much of the young (couple years old) Opus X Churchill that I had. Iain and I were both having one, and excited about them to boot. We both threw them in the kitchen sink less than half way though.

Ohhh…after an hour, and a massive dump, I decided to have the Tatueaje Angelos that Mark from Tower Pipes and Cigars sent along. Now that is a good cigar indeed!!!!!

Also glad t report no N1H1 outbread as of yet…

[petecaps]

Bummer it wasn't an Ashton Aged Maduro.....for Ashton that is. This means every Aston Aged Maduro I have had has generally sucked. All have been at least a bit bitter and metalic. Was under the impression that a bit of age would help these. Anyone smoke an aged Aged Ashton Maduro???...LOL

[buzzed]

piggytail on an Opus?