A couple of months back there was quite the buzz about Eddie Ortega separating himself from Rocky Patel. Not long after I learned that news, I learned that Eddie Ortega was striking out on his own with a line of cigars. I’ve known Eddie for a few years now and he is always a pleasure to talk to. Because of this friendship, and that he has a good reputation among the cigar community for his previous cigars, I was eager to get my hands on the new Serie D Cigars when they became available.
Like any new cigar company, the first release was limited and distributed to a small number of shops. Fortunately, one of those retail shops, Buckhead Cigar in Atlanta, is very active on Twitter and I was able to secure a 10 count box of the No. 10 format (6.00 x 52 Belicoso).
When those cigars arrived, I wasted no time and fired one up that evening. The first puff was light on the palate but heavy through the sinus. A little too much smoke through the nose left me feeling like I had been punched between the eyes. It was a surprise, but I enjoyed it very much.
As the cigar progressed, the balance between flavor on the palate and aroma through the sinus equalized. Through the sinus, I picked up aromas of wood and a dark, musty, sort of note. Across the palate, the wrapper shined and delivered a rich maduro-esque flavor mixed with a slight bitterness. These flavors and aromas remained the same throughout the cigar but built in richness and complexity.
Leading up to this review I smoked a total of four cigars. The only real complaint that I had was that the draw seemed to vary between those samples. Two were a little on the stiff side, one was beautiful, and the last was a bit loose. Normally I might chalk this up to the cigars adjusting to my humidor, but all four cigars were smoked inside of a week.
Construction on all four cigars was solid. Coloring was consistent within the box and from head to foot on each stick. Small veins appear on the wrapper but none protruded to give the wrapper a rough texture. Caps appeared neatly applied but did tend to pull away, on occasion, while smoking. The ash was medium gray in color and held firm for about an inch before falling. The burn line was thin and mostly even.
When it was all said and done, I think that these cigars are a complete hit. I thought that I may have set the bar too high in my mind but each cigar delivered plenty of flavor and complexity. The Ortega Serie D lineup seems like it may be a little tough to track down in its infancy, but I would not hesitate to pick them up if the opportunity presented itself.
Walt, great review man, awesome descriptions and great to see you doing full blown reviews again. I am looking forward to grabbing some of these. Im a huge fan of the old 601 green and blue. Any resemblance to the old 601 core lines?
Jack,
It is tough to say because it has been so long since I’ve had one. Based completely off of memory, I would say the Serie D is more along the lines of the 601 Maduro (Blue) than the 601 Oscuro (Green), but I don’t think the 601 line was as good as this.
I’m glad you enjoyed the review.
Thanks for checking it out.
Great review Walt, glad you enjoyed it. Agree 100% on the draw issue, this was the first shipment and it was a small one. I’ve already called the factory and told them to please make sure there were no draw issues when they QC’d the cigars.
Can’t say I’ve had many people complaint but, 1 complaint for me is 1 too many. I’m really bad on draw problems, that’s one issue that would make me put a cigar down really quick.
I’ve asked everyone, including retailers to please give me feedback, good or bad I want both,…gone so far as to give my cell number to all retailers carrying the lines, this will help me make this product or anything I make even better.
-regards
Eddie
Eddie,
You’ve come out with a great product and I can’t wait to get my hands on some more. It says a lot about your brand that you are keeping a close eye on quality control.
I think you have a winner in the Serie D lineup
Great review. I’m smoking a No.12 right now & I’m digging it.
Walt, welcome back to the fold. I hope to see more of you here in the coming year. I don’t care what the other guys say about you. LOL This sounds like something I would really like, and kudos to Eddie for taking a proactive stance the draw issues. I’m hoping that these will make it up here to the Pacific Northwest soon. The 601 Greens will always be in my boxes.
Hey Walt, Its sound like that you smoked the Murcielago Churchill size Cigars. Good Job Mann….
Just smoked my first one this afternoon! Mine (robusto) had a very firm draw as well, but I was able to enjoy it nonetheless. Superb flavor and smoothness. Some tasty woody notes mated with occasional creaminess, and a graham cracker like sweetness. Reminds me a bit more of the Murcielago than 601, but having said that, Ortega has made a cigar all his own. Congrats to Mr. Ortega on a great blend.
Walt, great review! Good to see you doing a full review. Your reviews were one of the reasons I began to explore different cigars early in my smoking journey. I appreciate the effort and hope you are able to do more on a continuing basis. The 601 Blue is one of my all time favs, so I am really. looking forward to getting a hold of the Serie D.
Take care and thanks again.
Just had one in Weston Florida this weekend. They were selling fast and I grabbed a few corona sizes. Love the box press and it is so far the best cigar I’ve had all year- box worthy for sure when they are more available. Great stick!
Walt,
Great review that got me a bit excited to try it! I echo the thoughts of the other people commenting that your reviews are missed. Sad for you that Kensington closed down and if it meant you had to travel more to get cigars. Hopefully manufacturers realize that without reviews like yours some of us would receive very little information on releases. I’m sure your time is short with a young family but again the effort is much appreciated.
Keep em coming!
great review, walt! these look/sound like good sticks!
I have to try one of these at some point, there sold right near by, but I just snatched one up yet. Sounds like a great smoke I’ll grab one soon.
Peter G
I’ve always loved your reviews Walt. Straight to the point! Also very informative thanks for the great content about Ortega.