ACID Ming Dynasty

ACID Ming Dynasty

Fatal Halo Rating

B

Dimensions: 6” x 60 (Toro)

Price:  $11.00

Burn Time:  2 hours

Wrapper: Nicaraguan

Binder: Nicaraguan

Tobacco: Nicaraguan

Purchased at:  Montecristo House of Cigar (Powell, Ohio – www.houseofcigar.net)

I’ve only had a few of the ACID cigars in the past and for the most part, they’ve been kind of . . . “Eh”.  I much prefer the flavor and aroma of a natural cigar opposed to anything spiced or flavored like the ACID line, but seeing as how I always see them in their own special humidors in whatever shop I see them at, I assume there has to be a real winner among the line that I just have yet to find.  So, with that in mind, I picked up this beauty.  Looks nice and thick – capable of packing a punch, I hope.

Pre-Smoke Analysis

This is actually a beautifully constructed cigar.  The wrapper is a little veiny and you can feel some real tooth to it.  I am a bit disappointed because after removing it from the cellophane, I see that the wrapper near the foot is cracked in an upwards direction about an inch high on the cigar.  I hope this doesn’t cause any issues for me after lighting it.  The feel of the cigar is very firm with a mildly-rounded cap at the head that looks like its midway between being a standard rounded-cap cigar and a torpedo.  The band art is exquisite.  The aroma off the wrapper is very subtle, but it has a definite sweet spiciness to it.  The aroma intensifies at the foot and I’m picking up on hints of fine cognac and . . . baby powder oddly enough.

The First Third

The cigar lit up very quickly and without much fuss.  The split in the wrapper flaked away a little bit at first, but it didn’t cause any real trouble at all.  The draw was very easy after the clip, but the aroma and flavor doesn’t quite pack the punch I was expecting it would.  It’s nice and mellow and a little low on flavor considering it’s an ACID cigar, but not at all unpleasant.  The burn is staying pretty consistent and no major issues to speak of, so although it’s not a cigar that knocks my socks off, it’s not a complete disappointment either.

The Second Third

Not much change at all in flavor complexity or strength.  This is a very mild-bodied cigar in every sense of the meaning.  The burn becomes a bit hotter as the cherry closes in on the head, but still burns very even and doesn’t overpower your palate so much that you can’t enjoy pairing it with a good beverage.

Burning Out

The Dynasty picked up a little more flavor and strength right at the end, but I kind of hoped it would have kicked in a little sooner so I could have had longer to enjoy it.  It extinguished itself with a little less than an inch and a half left to go, but overall, it was a satisfying cigar.

Final Thoughts

From what I found in reviews on this cigar online, it didn’t get very high marks – and from seasoned cigar aficionados, I can understand why.  However, it burned almost perfectly as I didn’t need to correct it at any point.  The flavors were mild, but they lingered on the palate long enough to appreciate its uniqueness.  I don’t think it was necessarily worth the price I paid for it, but as far as ACID goes, it was alright.  I think those looking to try one expect more from it based on its size and construction and I’d like to try a Maduro version of it if one is ever produced.  Not a bad cigar for those new to the lifestyle.

Liked It?:  It was sufficient.

Buy It Again?: Perhaps.

Recommend It?:  Very likely . . . once the price drops a bit.

Pairing(s):  I enjoyed a Dundee Porter with this cigar and found it to be very well-matched!

A.J. Fernandez San Lotano Oval

A.J. Fernandez San Lotano Oval

Fatal Halo Rating

A+

Dimensions: 6.5” x 54 (oval-shaped box press)

Price:  $11.00

Burn Time:  2.5 hrs.

Wrapper: Habano 2000 (aged 4 years)

Binder: Nicaraguan

Tobacco: Nicaraguan & Honduran

Purchased at:  Montecristo House of Cigar (Powell, Ohio – www.houseofcigar.net)

I was interested in trying this cigar after seeing it ranked #2 on Cigar Journal’s Top 25 of 2011 and also because of its unique shape which can really only be described as an "oval-shaped box press".  Quite an amazing look.  The buzz around the smoke shop was also pretty high about this one in particular and the only deterrent for me from trying one sooner was its price tag – but I eventually had to give in and see if this one smoked as good as it looked.

Pre-Smoke Analysis

The shape itself is pretty amazing, but the wrapper is very smooth and silky to the touch.  It is a firm cigar with very few (if any) noticeable soft spots.  The head seems to be double-capped – and they do look a little flimsy, so I’m hoping the clip won’t cause the wrapper to unravel.  I also found that the wrapper has a split leaf about half-way up on the stick.  Not sure if that’s my handling that caused that or the cigar shop’s, but I’m hoping that won’t cause too much trouble after lighting.  The aroma off the wrapper is very mellow and smooth – kind of leathery and earthy, but just subtle enough that I can’t pick up on any specifics.

The First Third

I clipped the cap very slightly so as not to cause any unraveling and it took just a pinch to get the proper level on it.  The dry draw pulled very smoothly and easily, so I went ahead and torched it up.  I could tell right away by how quickly the foot took the flame that the reason for the cracked leaf wasn’t in the handling at all, but because the cigar was a little dry.  Regardless, the first pull of smoke after toasting the foot was surprisingly mellow and at precisely the right strength that I can really enjoy the flavors!  Thick, billowing white clouds of smoke rise out of this bad boy with each puff – but it is not at all overpowering.  I cannot yet tell if the cracked wrapper is affecting the smoke at all as it feels I am pulling in more air on the draw than I should be, but the cigar is burning evenly, so I do not see any issues yet.  Perhaps there might be in the second third when the cherry hits that segment.

Still hard to describe in terms of flavor, this cigar certainly has a refined, aged aroma to it.  For the amount of flavor it does have, I would expect it to be much more potent and full-bodied, but it is very mellow with just the right amount of spice and pepper to linger on the palate. I have never had a cigar quite like this one before, but if it is true that that majority of the flavor of a cigar is found in the wrapper, their Habano 2000 selection is right on the money.  I am making sure to handle the cigar delicately when smoking it and using my free had to hold the broken wrapper in place while taking my draws to be sure that it stays intact until I burn past that point.

The Second Third

Burned right down to the cracked wrapper, and although there was some minor flaking, the cigar corrected itself very quickly all on its own and didn’t lose a hint of flavor or compromise the burn!  I’m actually incredibly impressed as I was expecting a much more dramatic issue to arise – but no.  The cigar remains a consistent medium-body and the flavors begin to betray a bit of a cedar taste.  It is still producing large billows of white smoke but remaining as mellow as first light.  This cigar is a bit of an oddity, but one I’m actually marveling at!  I’m really enjoying what I think may actually be a masterpiece rivaling (or at least equaling) the Jaime Garcia Reserva Especial!

Burning Out

I had to manually correct the burn a couple of times once I burned down this far, but it didn’t detract from the enjoyable experience of smoking this cigar.  The flavors kicked up a bit at the end with a little more spice and pepper, but the consistent mellowness of the cigar up until this point really eases you into it gently and allows you to enjoy the subtle nuances that await.  I tend to appreciate cigars that have more complexity to them, but in this case, the balance was perfect from the first draw and I was really glad it remained as consistent as it did.

Final Thoughts

This cigar has certainly become one of my new favorites.  From the unique shape and flawless construction to the buttery flavor and aroma, the San Lotano is an absolutely exquisite cigar that I think experienced smokers and newbies alike will appreciate.  Initially, I was hesitant to buy one because of the price tag, but after researching more about the components used to construct it and the experience of smoking it, the Oval is worth every penny.  It most certainly deserves it’s #2 spot on the top 25 cigars of 2011 and I am looking forward to my next one.

Liked It?:  Profoundly.

Buy It Again?:  Without question.  I may even buy a few to share with others!

Recommend It?:  100%.

Pairing(s):  Magic Hat’s “Howl (Black as Night Lager)”.  Has a real distinct malted-chocolate flavor that really compliments the cigar.  I could also see myself enjoying a nice Irish coffee with this cigar as well.  May have to try that next time just to be sure!



Cain Daytona Torpedo

Cain Daytona

Fatal Halo Rating

C

Dimensions: 6” x 54 (Torpedo)

Price:  $8.00

Burn Time: 

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano

Binder: Nicaraguan

Tobacco: Nicaraguan Long-filler Ligero

Purchased at:  Montecristo House of Cigar (Powell, Ohio – www.houseofcigar.net)

I read that this cigar was on Cigar Journal’s Top 25 list, so I figured I’d give it a shot and see what it was all about.  Cigars by Olivia have never really been exceptional in my experience, but knowing that each blend has different characteristics and nuances, I’m certainly not going to pass up an opportunity to explore further – and being that this cigar rated pretty high among the others, I’m interested to see what it has to offer.  Noted as a more “mild” smoke than others in its brand, it may provide just the cut off the top I’m looking for.

Pre-Smoke Analysis

The wrapper itself is almost seamlessly rolled – looks as if it were rolled from a single leaf with no seams or breaks anywhere to be seen.  Very nice job.  The Habano wrapper itself is a little veiny, but doesn’t feel that way when I run my fingers along it. Very smooth and delicate.  The aroma coming off of the wrapper is exquisite.  Very aromatic.  It has a sweet yet earthy aroma to it that is very pleasing indeed.  The tightly bunched tobacco at the foot looks like the cross section of a fallen tree and I’m tempted just for a moment to count the rings as if that will be any prediction as for what’s in store!  The strengthened aroma coming off of the foot is a little more earthy and roasted, but still very enticing.

The First Third

The cap clipped cleanly with no fraying and the cigar took the flame from my torch well and the draw was surprisingly perfect for a torpedo.  Occasionally I’ll have some difficulty with drawing off of a torpedo because my guillotine cutter tends to smash the tobacco together and makes it hard for any smoke to pass through, but this one seems to be just fine for now.  I wonder if it has anything to do with the way the ligero filler is rolled?  It was certainly impressive to see it so finely packed at the foot before lighting it.

The first draw was a little strong, so I’m sampling it gently as the burn begins to even out.  The aroma is unique to anything I’ve smoked before – somewhat difficult to pinpoint specific flavors, but I’m picking up a sweetness blended with coffee and spice which is very satisfying.  That earthy/cedar-like aroma that was present on the pre-smoke is certainly still evident and even more pronounced now.  Though the Daytona is toted as being more on the mild side, it will still likely pack a punch to the inexperienced smoker, but the flavors are certainly worth experiencing for yourself.

The Second Third

I am starting to have some real difficulty keeping this cigar lit – and I’m beginning to wonder if the torpedo cap is mostly to blame.  I’ve had to correct the burn several times, relight once and re-clip the cap to try and get a better draw.  The flavors remained pretty consistent throughout this segment of the cigar.  Smoke was thick and heavy, but full of flavor – particularly pepper and spice. I really have to draw hard on it and give it a good couple of puffs before I get any substantial smoke to sample though.  I’m beginning to wonder if the number of times I’m having to torch this cigar to keep it lit and to keep the burn even is charring the tobacco and affecting the flavor though as it is beginning to leave a bit of a bitter taste on my palate.

Burning Out

The flavors have remained consistent right up until the end.  Nothing notable or revolutionary about it in my opinion.  It is a milder version of some of the other Olivia cigars I’ve had in the past, but it wasn’t as complex a cigar as I was expecting it to be.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I was a bit disappointed with this one and not sure if the Olivia brand is really one I appreciate as much as the others.  The cigar started off very well, but the trouble I had keeping it lit was maddening and really detracted from the overall experience.  It was constantly canoeing in the burn and I’m sure at least half of the cigar was burned up just in the process of relighting and correcting it.  Looking past the difficulty I had with that, the aromas and flavors just weren’t packing that punch I like to have in a cigar.  Consistency is generally a good thing for some brands, but I was expecting more considering how highly it was rated by more experienced connoisseurs than myself.  On the appearance and construction aspect, I give this cigar high marks, but the real proof of quality should always be on the smoking experience and for this one I feel it was a bit of a let down. I would like to think that maybe a different shaped cigar of this same line may smoke more evenly so I can give it a proper review, but I don’t see myself looking into buying another one any time in the near future.

Liked It?:  I’ve had worse.

Buy It Again?:  Not likely.

Recommend It?: Probably not.

Rocky Patel 15th Anniversary

Rocky Patel Fifteenth Anniversary

Fatal Halo Rating

A

Dimensions: 6.5” x 52 (Toro)

Price:  $10.00

Burn Time:  2.5 Hours

Wrapper: Equadorian (grown from Habano seeds)

Binder: Nicaraguan (2 binders)

Tobacco: Special Nicaraguan blend (grown especially for this cigar)

Purchased at:  Montecristo House of Cigar (Powell, Ohio – www.houseofcigar.net)

I’ve seen a lot of Rocky Patel cigars in the store that I purchase most of my cigars from, but I’ve never really had the desire to try one.  However, I decided to try this specific blend after seeing it listed among the top 25 cigars of 2011.  It has a very interesting box-press shape (which I later found out is called “trunk-pressed”) and from what reviews I read about it, I was intrigued enough to give it a try.  For a $10 stick, I am expecting a lot, but from the construction and presentation, I’m confident that it will deliver.  I really like trying cigars that are unique from anything else on the market, and after seeing that the filler tobacco blend was grown on a farm especially dedicated to this line, my interest was piqued.

Pre-Smoke Analysis

This cigar has some amazing aromas that really just relax the senses and create a “hum” of buttery flavor with each inhale.  The wrapper is a bit veiny, but smooth and silky to the touch.  The shape itself is interesting and it feels comfortable in the hand and between the fingers.  The aroma intensifies at the foot and has the distinct smells of hazelnut and chocolate – almost as if this cigar was sold from Starbucks!  It is a soft and alluring aroma that has me anxious to clip and toast.  The head is triple-capped and the gun-metal double bands on the body really compliment the overall appearance of an undeniably fine cigar.  The chocolate/cocoa aroma kicks up a bit on the cold draw and seems to have an easy pull.  No cap fraying after the clip.  I’m already impressed and I haven’t even pulled out my lighter yet.

The First Third

Well, the new butane torch I bought didn’t make it through lighting even one cigar, so I guess the search continues to find  good one of those, but the cigar took the flame very well as I torched the foot and got a decent cherry burning.  I really like how the shape of this cigar contours to my lips when I take a draw - and it’s almost effortless to pull rich, creamy smoke off of it.  Not at all over-powering and just the right balance of spice that is only noticeable on the back of the palate.  There is a dusty, nutty aroma complemented by roasted undertones to dull the sweetness still present on the lips.  This cigar smokes like a dream and puts me to ease almost immediately.  The burn was a little uneven, but nothing so severe that it required any manual correction.  The ash is a flaky, marbled gray, holds strong beyond an inch and a half and maintains the shape almost flawlessly - all indicative of a well-constructed and finely-blended cigar.

The Second Third

The spiciness kicks up a bit during the second third but the rich, creamy smoke stays very consistent.  I’m also picking up on a bit of vanilla under the expanded nutty aroma.  The burn needed a little correction at this point, but I attribute that to how frequently I’m drawing off of it to savor the taste.  The overall flavor remains pretty consistent yet picks up on strength and balances out to a fairly medium-bodied cigar.  I typically like to wait until this point to truly judge the body of a cigar as this is where the real concentration of the flavor/aroma mix tends to reveal itself.

Burning Out

As with the second third of the burn, the cigar retains its flavor and aroma, but intensifies in strength with a notable increase in pepper that tingles the palate.  The burn has evened out and the smoke draws heavier.  Uncommon to cigars I have smoked previously, this one seems to adopt a more full-bodied status than was present earlier in the burn.  I am pleasantly surprised, though it is almost a bit overpowering.  Each draw leaves a cool, menthol-like burn on the lips.

Final Thoughts

This cigar was one of the more interesting ones I’ve had.  As an introduction to the Rocky Patel line, I think it has convinced me to explore more of what they have to offer.  A superbly crafted smoke rich with flavor and aroma, it had an excellent burn and though it had a little bite at the end, it was enjoyable down to the last draw.  I can see why it ranked as it did among Cigar Aficionado’s top 25 of last year and I am almost a little regretful that I did not try one sooner!

Liked It?:  Indeed

Buy It Again?:  Absolutely

Recommend It?:  Yes – but more so for seasoned cigar smokers who will appreciate its strength.

Pairing(s):  I enjoyed a “Java Head Stout” from the Tröegs Brothers Brewery to compliment this cigar.  Very appropriate.