Olde World Reserve Maduro by Rocky Patel

I grabbed this cigar before scooting down to Cincinnati for another fun working weekend - I was hoping for warm weather, and finally, late sunday afternoon, the sun finally decided to make an appearance.

I stepped outside, clipped a v-cut and, half a dozen matches later, lit the stick up. (Editor: And another half dozen matches later, you've destroyed the evidence of you and the Senator's illicit affair. )

But before I get ahead of myself - holding this puppy to light, I could tell it was going to be a strong smoke. Not surprising, this like the Camacho Coyolar Puro, came out of the CI Full-Bodied Sampler I picked up a few months back. Now I've had potent cigars before, but this one had a very strong version of that tingly nicotine feel you get from full-bodied cigars. I suspected I was in for a treat. (Editor: Know what else would be a treat? If you'd stop calling me every weekend in a drunken stupor, confessing your love of My Little Pony)

I wasn't disappointed - the cigar was strong right out of the gate, and didn't back down. Surprisingly smooth for a maduro, with an excellent draw and build construction, after a minute it really opened up into buttery, leathery notes that really floored me. I wasn't expecting anything like what I got.

I've had a strange run in cigars now - three in a row that have started off somewhat "meh", before really knocking my socks off. This one was a classic example of the kind of full-bodied cigar that sneaks up on you. You don't realize how strong it is until you stand up when you're finished. (Editor: That's what.....he said?)

It wouldn't be a Hassle to (h)offer this cigar to anyone that loves full bodied cigars. And for that, it gets an 8. (Editor: Ugggggghhhh...)


Rocky Patel Olde World Reserve Maduro
Size: Toro (6" x 52 ring)
Taste: Wild
Draw: Good
Burn: Even
Flavors: Buttery Leather.
Overall Rating:

Montecristo Platinum Toro

It was a cold night in Louisville. I stepped outside to enjoy a well touted Montecristo Platinum Toro, wondering to myself "Self, I wonder if there's anything to this cigar, or if it's merely the sort of thing that posers pick up because of a certain combination of brand name, and flashy label." (Editor: "Self, review applications more thoroughly in the future, before just hiring any moron with a typing hand who walks through the door. Sincerely, Joe Editor (you)" )

Little did I know that in less than 24 hours, I'd be dead.

Ok, not dead, just stranded in Kentucky with a bad alternator.

Which is pretty much the same thing. (Editor: You jerk, you got my hopes up.)

As I lit the cigar, I wasn't impressed with the draw. It was alright, but nothing to write home about.

In a completely obvious statement, the cigar began with strong tobbacco notes, but a third of the way in, what I could only describe as mulled spices began to take over. Prior to this point, I really wasn't feeling any love for this smoke. It was cold, and at this point (about 30 minutes in) I really considered dousing the thing and heading inside.

As I said, once I hit the 1/3 mark, savory tones began to creep in, with those same mulled spices. Halfway through, it took on an eggy savoriness (a strange description, I'm sure, but it was something that really struck me - it was something akin to well peppered scrambled eggs, and certainly wasn't unpleasant). (Editor: OK, so your cigar tasted like eggs, and you figured - "Hey, what the hell, let's keep it going"? Well let me give you a little hint. If it starts tasting like spoiled milk, just toss it. ) Two-thirds through, nutty tones begin to take over, and remained until the literal bitter end - as enjoying as the ride was, the cigar finished on a terribly bitter note before I pitched it.

Overall I enjoyed the smoke - it was far more complex than I expected, and when it really took off, the flavors and warmth were enough to keep me outside in the cold long enough to see it to the end.

There were some drawbacks - a boring first first third, a very bitter end, and less than ideal draw hold this cigar back from an 8, and firmly plant it as a 7.


Montecristo Platinum Toro
Size: Toro (6" x 50 ring)
Taste: Medium
Draw: Ok
Burn: Fairly Even, minor touchup required.
Flavors: Complex, mulled spices, savory and nutty tones.
Overall Rating:

La Princesa de Cuba Toro

I got this cigar in some new years eve sampler pack. The sampler pack was a great deal and had a few cigars I have never tried before, this being one of them.

I smoked this cigar a few weeks ago and at first I was not going to review it because... well, it was lackluster. Then I decided to review it anyway because all reviews shouldn't be great. (Editor: Well, you're off to a fine start, then.)

The cigars looked and smelled nice. I had no problems lighting it up and it burned pretty even.

The taste at first was pretty harsh. Not a good harsh just kinda strong with no redeeming qualities. The second third of the cigar was actually not terrible. It had a very earthy flavor but maybe too earthy like dirt. The last third of the cigar returned to the harsh, bad tasting cigar it started out as. (Editor: I had a girlfriend like that. Started off ok, then turned dirty, and then tasted terrible. Oh, wait - it was YOUR MOM. Burn. )

There was lots of smoke with the cigar but unfortunately that pretty much the extent of the flavor... smoke.

The draw was medium... just about perfect. For me I like I medium draw. I don't want to have suck so hard my mouth hurts (like I do with Lawson's toes). Just kidding, Lawson likes it more sensual. I also do not prefer a cigar that feels like I'm sucking through an empty straw. I would prefer some resistance so I know I'm smoking. (Editor: We all know what you're smoking...)

Do you think anyone is actually lured into believing a cigar with Cuba in the name is actually from Cuba? Like when I saw this cigar I thought it was made either by or from a Cuban princess. After I tried it, probably a drag Cuban princess is a better guess. (Editor: Well, you would know.)

Overall, the cigar was mediocre at best. No real complexity. Nothing to write home about. Probably will never buy it again. (Editor: Wow, that was my same thought about YOUR MOM. Burn.)

La Princessa de Cuba
Size: Toro (6" x 50 ring)
Taste: Medium
Draw: Smooth Easy Draw
Burn: Pretty Even, Burned very slightly faster on one side but not a problem at all
Flavors: Earthy and wood flavor but mostly just smoky and unexciting
Overall Rating:
Dynamite Lips = not so great cigar