Alec Bradley Tempus Medius 6

Alec Bradley Tempus (Medius 6)

Fatal Halo Rating

B

Price: $10.00

Burn Time: 1.5 hrs.

Indonesian Binder

Honduran & Nicaraguan Filler

Honduran-Grown Habano Wrapper

I was drawn to this cigar after reading some decent reviews on it in a few magazines and saw that it paired up well with some choice beverages.  Cigar Aficionado gave this one a "94" rating, so I was expecting a lot from it.  There were a number of different styles and sizes of this line when I found it in the shop, but I settled on the Medius 6 as I felt it would offer a fairly long smoke so that I could really take my time enjoying the flavors as it burned.

Pre-Smoke Analysis

The cigar seemed to be of excellent construction.  I had to dig through a few sticks before I found one where the wrapper wasn’t starting to unravel – but I’ll attribute that to vendor responsibility instead of to cigar construction.  The stick I did find seemed to be seamless with very few leaf veins throughout.  It had a smooth texture – almost as if it had a thin, invisible powder coating the wrapper.  There were no noticeable soft spots and it appeared to be double or triple-capped at the top.  The foot gave off a nice aroma and the appearance of the cigar as a whole was very enticing.

The First Third

I was a little disappointed when I trimmed the cap because it frayed a bit.  It seemed to kind of pop off as I clipped and tobacco remnants spilled out all over the counter.  I assumed this may be because the wrapper was a little dry (which may explain why I had trouble selecting a decent stick in the humidor), but the rest of the cigar seemed to keep its form pretty well.  One of my pet peeves with cigars is always feeling a piece of a frayed cap on my lips when I take a draw off of it, so I did the best I could to repair the fray and continued on with my smoke.

From the first draw, I could immediately taste a potent spice and pepper blend that really woke me up.  Not overpowering, but definitely a statement by the cigar that lets you know it’s got legs to stand on.  The initial pop of flavor quickly mellows out though and some more subtle flavors started taking their turns on my palate.  Leather, chocolate and earthy spices dominated with occasional hints of incense.  Drawing from the cigar was extremely cool and smooth and it produced a rich, creamy smoke.  Solid and strong white ash held its form nicely and it burned evenly.

The Second Third

As I approached the second third of the cigar, it began to canoe a little.  I corrected it with a couple matches, but it definitely wasn’t keeping burn as uniformly as it did at first.  The thickness of the smoke was starting to diminish a little and it settled into a solid medium-body cigar.  The flavor became sweeter and more pronounced with woody, cedar tones starting to take over and plateaued to a very smooth taste.

Burning Out

As I finished out the cigar a lot of the initial flavor resurfaced at the end – maintaining its medium-body, but delivering a very solid reminder of what impressed me at the start.  I was still continuing to have problems with the cigar canoeing and spent more time correcting it than I would have liked and the cigar did eventually burn out before I smoked it down as far as I would have if it had not.  It just wasn’t keeping a flame past a certain point, but I did get a decent experience out of it first.  The flavors were pretty consistent throughout – and while there weren’t any notable changes in aroma or flavor after the initial burn, it was an enjoyable smoke for the most part.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I did enjoy this cigar and have nothing really bad to say about it – however, that is not to say that there were not a few issues that kept me from giving this an “A” rating.  My first concern was how dry the wrapper seemed to be when I clipped the cap.  It kind of seemed to explode off the stick and the dusty remnants of tobacco all over the place made me feel that it was going to burn quickly and unevenly.  That didn’t really tend to be the case, but the frayed cap the clipping left behind was a little disappointing.  The burn itself seemed to start off well, but it really detracts from the enjoyment of the cigar if you’re constantly checking and correcting the burn like I had to do toward the middle of the stick.  It didn’t seem to detract from the aroma or the taste at all and so I’m not knocking it for that – but I can’t ignore that it detracted from the overall experience.  Was it cigar construction, vendor storage or operator error?  Who knows.  Maybe a combination of all three.

The fact that it became harder to keep lit toward the end of the smoke and that it eventually extinguished itself was disappointing as well.  The taste was becoming just a little bit bitter, but the cigar seemed to retain its physical strength of construction right to the end.  For every issue I had with it, there was something rewarding stepping up as compensation and so I had very mixed feelings about this cigar upon finishing it.  I think I have to give it the benefit of the doubt that it is a great cigar – and I think I’ll have to try another one from another shop sometime to see if maybe that makes a difference.  Until then, the best rating I can give it is a “B” – only for what seems attributable to condition that were beyond noticeable control.

The CAO Italia Novella

Fatal Halo Rating

A

Price: $6.00
 

4.5” x 46 ring gauge (Novella)

Italian, Nicaraguan & Peruvian Filler

Honduran Habano Seed Binder & Wrapper

My interest in this cigar was brought about mainly by what I had read about its construction.  I had never smoked a cigar with Italian tobacco and so I was curious how the taste would be different from others I had sampled.  I was also impressed by the blends of Nicaraguan & Peruvian tobaccos with the Italian brought together inside a Honduran Habano seed wrapper.  The complexity of flavors and aromas was almost too enticing to pass up.

After doing some additional research, I discovered that the Italian tobacco was grown in the southern Benevento region between Rome & Naples – and the seeds they originated from were brought over from Cuba over 40 years ago.  Sounds like the beginning of a good love story, doesn’t it?

Pre-Smoke Analysis

The construction of this cigar was pretty impressive.  A nice, symmetrical-cut cap, a definite rigidity in its feel and a solid toughness but silky feel to its wrapper.  Rolling it gently between my fingers, I did not detect any noticeable soft spots, so I knew right away that it would have a pretty even burn.  It had an earthy aroma with just a subtle hint of spice.  A very aromatic cigar, but no specific descriptive terms immediately lept to mind.  I resigned myself to the realization it would have to be deconstructed as it burned!

The First Third

The first few draws on this cigar were not immediately noteable.  It was definitely full of flavor – but I still could not pinpoint anything specific due to its incredible complexity.  It was enjoyable nonetheless and I spent the first third of this cigar really drifting off on its unique taste and savoring its delicate nuances.  The burn was even and its solid white ash held form very well.

The Second Third

By this point, I was really starting to pick up on the spiciness and a definite taste of leather.  Medium in body, it was not at all overpowering and I found myself taking quicker and longer draws on it so that it would play longer on my palate.  It began to sweeten a little as it burned hotter and though I’ve heard in other reviews that smokers often taste coffee and chocolate, I wasn’t really picking up on any of that just yet.

Burning Out

The last little bit of this cigar was by far the most enjoyable.  The earthy flavors I mentioned before suddenly became more pronounced and the cigar took on a more herbal flavor.  I was now picking up on some of the chocolate aromas and something very fragrant – almost like incense.  Though hotter on the draw, it remained consistently medium-bodied with no real over-powering changes.  It’s complexity was unfailing right down to the nub and I found myself wanting more simply because of how intriguing it was!

Final Thoughts

Though unremarkable at first draw, the Italia pleasantly surprised me with its complex range of flavors and aromas that really blossomed as it burned.  I found myself inhaling the smoke through my nose to take in more of the fragrance – and that, in my opinion, is truly the most accurate way to describe it.  It is a “fragrant” cigar – both in scent and in taste.  I think the best way for me to rate a cigar is by whether or not it is one I would see myself smoking again.  I most certainly plan to smoke more of these in the future and would recommend an Italia to anyone who appreciates a finely-blended cigar.  Though I had a beverage within arm’s reach, I never took a sip because I didn’t dare want to wash any of the flavor away.  Already a big fan of the CAO Brazilia, I’ve added a new favorite to my humidor with the Italia.  If you have the opportunity, treat yourself to this wonderful edition of the CAO line.  Bravo!

Jaime Garcia Reserva Especial

Fatal Halo Rating

A+

Price: $7.00

5.2” x 54 ring gauge

Nicaraguan Long Filler

Nicaraguan Binder

Connecticut  Maduro Broadleaf Wrapper

As far as my cigar smoking experience goes, I haven’t sampled a lot from the Garcia’s “My Father” line, but having read a glowing review of this particular stick in Cigar Snob magazine, I was intrigued to see if it really lived up to the hype.  I’ve smoked several of the La Reloba Selección Sumatra sticks and found them to be very consistent and flavorful, so I was expecting a lot from this signature blend.

Pre-Smoke Analysis

As far as my pre-smoke analysis, I found the cigar to be of excellent construction.  No soft spots, no tears or flaws in the wrapper and, oddly, a toothy yet silky feel.  I was most impressed by the cap that looks as if it was perfectly symmetrical to diameter of the cigar and the aroma was immediately enticing.  Subtle hints of chocolate and coffee were immediately evident.  Using my Montecristo Samurai guillotine cutter, it cut smoothly and cleanly with absolutely no fraying.  I knew right away this cigar was going to be a special experience.  This cigar was clearly constructed for the discerning aficionado.

The First Third

As I torched the foot, the aromas became stronger and more pronounced – now a more sweet and woody aroma permeated the air and actually made my mouth start to water before I even took my first draw on it!

Once I had a nice burn going, I took my first few draws on it and was blown away by how sweet and smooth it was!  From the appearance alone and having smoked several other Nicaraguan cigars, I was expecting something a little over-powering, but it was a pleasant surprise to find that all the flavor was there but none of the harshness.  I took some time to sit back and just enjoy the way the flavors played on my palate.  A little peppery and woody, but still smoothed out by that chocolate/coffee blend.  Definitely a medium to full-bodied smoke depending on your personal taste.

The Second Third

As my smoking experience continued, I was delighted to see how strong the ash was holding!  A marbling of black and white ash held the perfect shape of the cigar I had smoked so far almost perfectly with a completely even burn.  No canoeing, no tunneling.  After about an inch and a half, I tried to flick the cigar to drop the ash and it wouldn’t budge!  I had to break it off on the ashtray and could feel definite resistance as I did.  If the expertise of the construction wasn’t apparent at first, it certainly was now!  No doubt as a result of the accordian-style bunching used on the filler tobacco.

Burning Out

What I found most amazing about this cigar was how the flavor seemed to change and strengthen as the cigar burned.  I was constantly analyzing the differences, and although they were incredibly complex and sometimes hard to detail, I enjoyed it immensely.  I smoked this one right down to the nub - and if I didn’t mind singed lips and burned fingertips, I certainly would have enjoyed it a little longer!

Final Thoughts

My final thoughts on this cigar is that it is truly a masterpiece among others and is a delightful find for someone like me who is constantly exploring new brands and blends. A diamond in the rough.  Being Jaime Garcia’s introduction to the industry in the wake of his father’s legendary status in Cuba (Don Pepin Garcia), it more than lives up the hype and to his family’s reputation.  This has become one of my all-time favorite cigars and one I cannot recommend enough to those who truly appreciate a fine smoke.  Excellent construction, impeccable flavors and aroma, a perfect balance in body and feel and burns without flaw.

For more about Jaime and this line of cigars, check out the June 2010 issue of Cigar Snob Magazine (www.cigarsnobmag.com) where you can read in detail about his approach to quality control and construction.  You’ll never pass up one of his family’s cigars again, I assure you!

CAO Brazilia "Pirhana"



This cigar is one of my personal favorites.  Because of its length, it smokes in a relatively reasonable amount of time.  Taste-wise, it packs a lot of punch.  Definitely a full-bodied cigar in every sense of the word, it is spicy and earthy and each draw rewards you with rich flavor.

The construction of the cigar is impressive. A tight and firm roll, there are very few noticeable soft spots and the dark wrapper has a very smooth and velvety feel.  The cap cut cleanly with no fraying at all and the foot took the flame quickly.  There was an immense amount of flavor on the first draw that continues in every subsequent one.  The ash is a solid white and holds firm while handling the cigar.

The strength of this cigar’s flavor is evident the moment you pick it up from the look of the dark Brazilian wrapper to the aroma emanating off of it.  It is not too strong for my taste and packs just the right amount of punch to let me know that I am enjoying a very fine cigar.  This particular one must be my third or fourth Brazilia and the flavor consistency is right on the mark.  CAO is quickly becoming one of my favorite cigar makers.