Oliva Cain F 550

The first sample knocked my socks off in the final third. I took the second sample carefully, wary of building strength, but it was much less strong with no surprise kick at the end. Flavour in the second cigar was much richer and complex than that of the first, which was often monodimensional.

The third cigar was also too strong. Strength manifested in the second third and abated slightly in the third. But the whole experienced was marred by too much strength. 

1. October 27th, 2021: This is a strong cigar. The 'F' in the name stands for "fuerte", strong. The label describes the cigar as 'sungrown' and 'straight ligero'. According to Neptune, it's 82% ligero, which is the strongest leaf of the plant. Indeed, it was strong.

Appearance and Construction: The cigar looks well made but with a slight kink at the foot. It was quite light in the hand, which contributed to a very easy draw. It had a few soft spots but these had no noticeable effect on burn or draw. 

The size is 5 3/4 inches by 50. So it's somewhere between a robusto and a toro. As described above, it's a Nicaraguan puro with 82% ligero tobacco.

Straight ligero, but not quite straight; a slight kink at the foot.

First Puff: Strong: not just the flavour but the aroma was strong. It was so strong that I had to avoid the direct path of wafting smoke when I put the cigar down to rest.

This intensity of flavour and aroma soon abated and the cigar took on a more mellow, albeit strong, profile until the final third. 

Draw and Burn: Draw and burn were almost perfect. There was a bit of a wave in the final third but it self corrected. Draw was easy with no resistance but this didn't mean a fast burn. Due to the strength of the cigar, it was necessary to put the cigar down for a while and take a break, resulting in a burn time of more than 90 minutes. 

Flavour and Complexity: Flavour was a little thin but was balanced by strength. One of the reviewers on the Neptune site described the flavour as 'a bit unidimensional'. I wouldn't agree with that. There was a bit of complexity in the flavour. But it was somewhat thin.

Flavour was a medium roast coffee with a powdery, vegetal, after taste. There was nothing dark or dirty about the flavour. It resembled the Rocky Patel Edge Corojo, with its powdery aftertaste, but far stronger and more complex than the RP. Flavour dissipated somewhat in the final third. But strength didn't. With a little more discipline I would left the cigar before the final inch and a half, as the strength was a bit overwhelming and flavour was not quite there.

Body: Started off full body, and wavered between medium to full. At times the cigar was so strong that it was difficult to discern whether body was medium or full.

Strength: Strong. The initial explosion of flavour soon abated and the cigar mellowed out after a few millimetres. But strength was present throughout. It was a little unsettling from time to time, jangling the nerves a bit, but slowing down made it tolerable. This is a good cigar to pace. Let it sit for a while between puffs. Even let it go out. Probably a good idea to drink plenty of water to replace sweat.

Strength was not overpowering until I finished the cigar and went to sit at my computer where I felt the nicotine build up on me. The queasiness lasted for a few minutes before fading. A lesser experienced cigar smoker would have felt grave. Nonetheless, it was one of those nights with vivid, detailed dreams. 

Finish and Aftertaste: The finish was long and the aftertaste was a bit dry and powdery, like the Rocky Patel Edge Corojo. 

Aroma: Aroma was deep and rich. Very fine. 

Ash: Ash held on quite well. The first ash lasted 20 minutes. It was the flaky, salt and pepper speckled variety, perhaps reflecting the loose packing of the cigar.

Balance and Consistency: The initial flavour blast was welcome as was the subsequent smoothness. The strength also complemented the flavour well. However, the final third was more strength than flavour. If I had been more disciplined, I would not have smoked it to the final inch. I would have let it go with two inches to left. 80 minutes would have been adequate.

Time smoke: 95 minutes. 

Overall: This is an interesting combination of medium roast flavour, strength and good aroma. Burn was excellent and draw was without resistance. Overall, I think the strength was overdone, especially in the final third. I recall similar issues with the San Lotano Oval Gordo. A year of ageing smoothed that cigar out well. Perhaps a little ageing will give this cigar more balance.

Excellent burn and easy draw throughout

2. December 29th, 2021: Almost a different cigar: flavour was extremely rich, resembling the Melanio in complexity. Aftertaste was a little dirty. Aroma was rich. Flavour and body were pretty much consistent throughout with a little extra smoothness in the final third.

The cigar was strong throughout, but, unlike the previous sample, not overpowering. I was on my guard and smoked the stogie gingerly. I also left the cigar before the nub, at around 82 minutes, to be on the safe side. This was difficult because the cigar became smoother and more mellow in the final third. 

Wrapper was dark and oily. The cigar might have been a little too moist, as it was somewhat squishy. But there were no issues with burn or draw. Burn was almost perfect.

Overall, this was much more satisfying than the previous cigar. I was quite pleased that strength did not overwhelm and flavour was rich and at times extremely complex. The cigar was similar to the Rocky Patel Super Ligero, but with a medium roast flavour rather than dark roast and burnt toast. It also reminded me of some of the better samples of the Alec Bradley Nica Puro. 82 minutes. Quite satisfying.

Lovely oily wrapper

Ash held on well.

At the one hour mark. I left the cigar with an inch or more to preempt surprise strength kick at the end. It was difficult because the final third was somewhat smoother and quite delicious. 

3. February 19th, 2022: Some good moments with this cigar but it was too strong. Wonderful rich aroma, perfect draw and burn. Full body all the way. The first third was excellent. If it had stayed that way throughout, with not transitions, it would have been a favourite. But strength intervened.

Strength didn't start to accelerate until the second third. After that it came in spasms; or, should I say, my gut reacted in spasms and I broke into a sweat. It's a shame, because the first third was deliciously complex and rich without being overwhelming. It was only the second third that was unbalanced. But it was sufficiently unpleasant to cast a shadow over the whole experience. The final third toned down the strength a bit and it was quite enjoyable. But I was wary of another night of vivid dreams, so I abandoned the nub at about an inch.

Interestingly, the cigar was moist and squishy, as was the cigar of December 29th, above. However, it came from the same box as the Cain 550 Sungrown that I smoked a few days ago. The Sungrown was bone hard. Go figure!

By comparison with the Sungrown, the F is less balanced. I think I'd prefer the Sungrown for balance, even though the F has some moments which are more satisfying. As I mentioned, if the Cain F had remained the same as the first third, throughout, it would have been a winner.

Overall, 95 minutes, not satisfying. 

4. November 22nd, 2023: This cigar was light in the hand, very easy to draw and burned quite consistently. It was strong, but not too strong. Flavour was a bit monodimensional, lacking complexity, as I've described above. Aroma was nothing to speak of; almost a bit like marijuana. Finish was long and strong, allowing for generous pauses between puffs and even a relight. Altogether quite satisfying at 90 minutes. 

Joya Black Double Robusto

5 x 56 Nicaraguan binder and filler with a Mexican San Andres Maduro wrapper.

October 6th, 2021: This cigar, like all of the Joya cigars that I've tried in the last couple of months, suffered from construction flaws. When a cigar is badly rolled, it burns badly, draw is compromised and flavour is compromised. After the cigar passed the badly rolled portion it was quite interesting; so much so that I smoked it to the nub, taking over 80 minutes.  

Appearance and Construction: The cigar looks good. It felt weighty. But alas, the construction was flawed, preventing appreciation until the second half. 

First Puff: Instantly revealed the earthy, maduro flavour of the cigar. But draw very soon became difficult.

Draw and Burn: First half, draw and burn were problematic. Draw was hampered by a construction defect. Burn canoed from the first half inch - not a good sign. It didn't correct and needed touching up. 

Canoeing started after less than half an inch. 

Construction flaw was revealed by the glowing ember. An even burn would not leave such a residual spike.

Flavour and Complexity: Once the construction flaws were passed, at around the second half, the cigar revealed a dark, woody, earthy (dirty) dark roast flavour. Complexity was not great. It was more than monodimensional, with a decent amount of pepper and maduro sweetness, but flavour was not deep and rich. The last inch, however, was quite compelling and flavourful, such that I hung onto the nub much longer than I would have anticipated. There must have been something in it.

Body: a steady medium body, perhaps a little over medium.

Strength: Nothing overwhelming, although I felt a bit of a buzz at the end.

Finish and Aftertaste: Finish was not long or satisfying. It was adequate. Aftertaste was a bit dirty. This is not a refined cigar. 

Aroma: Excellent, rich aroma.

Ash: Nothing remarkable.

Balance and Consistency: The first half was dreadful. The second half was quite balanced in the medium body/strength, earthy flavour range.

Time smoke: Due to the tastiness of the last inch, I eked out 80 minutes. I wouldn't expect such performance if the cigar had burned well. 

Overall: I like the size: 5 x 56. It's a nice, meaty, robusto. I'd really like to try one without construction issues. However, considering the very poor construction in the five or six Joyas that I've smoked in the past month, I'm not hopeful. Verdict: promising and quite pleasant. 

October 18th, 2021: Much the same as above. Canoeing started after about an inch.

The construction flaw, shown by the glowing ember in the second photo on this page, was much the same in this cigar. Flavour was muted and there wasn't much aroma to speak of; perhaps the occasional whiff.

After a touch up and passing the defective first third, the cigar became quite enjoyable. Draw was easy and burn was regular. The flavour was much the same as previous: a dark roast, burnt toast flavour, but almost complex and almost creamy. Finish and aftertaste were not long and lingering, but it was a clean aftertaste; not at all dirty.

Strength crept up towards to the final third and as I stood up, after finishing the cigar, I noticed a bit of dizziness. It was not unpleasant and soon passed. If anything, it was a nice enhancement to the medium body of the cigar, which picked up in the final third to quite a delicious flavour.

The cigar barely lasted 65 minutes. But it was quite enjoyable. Verdict: Almost satisfying. The construction defect was a detraction. It now seems that all of the Joyas I've tried have this problem: The Black, the Red and the Antano.

Despite the rough start, the cigar became quite satisfying in the final third. 

June 23rd 2022: After eight months I revisited this cigar. The burn was quite good as was the initial draw. There was no tunnel or canoeing. At the halfway mark, there was resistance but this passed and soon draw was easy enough.

Flavour was much as described above: woody, burnt toast, dark roast, a bit of pepper but not balanced or sufficiently complex to maintain interest. There were no moments of complexity. 

Aroma was quite pleasant, albeit not a major factor. 

Finish was short. It wasn't a cigar I would put down for long periods due to being satisfied. Aftertaste was a bit bitter and dirty. 

Strength built up towards the second half and this was quite a pleasant addition to the package. But unlike the previous cigar there was no delicious flavour in the final third. 

In summary, this was not a very inspiring cigar. The flavour profile wasn't sufficiently complex and the aftertaste was too bitter. 65 minutes. Not very satisfying. 

AJ Fernandez San Lotano Oval Robusto

September 20th, 2021: I bought a box of the Gordo vitola of this cigar. I usually love a big cigar. But the gordo is intimidating. It is 6.5 x 60 and the first few I smoked were some of the strongest cigars I've ever smoked, despite the claim on Neptune.com that the cigar is of medium strength. After about six months, the strength of my gordos had settled down to a much more mellow, full bodied cigar. However the size is still daunting. I therefore decided to buy a box of the robusto, which at 5.5 x 54 is a very generous robusto.

I smoked the first from the box last night. It was quite delicious and conformed to the Neptune description: medium in every sense. 

Appearance and Construction: The cigar has a distinctive oval shape. It feels good in the hand albeit light. Humidity appeared to be just right: firm to the squeeze but with a little spring.

According to Neptune, the wrapper is Ecuadorian Habano. The binder is Nicaraguan, and the filler is Nicaraguan and Honduran.  

First Puff: A good blast of flavour, but not much pepper.

Draw and Burn: Very easy draw. Almost no resistance. Plumes of easy smoke from start to finish. Burn was adequate; not razor sharp, but no touch up required.

Flavour and Complexity: The flavour was a medium roast coffee with very little, if any, spice. There was a hint of sweetness that made the flavour pleasantly complex. One writer on Neptune described the flavour as hazelnut. That idea came to my mind as I was smoking it. But I'm not sure what that adds. The flavour was quite rich, similar to that of the Gordo but not as intense. During the first third the cigar reminded me of the Bolivar Corona Royal (robusto) of the 80's and 90's, which was a lot stronger and darker than the current version. 

During the final third, flavour began to fade, leaving a more vegetal, less fermented flavour. It was still enjoyable enough to smoke to the nub. 

Body: Medium throughout

Strength: Medium but picked up a little towards the nub.

Finish and Aftertaste: A pleasant, clean after taste

Aroma: A good, rich, intense aroma.

Ash: Ash held on for 25 minutes, thereafter shorter intervals of 10 to 15 minutes. 

Balance and Consistency: The cigar was a well balanced medium bodied, medium strength cigar. The only defect was the final third in which flavour dissipated.

Time smoke: Almost 80 minutes

Overall: Quite satisfying. An easy, flavourful, enjoyable 80 minutes. 

First ash held on for about 25 minutes.

2. September 25th, 2021: Much fuller body than the first cigar from the box, much more flavour, pepper was prominent throughout the cigar. The flavour and body of this cigar resembled the gordo, which is a powerhouse, much more so than the first sample. Burn was uneven and required a couple of touch ups. Draw was completely without resistance, yet the cigar gave off plumes of smoke and lasted 80 minutes. Very satisfying.

3. October 8th, 2021: Another excellent sample from the box. Pre-light aroma was grassy and fragrant without biting the nose. Draw was easy. Burn was regular enough. No touch ups required. 

Flavour was milk chocolate/ medium roast with a touch of pepper and a lingering aftertaste of caramel. Aroma was rich and sweet. Complexity of flavour and aroma were satisfying. It reminded me of the Romeo y Julieta Wide Churchill. But flavour is definitely not Cuban.

Ash was annoying. It looked like it would hold on for another millimetre but twice came crashing down on my shirt and chair. Beware! 

Body was a solid medium plus with strength building nicely. It was powerful without being overwhelming, unlike its Gordo cousin. Overall this vitola was quite a well-balanced package of flavour, strength, body and aroma. 

I'm glad I ordered another box. Almost 80 minutes. Very satisfying. 

Burn was not even, but corrected well enough. 

4. November 8th, 2021: Less satisfying: this one was much milder and lesser body. Flavour was somewhere between the Joya Red, with its sour aftertaste and the Enclave, which is its rich complex cocoa flavour. No pepper to speak of, perhaps in the last inch. Aroma was only occasionally present. The cigar burned well and there was minimal resistance. 80 minutes, but not satisfying.  

5. December 11th, 2021: Very satisfying. This cigar started out with a blast of full bodied pepper and cocoa. It then settled down to a medium bodied cocoa as the pepper dissipated. Spice returned from time to time. There were no defined transitions. Flavours came and went. There was a peppermint in the final third. Body went up and down ranging between medium and full. Aroma came and went, excellent and refined when it came. But all the time, the cigar was complex and interesting. 

At the one hour mark

Burn was mostly good. The cigar needed a couple of relights. But that might have been due to the leisurely pace of smoking which, in turn, was due to the delicious long finish. I let the cigar go at 90 minutes. Very satisfying.

Good to the nub

6. December 31st, 2021: Last cigar of the year and it couldn't have been better. These cigars keep getting better and better. This cigar was excellent. It began with a spicy full bodied blast, which settled down to a milder, medium bodied, version after about half an inch. However, the cigar continued to build body so that by the final third it was quite intense, full bodied, peppery and moderately strong. The cigar lasted 90 minutes, the same as no. 5, above. What stood out was the balance: flavour, body, strength all fitted together nicely. Aroma was superbly rich and intense. Very satisfying. 

A very fine balance of flavour, body and strength

 

7. January 10th, 2022: This was another very satisfying cigar. I smoked this with a visiting friend. We smoked Joya Antano, AJ Fernandez San Lotano Connecticut, and several others, during his visit. The San Lotano Oval Robusto stood out as the most memorable. By comparison, I had another San Lotano Oval Gordo. The Gordo has a wonderful aroma. But it's way too strong and flavour peters out by the second half. The Robusto is a winner.

8. March 2nd, 2022: This cigar began with a blast of spice, full bodied and tasty. It was quite complex and satisfying. After about an inch, all trace of spice had disappeared, body reduced to medium and flavour was a bit powdery. Fortunately, after a few minutes, body, flavour and spice came back, demonstrating what a fine, balanced, tasty cigar this is. 80 minutes. Quite satisfying. 

At the one hour mark

9. March 30th, 2022. This cigar was a little light in the hand. Flavour was a little muted. The blast of spice which began the previous cigar didn't happen. It was still fairly tasty, but the cigar felt and tasted as though it was underpacked. The final third was squishy and flavour was thin. Nonethless, I eked 80 minutes out of it. Pleasant, but not satisfying. 

10. April 9th, 2022: This cigar was well-packed, unlike the cigar of last month, rich and delicious throughout. It burned well. Draw was fine. Aroma was rich and complex. This cigar was a fine example of the blend: everything well balanced. Around 90 minutes to the nub. Very satisfying. 

11. May 6th: First satisfying cigar after a few weeks under the weather with covid. Everything about this cigar was good: the dry aroma, the lit aroma, the draw, the burn, the flavour, the body and the strength. After a few weeks of no cigars, the strength was a little overwhelming, but I smoked the cigar to the nub. Very satisfying. 

Strange dream: I was competing in some kind of competition which involved running between railway tracks. All of a sudden I was in a strange place: It was Shanghai according to my phone. My dog was with me on a leash. 

We were thirsty and went into a shop which was all white and had cabinets containing small bottles of water. I asked for water in Chinese. But I couldn't think of any other Chinese words. I panicked at the thought that my dog would be killed for entering the country illegally. 

Then my secretary spoke to me on my phone (without it ringing). She was in Wuhan and said we had been teleported by a Hungarian illusionist. I began to get suspicious. This must be a dream. I woke up, quite dehydrated after sweating for an hour and a half while smoking the cigar. Not sure if the strange dream was due to the nicotine or the dehydration. After a few weeks of absence, it's quite likely that nicotine tolerance had abated.  

12. July 2nd, 2022, Plaka, Naxos: Very little flavour, but it was so windy it was difficult to tell whether it was the cigar or the wind. In any even, best not to smoke a cigar in the wind. Not satisfying: around 60 minutes.

13. July 13th, 2022, Chora, Naxos: a light breeze prevailed, but not as bad as the previous sample. Very pleasant and a bit of a kick, but not overwhelming. Flavour and body were in the medium range. Quite satisfying. 80 minutes.

14. July 30th, 2022: I tried a Gurkha Connecticut wrapped Gordo which boasted on it's label, Rare Reserve, Aged 12 years." Well, so much for that. It started with a bit of flavour but soon descended into thin and multidimensional. After fifteen minutes draw was almost impossible. I binned it and went to an old faithful - the San Lotano Oval Robusto. 80 minutes, easy draw, occasional whiff of rich aroma. Quite satisfying. 

15. November 2nd, 2022: This was a full bodied sample, quite strong, but too tightly packed. I had to sip it, but it was strong enough to be savoured. Excellent aroma. Very satisfying. Almost 100 minutes.

16. November 26th, 2022: The first of a new box. Very similar to that of the November 2nd, above: very strong, full bodied and too tightly packed. Aroma was exquisite. Satisfying.

17. December 29th, 2022: Full bodied from the outset but quite smooth until the final third when it became a bit intense, but not bitter. No issues with draw or burn. 90 minutes. Satisfying.

18. March 17, 2023: Deliciously spicy and medium to full body, easy draw, rich aroma; an excellent example. 90 minutes. Very satisfying. 

19 and 20. September 9th and 15th, 2023: Both excellent, spicy, full bodied, excellent draw, delicious, no dirt. Very satisfying.

21. September 30th, 2023: Not quite a dud, but flavour diminished during the second third, leaving a rather washed out flavour; otherwise, the usual quality and time. Beautiful construction.

February 15th 2024: What a brilliant cigar. It was full bodied but without any spice or bitterness. Draw was a bit tight and the cigar began to canoe in the final third, but it corrected easily with a relight. This was one of the most delicious cigars I've had in a long time: clean, smooth, full bodied, balanced. Very satisfying at 80 minutes.

Burn issue in the final third: otherwise perfect

Joya de Nicaragua Antaño 1970 Churchill

1. September 18th, 2021: This is a 6.9 by 48 Nicaraguan Puro. The cigar is very highly rated by Stogie Guys. The Robusto Grande is lauded by Phil Kohn, who writes,

I highly recommend this cigar. I cannot think of a single criticism. The cigar has everything going for it. It is very close to a perfect cigar experience.

After a couple of disappointments with the Joya Red, I was very keen to try it and dipped into the box a day after its arrival. 

Appearance and Construction: The cigar looks a bit rustic. It's very smoothly made but the wrapper is quite mottled and the cap appeared quite roughly affixed. 

According to Kohn, the structure is:

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano Criollo (native seed)
Binder: Nicaraguan Habano
Filler: Nicaraguan Habano

I had smoked a few Antaños Gran Reserva a few years ago. They were a lot darker.  JR Cigars writes about the Criollo wrapper:

There are two main regions in Nicaragua where Criollo is grown: Estelí, and Jalapa. The Jalapa Criollo plant has a very distinct sweetness and the Estelí’ strain has more of an earthy and nutty flavor profile. Once again, this flavor difference is due to chemical composition of the soil and the climate of each region. 

My guess is that the Criollo wrapper in the Antaño Churchill is from Jalapa, given the sweet flavour profile. 

Prelight aroma: A very subdued prelight aroma, slightly leathery.

First Puff: Very spicy, full bodied. But this quickly dissipated to a more restrained, mellow profile.

Draw and Burn: Draw was a little tight, but not too tight. Burn was excellent. I let the cigar go out towards the end and so a relight was required. But otherwise, all waviness self-corrected.

Flavour and Complexity: Throughout the first two thirds, flavour was a mild to medium sweet, light roast, weak coffee. There was no spice. Everything was calm and mellow but not without complexity. The Montecristo Especial came to mind, although I hadn't smoked one for decades. It was very pleasant. But body was insufficient to make the cigar satisfying - until the final third. 

The final third was a complete change. Flavour became richer, pepper made an entry and the whole profile of the cigar intensified. Body increased to full. Strength picked up. 

Body: Mild to medium for the first two thirds; a full bodied explosion in the final third.

Strength: Mild to medium, then building up to strong in the final third.

Finish and Aftertaste: Very pleasant, clean sweet, light, long finish. 

Aroma: A bit disappointing. Aroma was not strong or intense. It was pleasant, but subdued throughout the cigar.

Ash: Ash held on well during the first half hour. After the initial tap, ash became fractured and irregular. I noticed that an ember was glowing in one of the ashes, suggesting an uneven burn. But that didn't produce any problems with draw or burn, unlike the Joya Red I smoked, twice this month.

Nice firm ash for the first half hour. Waves self-corrected.

Balance and Consistency: The lack of pronounced aroma was a detraction. Body in the first two thirds could have been stronger. Otherwise, the transition from medium body to full body in the final third was quite satisfying and added character to the cigar.

Time smoke: 95 minutes

Overall: Kohn summarizes his experience with the Robusto Grande:  

"Obviously, this is a cigar for seasoned smokers. The power of this cigar is so omnipresent that a newbie would run for the woods screaming for his mama. This is a real kick ass cigar." I didn't find that in the Churchill, not until the final third. During the first two thirds I would have rated this cigar just 'satisfying'. It was smooth and mellow with medium body and little strength. But the flavour explosion in the final third brings up the rating to 'very satisfying' and conforms to Kohn's conclusion. I look forward to the next sample from the box. 

2. September 27th, 2021: Second dip into the box. The cigar was in good condition: not to moist, not too dry, firm to the touch but with a few empty spaces. Again, no prelight aroma to speak of; perhaps a vague leatheriness. The first few puffs were full bodied and peppery, but that flavour blast soon abated. 

The first third was smooth, but rather thin and quite boring. It reminded me of the Philippine Tabacalera cigars I used to smoke in the 80's; pleasant, with the light roast coffee flavour, but monodimensional. 

The second third was a marked improvement. Aroma became richer and body increased to a medium plus. But there was no spice or pepper until the second half of the cigar, when it came alive. By the final third the cigar became quite enjoyable, almost full bodied, rich and complex with a bit of strength and bit of spice. 

The only drawback was construction. The middle third was perfect, but draw was tight and burn was uneven in the first and final thirds, requiring several annoying touch ups.

In total, 105 minutes. Duration was probably partially influenced by difficult draw. Overall, quite satisfying, but problematic. The first third was rather dull and touchups were a nuisance.

3. October 21st, 2021: This was the best specimen so far: a delicious, well burning, aromatic cigar which lasted 110 minutes with no major construction issues. Flavour was rich and smooth, much as described above: light to medium roast coffee. It wasn't monodimensional, the sample from last month was in the first third. Aroma was rich and complex. The only defect, if one must be found, was that draw was a little tight around the middle. But that soon corrected. Overall, 110 minutes. Very satisfying. I look forward to the next one.

I listened to a podcast: Jordan Peterson interviewing Michael Shellenberger about his book Apocalypse Never. It was an excellent discussion of the psychology of the apocalyptic mindset: depressed and projecting doom onto the world. At one point Peterson burst out, "What is wealth? Wealth is energy." So true.

4. December 4th, 2021: Another hit! Medium bodied during the first two thirds. Full body in the final third with a strength kick towards the end.  Complex flavour and aroma throughout. The characteristic sweet, dried fruit flavour was prominent.

Burn and draw had defects. The ash split in two, like a celery stick, after the first inch.

The split ash didn't have any noticeable effects on draw or burn. Burn was wavy throughout, but self corrected without need for touch up. Draw was occasionally resistant and at the beginning of the final third, very resistant; so much so that it needed a partial relight. But once it got going, smoke volume was adequate. 

Strength built up in the final third and gave quite a kick towards the nub. Overall, quite satisfying and good to the nub. 95 minutes. 

After one hour

5. December 27th, 2021: Medium bodied throughout. No strength to speak of; no kick in the final third. Good burn except for a minor touch up. Flavour profile much the same as above: medium roast coffee and dried apricot. 100 minutes. Quite satisfying.

6. March 21st, 2022: A sweet, mild to medium bodied cigar with a touch of spice here and there. Good long finish and aftertaste. Easy draw and burn not perfect, as above. A nice frisson of strength in the final third. This cigar burned much faster than others. 80 minutes. Quite satisfying. 

 

Barely 80 minutes in this one. But quite pleasant with a nice kick at the end.

7. June 20th, 2022: The first two thirds were pleasantly in the medium body range. Draw was a bit resistant and the ash split as in the December 4th, cigar above. Burn was otherwise adequate, however the cigar went out once or twice in the two inches. The final third developed to full body. It was much tastier than the first two thirds. Strength increased somewhat. It didn't feel overpowering, but strange dreams ensued that night. Complexity wasn't up to the level of the Belicoso, which, when it's good, is a winner. But still quite satisfying. 95 minutes. 

Joya Red Cañonazo

1. 2nd September, 2021:  This is a 5.5 x 54 robusto. It comes in a beautiful red box.

On the front side of the box is an excellent description of the cigar, comprising the origin of the components of the cigar and body. 

Construction: This was a beautiful cigar: smooth appearance, with an attractive Nicaraguan Habano wrapper. 

Unfortunately, the first cigar I tried from the box had construction issues. There was too much resistance; the cigar was slightly plugged. There was enough draw to smoke the cigar, but burn was uneven and required three touch ups. After the first ash fell I noticed a pencil-shaped ember protruding about half an inch - the tell-tale sign of a plug. This affected burn, which was wavy, draw, which was tight and flavour, which was unbalanced until the final third.

Draw: Plugged enough to create too much resistance until the final third, after which the cigar opened up with plumes of medium bodied smoke. 

Burn: Wavy. But I would put this down to poor construction. I wouldn't draw any conclusions from one sample. 

Wavy burn throughout. Note the plug protruding from the remaining assh and the cavity in the ash that fell into the ashtray.

Flavour: Flavour was compromised by the plug and consequent uneven burn. The cigar began mild to medium with an interesting sour finish. I imagine that some would call this the 'sour cherry' flavour. It was a pleasant light chocolatey cocoa flavour. But a bit too light to be satisfying. By the final third I had passed the plug and the flavour of the cigar came together. It was so delicious that I smoked more of the nub than I would otherwise, having felt cheated in the first two thirds. The final third was much more complex than the first two thirds and added a little spice. 

Complexity: Complexity was elusive during the first half of the cigar but exploded in the final third. 

Body: Body was mild to medium with increased intensity, almost to full body, in the final third.

Strength: The cigar started light with almost no strength. But in the final third strength was prominent, gradually rising to strong in the last inch. I quite enjoyed it even though I felt mildly dizzy. The strength was a surprise and it complemented the increased complexity of flavour as well as the pepper blast. (Vivid dreams ensued that night.)

Finish: Finish was sour in the first third; not unpleasantly sour. As strength and complexity increased the sourness dissipated and the finish became longer and smoother.

Aroma: Not much aroma while the cigar was plugged but after that, it was a very pleasant, refined aroma. 

Ash: A grey ash that held on substantially, perhaps due to the plug, but which flaked, also, quite likely due to the plug. I noticed several holes in the ash from time to time, each around the size of a match head. Once or twice there was a long fissure in the ash. These defects were no doubt due to the plug. 

Balance and Consistency: Unfortunately, there was no balance until the final third, at which point the cigar came together.

Time smoke: 70 minutes

Overall: This was a promising cigar. But for the plug it would have been very good. The transition from mild to medium-full body and the blast of strength and pepper at the end were very interesting. Construction issues are found in all cigars. I've been especially unlucky recently. This is my third plug in a month. The other two were in an AJ Fernandez and a Liga Privada; totally unrelated brands. Cigars, being hand made and mass produced are bound to have an issue from time to time. So I don't draw any conclusions from one unfortunate experience. It's another reason why I order by the box. One needs a larger sample to draw conclusions. I look forward to trying another one in a few weeks. 

2.September 9th 2021: Another poorly constructed specimen. Draw was difficult for the first half inch, after which it opened up somewhat, but not completely; resistance was always too great. As such, the cigar burned for 80 minutes, which is testament to the tight draw. Flavour didn't really develop. Body and finish were both mild. There was no strength, unlike the previous cigar, which culminated in a blast of strength. 

It's probably worth giving this cigar another chance. Two duds in a row might be random. As I mentioned in the first review, there is promise in this cigar. It just needs to deliver more flavour and body. 80 minutes. Pleasant at best. 

After half an hour ash was still holding. But the tilt suggests a poor construction, which manifested in difficult draw and lack of body.

October 30th, 2021: This one was the best burner so far. There was a slight resistance and a small spike after ashing. But draw was not a big deal. Flavour and aftertaste were still sour for the first two thirds. Like the first cigar, on 2nd September, the cigar started to shine in the final third. Sourness abated completely and the cigar became smooth and quite strong. But for the sourness, this would be an interesting cigar with an interesting transition from medium to full body. 80 minutes. Perhaps ageing will moderate the sourness.

At this point the sourness abated and the cigar became strong and smooth.

June 2nd, 2022: Surprise, surprise. This cigar was excellent. It was not plugged. Burn was almost perfect. Draw was slightly resistant, but quite satisfactory. Body hung around medium. As for flavour, the sourness of previous cigars had abated to being just one of a range of flavours, adding to complexity, and much resembling the Partagas Serie D. Aroma was rich, Cubanesque, delicious and omnipresent. The cigar lasted around 110 minutes, letting it go out once or twice. Overall, this was a very satisfying cigar. If all were like this I'd have no hesitation buying another box. 

Oliva Serie V Double Toro

1. August 7th, 2021: This is my third box of Serie V; the other two being Figurado and Churchill Extra. I like them. They are full bodied, complex in flavour with rich aroma. The Double Toro is a powerhouse: meaty, full-everything cigar.

Construction: 6X60, Nicaraguan cigar with a dark brown (colorado maduro) sun grown wrapper from Ecuador and "specially fermented Jalapa Valley ligero" from Nicaragua. The first cigar from the box was heavy in the hand and felt very solidly constructed.

Draw: Quite tight for most of the cigar, sometimes requiring two or three puffs to drag out a decent volume of smoke. It opened up towards the end.

Burn: Even enough

Flavour: A very rich, peppery, ligero flavour from the start to finish. Flavour was mostly smooth and complex. The occasional hint of bitterness only demonstrated how well aged and fermented this cigar was. 

Complexity: Excellent complexity in both flavour and aroma. 

Body: Full body throughout.

Strength: Strength built towards the middle of the cigar after which I broke into a sweat. (It's around 30 degrees Celsius here (Thailand), so the ambient temperature is a good strength indicator.) The cigar was strong, but not so strong as to feel dizzy or uncomfortable. After two hours I had had enough and didn't smoke to the nub.

After two hours I could take no more. 

Finish: Good, long finish.

Aroma: Very rich and complex aroma.

Ash: Dense and held on for half an hour.

Balance and Consistency: Quite well balanced flavour and strength - perhaps with a bit too much strength and draw a bit tight during the first half.

Time smoke: Two hours. I could have smoked it a little further but I was quite satisfied after two hours.

Overall: If you want a two-hour powerhouse, this is the cigar. The only quibbles were with construction/draw and strength.  I would have happily sacrificed twenty minutes of smoking time for an easier draw. Strength was also a bit on the heavy side, much like the final third of the Churchill Extra. But overall, it was a meaty, delicious, cigar. Very satisfying.

An excellent full bodied cigar, if you have two hours to burn.

2. September 11th, 2021: In a blind test, this cigar could easily have been mistaken for an upmarket Cuban, so rich, balanced and refined were the aroma and flavour. I smoked it to the nub. 

The flavour was rich, mellow and intense, with a wide spectrum of sweetness, mild pepper and the pervasive Jalapa coffee-choco flavour. It was not heavy or dark roasted. There was nothing burnt. There was no dirty aftertaste. It was a very smooth, clean, full bodied, medium strength profile until around the last third when a trace of vegetal bitterness crept in. 

Burn was a bit wavy. A single retouch at the halfway point corrected that. Draw was a bit tight during the first third, but by the second half, the cigar produced volumes. Strength wavered between medium and strong, but never overwhelming, as was the first cigar from the box.

This was an excellent cigar in every way. 95 minutes. Very satisfying.

At the half hour point.

November 6th, 2021: This cigar was a disappointment. Flavour was sour, aftertaste was tarry but aroma was deep and rich. The cigar tasted unripened, vegetal and lacking in complexity. The sourness resembled that of the Joya Red, but with far more body. Occasional whiffs of refinement and complexity emerged from time to time, but overall, flavour lacked complexity. 

Strength was on the high side. It wasn't overpowering, but I suffered that night with copious vivid dreams. In that respect the cigar resembled the AJ Fernandez San Lotano Oval Gordo, the early samples of which were overpowering, whereas the later few, after ageing, were much more mellow and not at all strong. 

I'll leave these cigars for a few months. I put some in one of my humidors without cellophane. With luck they will age faster. 110 minutes. Not satisfying. 

December 25th, 2021:  Beautiful oily wrapper. Extremely rich and intense aroma. Balanced, complex flavour with full body for the first two thirds but tending towards the bitter. Bitter final third. 100 minutes.

This cigar began with a strong pepper blast which lasted a good ten minutes. It then settled down but the flavour remained spicy, intense and complex throughout the first two thirds, albeit a bit bitter from time to time. The final third became bitter and I abandoned more than an inch. Finish was long but in the last third aftertaste was bitter and dirty. 

Draw was difficult. At the end of the first third smoke output was minimal. By the second half, draw improved, but still required several puffs to get a decent output. Burn was regular throughout.

Strength came and went but was not overwhelming.

The aroma was amazingly rich and intense. 

Overall, quite satisfying. This cigar has the profile of a strong, complex Cuban flavour with rich aroma being a prominent feature. The final third was a disappointment being bitter and tasteless. But 100 minutes is a fair burn time. 

At the one hour mark

Comparison of this Serie V with Serie O of two days ago: I just smoked my first Serie O a few days ago. Here are some thoughts on the V of December 25th, above. versus the O of December 23rd.

Similarities: 

• Both were full bodied but O was milder in the middle section. V was intense throughout.
• Both left a somewhat tarry residue the next day.

Differences: 

• O has a matt wrapper. V is much more oily.
• O had a much more subtle aroma. V's aroma was rich, dominating and intense.
• O became a strength bomb. V was strong throughout but the strength never overwhelmed.
• O's flavour was more refined. Flavour never dissipated. It wasn't very spicy after the first inch. V was spicy, rich and intense through the first two thirds but then became tasteless and bitter. 
• Draw was difficult on the V to the point of being almost plugged at the end of the first third. O was an easy draw throughout. 

Of course this is only the comparison of one sample with one sample. I'll keep an eye on this comparison in future. See if I can make a more substantial comment. 

March 19th, 2022: This cigar was heavy in the hand and heavy in every other respect. The wrapper was very oily. Draw was a bit resistant at times. Burn was a bit irregular. Flavour was deep, rich and intense, like a Cuban. Aroma, too, was deep and intense. The first and last thirds were quite balanced: there was no harshness or bitterness. The middle section verged on bitterness, but not excessively. The cigar seems to have mellowed nicely. Overall, this was a very powerful and intense cigar. Satisfying. 100 minutes.

Strength did not appear to be a problem until a couple of hours after falling asleep. I was plagued with nightmares of being scratched by cats. (We have a new puppy whose teeth are razor sharp.) I woke up and drank some water. Then came an anxious dream. I was trying to withdraw money from an ATM, but in order to get the money, I had to answer numerous bizarre security questions by phone to an interrogator with a French accent.  

August 6th 2022: Not so heavy in the hand, very easy draw. This cigar was a treat. It was full bodied, tasty and mellow throughout, except for the last inch and a half, which became a bit bland. However the cigar lasted a good 120 minutes, which is quite enough, so I was ready to let it go. Overall, well balanced, no bitterness, no dirty aftertaste (next day quite clean), no anxious dreams. Very satisfying.

A treat! Well balanced, full bodied

February 21st, 2023: Heavy in the hand. Started out cool and smooth, but draw was resistant and flavour became bitter and vegetal in the second half. I left with around two inches remaining, so basically, the final third. It was good for the first half, but very heavy, tarry and difficult to draw in the second half. 90 minutes. Not satisfying.

March 9th, 2024: Heavy in the hand and difficult to draw. Flavour was smooth and mild to medium in the first half and built up a bit in the final third to medium plus, but soon became hot. 90 minutes. Pleasant, but not satisfying.