Oliva -- Serie V - Robusto

Image from CigarObsession.com

Must have been a storage issue because this 94 point rated cigar didn't make the cut.

OCCASION: 1st time with Oliva	PRICE: $6.95
BRAND: Oliva - Serie V

GAUGE: 50	LENGTH: 5"
SHAPE NAME: Robusto

FILLER: Nicaragua
BINDER: Nicaragua	WRAPPER: Nicaragua

APPEARANCE: Flawless earth brown wrapper, minuscule veins, no bumps or blemishes to be seen. Overall a great appearance.

CONSTRUCTION: .Firm and no spongy spots. Triple or quadruple cap? No bunches, folds, or any other structural flaw. Great construction

DRAW:
START: Okay	1/2: Poor	3/4: NA

BURN:
START: Even	1/2: Uneven, relight	3/4: NA

TASTING NOTES: I picked up an initial pleasant sweetness from perhaps the wrapper or the glue used to make the cap. An initial spice that creeps along your tongue to the back and then mellows out to a creamy smoothness. There is a strong woody presence throughout the cigar and minor spice notes.

OTHER NOTES: Great prelight aroma of graham cracker, spice and cedar. Initial draw was okay and got more difficult as time went on and I had to relight on a few occasions. After the 1/3 mark I had to relight and the cigar foot began to produce a heavy amount of thick white smoke making me wonder if the tobacco was damp. This would explain me having to relight and the poor draw I was experiencing.

EVALUATION: Almost all aspects of the cigar, construction, appearance, and taste were wonderful and the price for such a highly rated cigar is fantastic. Unfortunately, I couldn't get past the horrible draw I was experiencing to recommend this cigar and had to abandon shortly after the 1/2 point. This had to be a storage issue or some fluke because I have read of no other review that has rated this cigar poorly. I will have to try another one just to be sure but until then, this stays off my favorite list. CigarFan.com has a great review on the Oliva Serie V Torpedo, which is the same blend as the robusto I experienced.

CAO -- La Traviata Maduro - Radiante

Image from TikiBarOnline.com

CAO's La Traviata Maduro has not gone astray but has found home as my new favorite cigar!

OCCASION: Morning with coffee	PRICE: $5.65
BRAND: CAO - La Traviate Maduro

GAUGE: 52	LENGTH: 6"
SHAPE NAME: Radiante

FILLER: Nicaraguan and Dominican
BINDER: Camaroon	WRAPPER: Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro

APPEARANCE: Silky chocolaty sheen with minuscule veins and tiny bumps on wrapper. There were a few bumps protruding from the cylindrical shape of the cigar but otherwise good appearance..

CONSTRUCTION: Firm along the body. No folds or bunches on wrapper. Double capped and flawless construction (other than the few bumpy protrusions.

DRAW:
START: Perfect	1/2: Perfect	3/4: Good

BURN:
START: Even	1/2: Even	3/4: Even

TASTING NOTES: Initially I had a lighting issue because of my lighter (ran out of fuel) and only lit the center of the cigar. This initial "center" taste was a nice woody almost like fresh cut oak. Once I refueled and lit the entire foot a beautiful burst of a sweet pipe tobacco flavor came through. A definite sweetness to the first 1" of the cigar and very little spice. A peppery/spicy sensation began poking its head after the first 1". At the halfway point the spice disappeared altogether and transformed into a creamy smooth and roasted nutty flavor.

OTHER NOTES: Prelight aromas on the body were a light chocolate and subtle sweetness. The foot smelled of strong leather and graham cracker). The ash was tight and I actually had trouble knocking it off. As a brief bit of extraneous information, La Traviata is a tragic opera that ends with the main female character dying in the arms of her true love.

EVALUATION: A very complex and what I envision a perfect cigar tastes like. If you are looking for a spicy full-bodied cigar, this is not the choice for you. This one is more medium than full bodied and worked wonderfully as a morning cigar with coffee. No strong nicotine buzz and no tarry aftertaste but still a long finish with each draw. This cigar is one I will be looking to purchase a box of. A classic cigar at a great price. To me the name is an unusual choice for what I believe is a great cigar at an awesome price point. Whatever the name, this cigar is one of my Favorite Cigars and a great Budget Cigar. StogieReview.com gives a great section by section review of the cigar while TikiBarOnline.com states the pre-release version of the maduro as just okay.

Arganese -- CL3 - Torpedo

Eh.

OCCASION: Weekend morning with coffee	PRICE: $3.50
BRAND: Arganese - CL3

GAUGE: 52	LENGTH: 6 - 7/8"
SHAPE NAME: Torpedo

FILLER: Corojo ligero
BINDER: Corojo ligero	WRAPPER: Corojo ligero

APPEARANCE: A nice oily sheen with a consistent medium brown wrapper. Minor veins for the most part. A few ripply veins similar to an old person's ankles...gross, I know. I could see two longitudinal lines or creases in the cigar body from the cigar mold. Wrapper torn under band due to the glue. I've seen this on a few other Arganese cigars so it must be a manufacturing issue.

CONSTRUCTION: Loose at the foot and firm at the head. Noticable spongy spots along body. Cap wrapping well constructed on this torpedo.

DRAW:
START: Average	1/2: Average	3/4: Average

BURN:
START: Even	1/2: Uneven	3/4: Uneven

TASTING NOTES: Initial light spicy flavor with some leathery notes. Very earthy and woody, almost oaky. Picked up on some straw hints as well.

OTHER NOTES: The burn was uneven for most of the cigar and this really drove me crazy as I tried to right the wrong. The ash was loose and didn't hold very long.

EVALUATION: Inexpensive cigar but not a real taste pleaser. The cigar is average at best but for an everyday budget cigar I suppose it would fit the bill. I personally wouldn't smoke it again. StogieGuys.com have a pretty good review giving the cigar average and good ratings.

My Father Cigars -- No. 1 - Robusto

A definite No. 1 in premium cigars.

OCCASION: 1st Entry in The Cigar Log Book	PRICE: $9.95
BRAND: My Father Cigars - No. 1

GAUGE: 52	LENGTH: 5.2"
SHAPE NAME: Robusto

FILLER: Nicaraguan
BINDER: Nicaraguan	WRAPPER: Ecuadorian

APPEARANCE: Oily with a nice dark mahogany color. Minor veins and the foot flares a bit but otherwise great appearance.

CONSTRUCTION: Triple cap with a few bumps poking underneath. Using my punch cutter to cut a hole in the cap I had to maneuver around those bumps.

DRAW:
START: Perfect	1/2: Perfect	3/4: Perfect

BURN:
START: Even	1/2: Even	3/4: Even

TASTING NOTES: A nice spice started right off the bat and tapered down to a light and smooth woody flavor after the 1st 1/3 to 1/2 of the cigar. This woody flavor had hints of roasted nuts speckled throughout. A very enjoyable and creamy smooth finish.

OTHER NOTES: The aroma before lighting the cigar reminded me of new leather and hints of chocolate, cedar and vanilla. The draw produced the perfect amount of billowy, creamy smoke perfect for making smoke rings in still air. The cigar's ash was dense and held on for nearly 2 inches as I strolled the neighborhood. Shortly after the first ash departed was when the cigar began to mellow out and the second ash held on for another 1 - 1/2 inches. Blended by Don Pepin Garcia's son Jaime this cigar has received rave reviews and is considered one of the best blends by this master blender.

EVALUATION: Some folks aren't too pleased with the cigar because of its hype and because it doesn't finish as a full bodied cigar but rather tapers off at the end. I personally prefer this blending technique to rock'em sock'em tobacco blends offering a constant barrage of thick and spicy full bodied punches to the palate. Believe the hype of this No. 1 cigar.

Tucson Tobacconists

I made a trip to a few of the various tobacconist shops in Tucson, Arizona recently and was extremely pleased with all the stores I visited. All were helpful, had great selection and provided the many amenities helping your cigar respite be that much more enjoyable. Please peruse the reviews and visit these premium stores.

Anthony’s Cigar North

Hours

Monday thru Saturday:

9:00 am to 7:00 pm

Sundays:

11:00 am to 5:00 pm

Service

The tobacconist was able to guide me through the various brands and blends and answered all questions. He was extremely knowledgeable and patient and able to help many customers simultaneously.

Selection

They have a tremendous selection of cigars and lockers for customer storage. Their humidor is full of great premium cigars and they even have a cigar designed by their employees and made by Oliva.

They order their stock, like most tobacconists, from the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association (IPCPR) which was held in August. They had a few items in the humidor from the show but many were on order for delivery in September / October. One of the latest items they received was Drew Estate’s La Privada T52.

Amenities

They have areas for people to sit inside and watch sports, movies, etc. They also have some outside seating however, legally I’m not sure you can enjoy your cigar outside.

There are fairly good sized lock boxes in the humidor for people to store their purchases. Most of them were claimed (and stuffed with boxes upon boxes of cigars!).

Atmosphere

I visited the store on a Saturday early afternoon and there were quite a few people inside enjoying their cigars watching some college football. A pretty good group of regulars visit this store and chat with the tobacconist who is extremely knowledgeable with the inventory and beyond. There are two Anthony’s Cigar Shops in the Tucson area and this North location’s clientele is a bit older than the clientele at the East location.

Anthony’s Cigar East

Hours

Monday thru Thursday:

10:00 am to 9:00 pm

Fridays & Saturdays:

10:00 am to 10:00 pm

Sundays:

11:00 am to 5:00 pm

Service

I never asked for any assistance and didn’t receive any as the employee was busy assisting some of the other clientele.

Selection

Great selection with many of the great premium brands to choose from.

Amenities

They have a seating area to watch television and a stool area at the cigar “bar” near the register. There is seating outside at this location as well but, you are probably not allowed to enjoy your cigars outside.

They have some lock boxes for customers here as well.

Atmosphere

I visited on a Friday afternoon and the place was fairly busy with regulars enjoying their cigars watching a movie in their seating area.

Jerry’s Cigars

Hours

Monday thru Friday: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm

Saturdays: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Sundays: Closed

Service

I was assisted by both the owner and the employee working at the store. Both were extremely knowledgeable, helpful and patient.

Selection

Great selection with many of the great premium brands to choose from. They will be receiving a shipment in September / October of new cigars they ordered from the IPCPR in August.

Amenities

They have two central seating areas to watch multiple televisions. There are quite a few lock boxes for the customers to use.

Atmosphere

I visited the store on a Saturday afternoon and there were many people relaxing, conversing and watching television with their cigars. A very friendly atmosphere.

Illusione -- Nosotros - Robusto

Collaboration between Drew and Dion left "nosotros" poorer.

OCCASION: August Hail in Desert	PRICE: $9.90
BRAND: Illusione - Nosotros

GAUGE: 50	LENGTH: 5"
SHAPE NAME: Robusto

FILLER: Nicaraguan
BINDER: Nicaraguan	WRAPPER: Nicaraguan Corojo

APPEARANCE: Medium to dark brown with petite veins. A light and silky sheen with no bunches, folds, bumps, spots or any other imperfections. A complete masterpiece by the torcedor.

CONSTRUCTION: Firm from head to foot. Absolutely no soft spongy spots. Round head with no perceivable imperfections on the cap construction.

DRAW:
START: Great	1/2: Great	3/4: Great

BURN:
START: Even	1/2: Even	3/4: Even

TASTING NOTES: Great cedar and earth aroma before lighting. As soon as I lit up, there was a powerful spice that hit my tongue and eventually subsided rather early. I'm not sure if this was because my senses had been annihilated or because the tobacco backed down from its initial bum rush. A woodsy flavor continued throughout the cigar and nutty, roasted flavors would spring up occasionally.

OTHER NOTES: I grabbed this at Anthony's Cigar Emporium. They have a packed humidor and nice place to relax and enjoy your cigar. The store was fairly popular with what looked to be regulars indicating great customer service and stellar stick selections.

EVALUATION: A great cigar in construction and appearance. As someone once said, "If it doesn't work, at least make it look good," this cigar looked great but I have tasted much better with lesser priced cigars.  In this economy you want to purchase a cigar you will enjoy immensely and one that really makes an impression on you. Unfortunately the impression I experienced was the morning after, no actually the day after, when my mouth continued to taste like tar and my wallet was a bit thinner. At nearly $10 for this cigar I was half expecting to be smoking gold dust. This definitely would not qualify as a quality budget cigar and should be reserved for special occasions. This collaboration between Drew Estates and Illusione cigars was not as I had hoped. My friends have raved about the Illusione cigars and I have personally enjoyed the Illusione 88 hoping the Nosotros was going to join my "Favorite Cigars" lineup. Alas, I will keep this one on the sidelines and continue my search.

CAO -- America - Monument

CAO America isn't as bold and full bodied as its namesake.

OCCASION: Weekend	PRICE: $8.64
BRAND: CAO America

GAUGE: 54	LENGTH: 6 - 1/4"
SHAPE NAME: Monument

FILLER: Nicaragua,Dominican Republic/Italy/USA
BINDER: Brazil	WRAPPER: Connecticut (double)

APPEARANCE: A patriotic band and edge collar nicely complements the lighter shade grown Connecticut pinstripe that runs around the length of the cigar. The wrapper leaves were a deep, dark and rich chocolaty brown. Some of the wrapper leaves had broken off near where the the band was attached but otherwise the wrappers were flawless.

CONSTRUCTION: The cigar was firm for the entire length and the cap was nicely wrapped with no lumps or bunches.

DRAW:
START: great	1/2: great	3/4: great

BURN:
START: even	1/2: even	3/4: even

TASTING NOTES: There was a bit of a peppery taste at the beginning that quickly evolved itho a woody taste. Minor hints of leather and roasted nuts went well with my Sumatra Blend coffee. The cigar was a smooth experience with no harsh tarry aftertaste. The taste was consistent for the entire cigar.

OTHER NOTES: The aroma was pleasant and produced a good amount of smoke. The draw was great throughout, even to the nub and the burn remained even. Picked this one up at Shades of Havana. The tobacconist there was extremely knowledgeable and helpful and supplies great and unpretentious boutique cigars.

EVALUATION: I was really hoping this would be a great cigar. One that could become my go to cigar and I could feel comfortable handing out to folks for special occasions. Unfortunately, for the price, this cigar fell short. I now know why a local tobacconist only carries them around this time of the year.