Oliva Serie V Lancero
This is a well constructed cigar sporting a sun grown habano wrapper and ligero filler. The lancero vitola allows you to enjoy all the flavor the wrapper has to offer. This cigar boasts an excellent blend of wood, spice and slight chocolate flavors; I also picked up a bit of pecan and other nuts, as well as hints of coffee in the final third. The draw is somewhat tight but burn is nice and even, and the 7″ length gives you a lot of enjoyment for only $5.
Mini Review Grade: A-
Mini Review
Grade A-, Habano, Lancero, Med/Full, Mini Review, Oliva
Arturo Fuente 8-5-8 Factory Seconds Natural
This inexpensive, unbanded second of the Arturo Fuente 858 is a bit of a mystery to me, as the banded cigar normally sells for only $5. The smoke is a tasty, rich blend of sweet tobacco and mocha with a hint of cedar and peanut. The aroma is excellent, almost intoxicating. If you’re willing to overlook some construction issues such as small wrapper flaws, a slightly loose cigar that creates flowery ash and has an overly easy draw, you will find a very tasty cigar at an unbeatable price. Thanks to my co-worker Rocky (no, not that one) for the sample cigars!
Mini Review Grade: B-
Mini Review
Arturo Fuente, Cigar, Grade B-, Mini Review, Natural, Toro
Partagas (Black Label) Prontos
The Pronto from Partagas is a very well constructed small cigar with a dark natural wrapper. They are sold in tins of 6 for $10-14 and last upwards of 40 minutes despite their diminutive size. Flavors are rich tobacco and earthiness with a sweet aroma. The cigar packs a punch with powerful ligero tobacco leading to a full body smoke. Burn was good and the ash was extremely light grey. A great way to spend your lunch break.
Mini Review Grade: A-
Mini Review
Full, Grade A-, Mini Review, Natural, Partagas, Small Cigars
Rocky Patel Autumn Collection 2008 Toro
This is a perfectly constructed cigar with a light brown wrapper. Draw was just right, while the burn was a little uneven with some tunneling. The ash was one of the lightest grey I’ve seen, nearly white. The flavors are mild and include paper, wood and a bit of a sweet note. The mouth feel is a bit dry until the second half when some creaminess arrives. The body is medium. This was a nice but not remarkable cigar, and at $7-8 each, you can find a better smoke.
Mini Review Grade: C+
Mini Review
52 Ring, Grade C, Medium, Mini Review, Rocky Patel, Sumatra
5 Vegas Classic Double Corona
A well constructed cigar with a nice sumatra wrapper. It had an overly tight draw but a well behaved and firm ash. A pleasant flavor profile of sweet, earthy tobacco and a small hit of pepper on the palate. The smoke is fairly creamy but has a slightly harsh finish, and has a medium-full body. At $2-3 each, this is a nice value cigar.
Mini Review Grade: B-
Mini Review
48 Ring, 5 Vegas, Grade B-, Med/Full, Mini Review, Sumatra