Archived Reviews #2

This is the remainder of the reviews that I am transferring over from the old site. It's fun to read what I thought of certain cigars a year and a half ago and see what I think of them today. My tastes have changed in some ways, hopefully becoming more sophisticated, but overall, I think the sticks I liked then, I would like now...

Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur Banquet
6.75" x 48 ring
Friday, March 30, 2007
Initial: Wonderful medium-bodied smoke, even lighting, flavorful, not overpowering (90)
Draw: Excellent (95)
Halfway Point: Very nice, easy smoking, cool smoke, not too heavy (90)
Finish: A few bitter notes and a little flavor loss (85)
Remarks: This is a stick that reminds me why I started smoking cigars in the first place. Pleasant aroma with good flavor that does not beat you over the head. No wonder this line of cigars is still my favorite.
OVERALL SCORE: 90






Montecristo Edmundo
5.3" x 52 ring
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Initial: Strong & leathery, earthy, pure tobacco flavor (90)
Draw: Very good (90)
Halfway Point: Pleasant flavor, but not spectacular (80)
Finish: A few minor unpleasant notes (75)
Remarks: This Cuban stick started with some promise but failed to deliver. It is not a bad cigar by any means, but is also not worthy of the legendary status that Cuban cigars have in the world. It would honestly be an exceptional smoke for $4, but the price is utterly unjustified otherwise, as it has very little in the way of character. Many sticks get better as you smoke them, but this one seemed to just get blander.
OVERALL SCORE: 82





Arturo Fuente Gran Reserva Chateau Fuente
4.5" x 50 ring
Friday, February 23, 2007
Initial: Lights well, has some spice (90)
Draw: Excellent (95)
Halfway Point: Nice, a bit of spiciness (90)
Finish: Good, no bitterness (90)
Remarks: A good smoke from beginning to end. A strong maduro cigar with spice and kick.
OVERALL SCORE: 91




Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur 1066 Merlin
5.25" x 50 ring
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Initial: A woody, full-body. Flavor settles after a couple minutes (90)
Draw: Excellent (95)
Halfway Point: Mellow full-body flavor, easy smoking (95)
Finish: Wonderful (98)
Remarks: After a bit of harsh woodiness at the beginning, this settled into a most delightful smoke that ranks among the finest cigars made. There really is not a thing wrong with this stick, from construction to smoking it down to the nubs.
OVERALL SCORE: 94





Natural by Drew Estate
Dirt
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Initial: Hints of sweetness in a mild-body smoke (90)
Draw: Very Good (90)
Halfway Point: Excellent flavor, hints of coffee and chocolate (95)
Finish: Good to the last puff (95)
Remarks: There's a reason this is still my favorite. The flavor is great from beginning to end. There's never a hint of overpowering you. The size is perfect for 20 to 30 minutes of pure smoking pleasure. It's a perfect marriage of the Natural filler and wrapper tobaccos creating a pleasantly sweet taste that's never wussy. Guaranteed not to offend non-smokers in the area.
OVERALL SCORE: 93


Rocky Patel Vintage 1990
5.5" x 50 ring
Friday, February 16, 2007
Initial: Pleasant woody flavor, cap came off almost immediately (80)
Draw: Excellent (95)
Halfway Point: Just a hint of patchouli; still very pleasant (90)
Finish: Some bitter notes toward the end. (85)
Remarks: Very good cigar with some minor flaws. The cap separating from a punched cigar implies poor construction, although there was not expected unravelling problems. It seemed to be cross-contaminated with an Acid, but it didn't happen in my box. It did add a nice note, but it probably wasn't supposed to be there. The bitterness toward the end was not very consistent. Overall, a good smoke with some minor inconsistencies that marred the experience.
OVERALL SCORE: 86