It’s once time again for another issue of Brian’s The Week In Smoke. In case this is your first Week in Smoke, be advised that it covers many (though not necessarily all) of the cigars I’ve smoked in the past week (or the past month, or however long it has been since the last issue), along with a couple of quick thoughts that came to me at the time. These are not full cigar reviews, but quick blurbs based on a single smoking experience. As such, they may be influenced by the natural variations that occur from one cigar to another. Your mileage may vary. (If I know the cigar well enough to comment, I may mention if an experience strays from what understand to be the norm.)
An appearance in The Week in Smoke does not preclude nor guarantee a future in-depth review. Whenever possible, I’ve linked to more a thoughtful and thorough review of the cigar in question. (Or maybe I’ve linked to a photo of Jerry The ‘Stache. You won’t know until you click.) Enjoy!
AJ Fernandez San Lotano The Bull Robusto *
This potent variation on the San Lotano blend came as part of a sampler, but I’ve been a little hesitant to try it. Not because I’m worried about the power or dislike the San Lotano line, I’m just leery of blends that have been changed just to up the cigar’s power. What can I say, I’ve been burned by that before. I decided to pair it up with a potent barrel-proof bourbon and the results were very positive. The combination really brought out dark chocolate and prune-like sweetness. There was also certain savory character to the smoke midway, which I occasionally get from cigars with ample ligero. If there were more subtle nuances to the cigar, it’s safe to say the 120-proof hid those from view. But I don’t mind. I’d definitely do this again.
BG Meyer Standard Issue Robusto
When I lit up this BG Meyer, a new arrival at my local shop, several people asked me what it was, and a few more have asked about it since. In case you are unfamiliar with the line, it’s a Camacho-made Nicaraguan puro created in partnership with Rob Weiss, who is best known for his work as a producer and writer for hit TV series Entourage. Not knowing what to expect, I lit it up and found that it wasn’t the big bold cigar that some other Camacho products are. The smoke was a little on the airy side, with mild spice and notes of earth and chocolate. “Smooth” is not typically a word I use to describe a cigar, but it seems to apply here.
Caldwell Collection Long Live The King The Heater
I’ve been smoking through the Caldwell Collection recently, and so far I’ve enjoyed what I’ve tried. Long Live The King fits in with that, but at the lighter end of the spectrum. Initially the cigar was sweet, almost fruity with a touch of cinnamon. As it progressed I picked up additional spices and wood flavors. It might be a little too light for fuller-bodied smokers, but it’s strikes me as a good choice for a relaxed afternoon smoke.
Carmelo Red Robusto *
It’s been several years since I last had a Carmelo cigar, and even longer since I had the Red label. I remember enjoying it, but tastes change over time and so do tobacco crops. I’m pleased to report it tastes very much like I remember it: mainly creamy, cedary and lightly aromatic (almost like baby powder) turning a little earthier as it burns. It was medium bodied smoke that’s easy to enjoy, burns beautifully and has a pleasant room aroma. I liked it, and would buy more if I came across them.
Casa Miranda Chapter Two Robusto
I’ve had a few of both the Chapter One and Two and while the Chapter One isn’t bad, I prefer the Chapter Two. Though in this case, the Chapter Two had a pretty firm draw, a more so than I’d prefer. It may have negatively impacted this smoking experience, but not so much that I didn’t enjoy it. I noted creamy coffee, caramel, wood, spices, cocoa and aromatic tobacco. It’s a solid smoke, if the draw were a little looser, I think it would have been an excellent one.
Nestor Miranda Collection Connecticut Coffee Break *
I’ve had several of the new Nestor Miranda Collection Maduros, and it seemed like time to branch out into the rest of the collection. I started with the Connecticut because that leaf sounded more appealing at the time. Flavor-wise the cigar was woody, earthy and creamy with a little vanilla sweetness. It was pretty good, but I think I like the maduro blend more.
Tatuaje Avion 12
I’ve been smoking the Avion 12 sporadically this year, and it never fails to deliver a great smoking experience. In the past I’ve noted some sweeter, syrupy flavors, but this time around the spices seemed to be a little more prominent. The last few of Avion 12’s I’ve lit up have been nicely aged, so that makes sense. This one was right off the cigar shop shelf and they move pretty quickly. In addition to spices, I noted roasted nuts, chocolate, cedar, pepper with hints of raisin and honey sweetness. I love a nicely aged cigar, but you don’t have to wait with the Avion 12 to enjoy a great smoke.
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* Big Brother would have you know these cigars were gifts or free samples, and that my opinions on them is suspect. My opinions (and this bottle of high-octane, barrel-proof bourbon) are my own, your response to them is your own. All your base are belong to us.
** I have too many smokes, and this denotes that the smoke in question has been sitting in one of my humidors for at least a year, and thus qualifies as “aged”. If my collection continues to grow, the chances are good I’ll be on that Discovery Channel show about people who hoard stuff and face eviction.
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