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The RobbyRas Very Amateur Review Thread

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  • MonteWhiteMonteWhite Everyone, Registered Users Posts: 200
    My votes are for Oval and My Father
  • rburke1129rburke1129 Everyone, Registered Users Posts: 383
    Oval and My Father
  • robbyrasrobbyras Everyone, Registered Users Posts: 5,487
    well... I got antsy and fired up the cg:4 Maddy yesterday (review coming) and I'm reeeeeeeeeeeeeally hoping to get some time for the Oval today...
  • stephen_hannibalstephen_hannibal Everyone, Registered Users Posts: 4,317
    robbyras:
    well... I got antsy and fired up the cg:4 Maddy yesterday (review coming) and I'm reeeeeeeeeeeeeally hoping to get some time for the Oval today...
    The Oval is an amazing smoke.

  • robbyrasrobbyras Everyone, Registered Users Posts: 5,487
    ~cg:4~ White Horse Madruo - Illusione Cigars
    Wrapper: San Andreas Maduro
    Vitola: Corona Extra 5/8 x 46
    Time in Humi: 1 week
    Blender: Dion Giolito

    As you saw from my impressions of the Epernay '09 Le Ferme, I am becoming a fan of the Illusione line. I saw Brett's review of the 888 Maduro, so I went to my local spot looking for a maddy for myself. I've been smoking a lot of Coronas lately, so I went with the cg:4 maddy.

    2011-11-14_16-47-09_447

    Prelight: This is a nice looking cigar. Nothing fancy, but nice. Thin burgundy band with gold text. The color gets lost in the dark brown of the wrapper, but whatever. There is a light pepper note from the wrapper, but nothing to get too excited about. The cap offered little to indicate what I was in store for. I used the 007 Punch and found the draw to be slightly tight, but given the small ring gauge, it wasn't a huge deal. The prelight draw offered some sweet spice notes (cinnamon stick).

    2011-11-14_16-54-17_527

    Beginning: I fired this baby up with a single torch and it started off producing a lot of smoke. The initial draw was nice. There was a pepper that I didn't expect. Even stranger, the peeper notes didn't last. It was there for the first few puffs, then it went away never to return. The smoke was thick and creamy. after about 10 minutes I found myself thinking, "this is one of the smoothest smokes I've ever had."

    2011-11-14_17-20-24_858

    Middle: DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARK CHOCOLATE! That's what showed up in the middle of this party. The wrapper really took over. I imagine the vitola had something to do with this, given the wrapper to filler ratio. Dark Chocolate mocha with a fair amount of cinnamon is what I was tasting. It was really nice. The flavor profile was more on the full side, but the strength was medium all the way. I was glad I was drinking water. I ended up going through almost twice as much as usual.

    2011-11-14_17-11-56_172

    End: More of the same. Nothing really changed after the first few inches. This was a good and bad thing. It was good because the flavors were nice. It was bad because I was hoping for a little more. I wanted a little more subtlety. It ended up being a little more "in your face" than I wanted. Still a very solid smoke just not as balanced as I would gave hoped.

    2011-11-14_17-41-11_802

    Construction: Not bad. The draw was a little tight, but everything else was spot on. The smoke was nice and thick too. Always a plus.

    Final Thoughts: I liked it. Was it my favorite? No, but it was a real solid madruo. To be fair, I have smoked some REALLY good maduros lately (Camacho Triple Maddy, La Aurora Preferido, etc.) so this guy had some stiff competition. With all that being said, it was a nice smoke. Will I buy it again? Maybe, but I won't be stocking up.

    2011-11-14_17-49-20_681

    Scores:
    Smoke Time: ~70 minutes
    Price point: 8: It's a little pricey when you consider what you can get for less.
    Appearance: 8.5 - The wrapper was nice, but the band was a little washed out. Kinda blah.
    Construction: 9 - Draw was a little tight.
    Flavor: 8.5 - A little more than I anticipated and was hoping for. I wanted more subtlety.
    Overall: 8.75 - It was nice. Not great, not terrible. Solid smoke all around.

    I still love the Illusione line. The Epernay was hard to compare with, but this stick held it's own. You're paying for the name though.
  • rburke1129rburke1129 Everyone, Registered Users Posts: 383
    I always look forward to your reviews..thanks for posting them!
  • robbyrasrobbyras Everyone, Registered Users Posts: 5,487
    rburke1129:
    I always look forward to your reviews..thanks for posting them!
    Thanks Bro! If you're on facebook or twitter you can check some stuff out there too(see my signature below... and i'll have http://robbyrasreviews.blogspot.com/ up and running soon too...
  • roland_7707roland_7707 Everyone, Registered Users Posts: 2,647
    I pushed the "like"button on your reviews on facebook.
    yeah, it was good for me.lol
  • robbyrasrobbyras Everyone, Registered Users Posts: 5,487
    Not much of a review here, but I fired one up today for the first time in about 5 months... I really love this stick... It's so tough... I was working in the house and smoking outside, so I was not babying it AT ALL... and it NEVER went out on me... there was one point where i went about 5 minutes in between puffs and no issues... no news flash here, it's a freakin winner!

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    2011-11-16_15-56-17_32
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  • dowjr1dowjr1 Everyone, Registered Users Posts: 600
    Keep em comin bra...I love the reviews and I think the rest of the team on here does as well.
  • BombayBombay Everyone, Registered Users Posts: 1,207
    robbyras:
    Triple Maduro - Camacho Cigars

    Wrapper: Honduras - Maduro
    Binder: Honduras - Maduro
    Filler: Honduras - Maduro
    Vitola: Robusto 4.5 x 50
    Time in Humi: 6 months

    The Ccom description of the Triple Maduro says, "The Camacho Triple Maduro is the first cigar in history to utilize 100% maduro tobaccos in its blend." I had no idea that this was the case. In truth, I never really thought about it, but an interesting factoid nonetheless.

    Prelight: The wrapper on this baby is almost black and smells strongly of pepper. I used my Xi 009 punch on this one and the perfect draw revealed more pepper accompanied by a slight bitter sweetness.

    2011-11-03_12-16-41_857

    Beginning: This was one of the more difficult sticks to light in my limited experience. I'm sure the borderline stormy conditions didn't help. But I finally got it going with a single flame torch. The first draw was sublime. Big, chewy maduro sweetness combined with strong pepper and slight espresso/cappuccino notes. It was a warning. "Strap in, it's gonna be a fun ride." The pepper notes were big in the beginning. The chewy maduro sweetness was present (duh!) throughout.

    2011-11-03_12-33-49_784

    Middle: So the pepper gave way about an inch or so in. This is were it got REALLY interesting. Smores. Yep, marshmallow, semi-sweet chocolate and graham cracker. There was also a nutty note in there, almost like walnut, but more savory. This was one of the more enjoyable 1.5 - 2 inches of cigar I have ever smoked.

    2011-11-03_12-40-03_687

    End: Another note presented itself and once I pinpointed it, I realized it had been lingering in the background the whole time. It was a very subtle anise (black licorice) flavor. It was never the focus, but always floating around in the background. Like the guy who always shows up to ESPN College Gameday with the Washington State flag (what's his deal?). The smoke stayed cool all the way to the very end. A clean coffee bitterness was my signal to put this baby down, though I really didn't want to.



    2011-11-03_13-05-00_233

    Construction: Pretty close to perfect. The wrapper is coal black and oily, as one would expect. The burn never got straight and required 2-3 touch ups. One thing I noticed and enjoyed was the smoke production. When resting, the cigar itself produced very little smoke, but when I puffed I was greeted with luxurious thick smoke.

    Final Thoughts: I'm not a Camacho fan. The brand seems to be very popular here on the boards and obliviously they are doing very well. But for some reason, this is the only blend I truly enjoy. And I really really really enjoy it. Now this is not an everyday smoke, as least not for me. The price point and the flavor ( full body and full strength, although the strength didn't blow me over) dictate that for me, but it is prefect to sit down by the fire pit and BS with a few buddies. If you want a big fat maduro smoke to warm you up on a cold Autumn afternoon, fire one of these up. An added benefit is the robusto is only 4.5 inches and smokes in about 65 minutes!

    2011-11-03_13-10-06_448

    Scores:
    Smoke Time: Just about 70 minutes (I kinda babied the second half)
    Price Point: 9 - They are listed here for $11, but they show up on deals all the time. I got this as part of a $25 five pack. At $5, the price point is a complete 10!
    Appearance: 9 - The cigar itself is nothing special to look at, but the band is easily one of my favorites. Throw in the foot band and you have a very sophisticated look.
    Construction: 9 - The burn never got straight for me, but it never went out.
    Draw: 9.5 - Close to perfect.
    Flavor: 9.7 - I rank this just below the Anejo and just above the La Aurora Preferido. Borderline brilliant.

    If you've had this stick, then you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't, do yourself a favor and grab a fiver the next time you see a deal. You won't be disappointed and if you are, you will have NO problem trading them off for something you like. I know I'd take them.

    And, as always, thanks for reading. I look forward to your feedback.

    Rob had one of these bad boys this afternoon and I agree on all points. I didnt get the marshmallows but the coffee, chcolate, and spice were fantastic.I picked a couple up last weekend and this was a treat. The first camacho I truly enjoyed. Now on to find one of those five pack deals for 25 bucks!
  • phobicsquirrelphobicsquirrel Everyone, Registered Users Posts: 7,349
    Great write up on the triple. One of my favorite cigars.. I have several boxes of different sizes. They do take a bit of lighting to start but I rarely have any burn issues. My only complaint is I wish they were a bit cheaper. I love the 60's. This and the ruination are my favorite cigars to smoke on a regular basis.
  • robbyrasrobbyras Everyone, Registered Users Posts: 5,487
    thanks for the feedback... I've had a few more of the Triple Maddy since the review and they keep getting better... love love love it!

    unfortunately i've only seen that 5 for 25 deal once... i wish i would have bought more...
  • robbyrasrobbyras Everyone, Registered Users Posts: 5,487
    I have been completely buried in work lately, which explains my lack of reviews lately... well that and getting mt site up and running...

    I have an upcoming Review Face-Off with The Irishman that should be fun... Thanks to MTuccelli for the idea and volunteering the smokes as well... What a guy!

    along with that I'll be reviewing some sticks of my choosing as well and here is a peek at what is coming up! I'm all over the map with these but it should be fun!

    Photobucket
  • robbyrasrobbyras Everyone, Registered Users Posts: 5,487
    La Palina El Diario
    Factory: Fabrica de Tobacos Raices Cubanas
    Wrapper: Honduran Corojo ’99 Rosado
    Binder: Honduran Criollo ’98 (x2)
    Filler: Nicaraguan Corojo ’99 and Criollo ’98
    Vitola: Torpedo 6.125 x 52
    Time in Humi: 1 week

    This is my first La Palina experience. They are marketed as a high end line with on par with Diamond Crown and Davidoff. Given all that, my expectations were very high. The El Diario is their "everyday" line though it is priced in the $10-12 range. To me, that is a bit pricey for an everyday smoke, so I tried to be objective with my review and leave price point out of it. I will give this stick an overall rating with and without price consideration.

    2011-11-21_15-42-18_586

    Prelight: As you can see, it's a good looking stick. The Rosado wrapper has a nice coloring to it. I found it to be rather unique in appearance. Th wrapper gives off lots of crisp white pepper and some cedar notes. I clipped it with my Xi cutter and found a clean draw with lots of sweet tobacco notes and some pepper. I'm really looking forward to this smoke.

    2011-11-21_16-27-25_586

    Beginning: A single flame torch got us started rather easily and the first puff offered a lot of pepper on the tongue and through the nose. I was expecting pepper, but it seemed to dominate the first half inch. The ash has a strange crack running through it as well. No idea what that means, if anything, but I happened to notice it. The pepper relaxed as we went on and some subtle sweet and leather notes came into the fold. i couldn't pinpoint the sweetness. It wasn't a true cocoa flavor. It was almost like a sweetened coffee sweetness without the coffee. Whatever that means. Regardless of all that, it was nice. Everything seemed to come together at the 1 inch point.

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    Middle: This is an elegant cigar. It's subtle without being boring or weak. The flavors really seem to wrap around each other. I know that sounds lame, but I can't think of another way to describe it. Pepper, sweetness, so leather and wood notes round out the menu and really compliment each other well. I'm enjoying this smoke for sure and I'm trying not to think about the price tag.

    2011-11-21_16-48-13_876

    End: More of the same. Solid medium body and medium strength. I've seen some other reviews that say it picks up in strength toward the end, but I did not experience that. The word elegant sticks in my head. It's really the perfect description of this cigar. Some of it could be me falling victim to the marketing, but who cares. I began to wish I was smoking this in a lounge in a suit instead of on my deck in a hoodie. I nubbed this baby out after almost 2 hours of enjoyment.

    Construction: Solid. The torpedo felt substantial in my hand, the wrapper was pristine, the draw was flawless. The only issue I seemed to have was the burn got funky and went out on me once. Other than that it's very well constructed.

    2011-11-21_17-04-39_290

    Final Thoughts: I wish I could say this cigar snuck up on me, but it didn't. When you check out their website and advertising, you really kind of expect something high end and this stick delivered. Here's my issue, it really is an everyday smoke at a premium+ price. I really wish I could take price out of the equation, but I can't. It's a really good smoke and I would like to have 5-10 of them resting in my humi, but he price point won't really allow that.

    Scores:
    Smoke Time: 110 minutes
    Price point: 6: I loved this stick, but I can't stomach paying $12 for it. If it were $8 then I'd be singing a different tune.
    Appearance: 9.5 - Clean. Precise. Elegant.
    Construction: 9 - Spot on for the most part. The burn was a little troublesome.
    Draw: 10 - Perfect.
    Flavor: 9 - Subtle flavors that really melded well together. A different take on the everyday smoke for sure.
    Overall without price consideration: 9 - This stick forces you to pay attention.
    Overall with price consideration: 8.25 - Cut a few bucks off and we're in business.

    I enjoyed my first dance with La Palina. She's not a cheap date and may price herself out of some budgets. I know she's on the high end for me. If I can talk her in to going to Apple-bee's every once in a while, then we may be able to carve out a relationship.
  • rburke1129rburke1129 Everyone, Registered Users Posts: 383
    wow..what a good lookin cigar. Your comment about wishing you were smoking it in a lounge is a great description!
  • robbyrasrobbyras Everyone, Registered Users Posts: 5,487
    San Cristobal Elegancia - Don Pepin Garcia & Ashton Cigars
    Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
    Binder: Nicaraguan
    Filler: Nicaraguan
    Vitola: Pyramid 6 1/8 x 52
    Time in Humi: 1 week
    Accompanying Beverage: Water

    Like most of you guy (and gals) I am a sucker for anything new. I gotta have it. Whether it's a new stick or a new line or even something that I was just not aware of before. So when San Cristobal released the Elegancia, I was on the prowl.

    2011-11-22_14-20-17_500

    Prelight: The wrapper has the claro color (look at me, expanding my vocab!) common to most Connecticut wrappers. It offers the spicy smell which I have come to expect from Don Pepin Garcia. It's a flawless looking wrapper with no visible veins and is smooth and light to the touch. There is one slight imperfection in the wrapper, but it looks to have happened in transit (aka, it's my fault). The cap is clean and offers little taste before clipping.

    2011-11-22_14-20-13_290

    Beginning: My expectation level for this cigar is growing. It's a nice outside, the wrapper is giving me indications that this isn't going to be too mild in the flavor department and I'm done working for the day. My Xi Cutter clips the cap cleanly and I find an even draw waiting for me. Toast the foot and fire it up with a single flame torch pretty simply. The first draw offers up some spice, but not the pepper I was expecting. There is a light floral note in there as well. The blend has a very unique flavor to me. It's much bolder than I had anticipated. Definitely a medium body.

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    Middle: Things get creamy. The flavors have mellowed a bit. Less of the spice is present and it seemingly has been replaced by a light leather and earthy flavor. The leather notes are more luxurious than overpowering. The smoke feels thicker in the middle and has a much smoother creamier texture. It's really settled in nicely. Still medium bodied for sure, but it's on the mild side as far as strength is concerned. So far, it's a really nice early afternoon smoke.

    2011-11-22_14-48-33_753

    End: So the pepper returns a little at in the end. I say pepper, but it's more of a spicy note. Not sure what to call it really. It's not your normal pepper flavor, it's more muted. Anyway, it's a nice compliment to the existing flavors. There is little change the rest of the way out.

    2011-11-22_15-18-12_656

    Construction: Spot on. The size and shape were nice and allowed the flavors to mesh nicely. I'd be curious to try this in a smaller ring gauge. No burn or draw issues. The triple cap was well constructed as well. It has a nice, classic cigar look. And I dig the band design as well.

    2011-11-22_14-20-35_217

    Final Thoughts: Pretty flingin' flangin' good. I had high hopes and was not disappointed. The flavors were unique and they played off each other well. The floral note in particular was pleasant. I picked it up right off the bat, but it took me some time to put my finger on it. Even now I'm not too sure what to call it. "Floral" is a bit of a vague description. Think of it this way, it's like smelling a bouquet of flowers without the flowers. Make sense? It's something between cut grass and dry leaves with a slight citrus note. Whatever it is, I liked it. It gave the flavors a clean crispness that I found refreshing.

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    Scores:
    Smoke Time: 97 minutes
    Price point: 9 - I think I payed $6.50 which is just about perfect.
    Appearance: 9.5 - I really like how the green and gold of the band plays off the claro of the wrapper.
    Construction: 9 - Spot on.
    Draw: 10 - It was so good that I actually took note of it. Usually you only notice the draw when it's bad.
    Flavor: 9 - Unique flavors. It's like a Connecticut Wrapper remix.
    Overall: 9 - I really enjoyed it. I had high hopes and they were met. Well done.

    So, I'll admit it. I was WAAAAY too quick to write off DPG. I still don't like the Cuban Classic that everyone loves. But man, I am coming around on him big time. Thanks for reading!
  • BigT06BigT06 Everyone, Registered Users Posts: 3,899
    Very nice review. I have one of these in my humi resting. May have to give it a shot soon.
  • robbyrasrobbyras Everyone, Registered Users Posts: 5,487
    BigT06:
    Very nice review. I have one of these in my humi resting. May have to give it a shot soon.
    Thanks Bro! Like I said, it lived up to my expectations... It's nothing like the rest of the San Cristobal line though... In fact, it doesn't really remind me of any smoke I've had before...
  • The KidThe Kid Everyone, Registered Users Posts: 7,842
    robbyras:
    BigT06:
    Very nice review. I have one of these in my humi resting. May have to give it a shot soon.
    Thanks Bro! Like I said, it lived up to my expectations... It's nothing like the rest of the San Cristobal line though... In fact, it doesn't really remind me of any smoke I've had before...
    Thanks for the review Robby!, Its one of the smokes I recenty picked up while on vacation.. One of the perks about going into a B&M, theres lots of reminders on display of what sticks Ive been wanting to try, but forgot about.. Looking even more forward to this now!
  • 90+ Irishman90+ Irishman Everyone, Registered Users Posts: 7,868
    robbyras:
    BigT06:
    Very nice review. I have one of these in my humi resting. May have to give it a shot soon.
    Thanks Bro! Like I said, it lived up to my expectations... It's nothing like the rest of the San Cristobal line though... In fact, it doesn't really remind me of any smoke I've had before...
    Great review Rob, seems like you and I are in sync to the end lol, has this exact stick less than two weeks ago and remember it vividly, and your review nailed it. Leather, cream, spice, and oak. That spicy peppery-ness that you touched on at the end was right on, I'd call it spice with white pepper because the pepper taste is there but without the bitter bite, hence white pepper ;) BTW PM to you brother ;)
  • denniskingdennisking Everyone, Registered Users Posts: 3,681
    Loved the La Palina review as well as the San Cristobal. Both sticks I am interested in getting here soon.
  • The SniperThe Sniper Everyone, Registered Users Posts: 3,910
    Had one of the San Cristobal Elegancia's a couple months back - was NOT a good experience! Fired it up immediately after exiting the B&M it was purchased at, and had immediate burn issues that continued and intensified to the point that the only flavor I remember from this stick is EXTREME FRUSTRATION! LOL Seems as though I may have just gotten a dud, so I will purchase some from a different source and give it another whirl due to the stellar review it received from The RobbyRas. Excellent review sir!

    If I dont like the next time I try it you owe me $6.50. ;-)

  • robbyrasrobbyras Everyone, Registered Users Posts: 5,487
    I smoked this one a few days ago and just now found the time to post it... check it out at the link below!

    CAO OSA

    thanks for all your support guys!
  • MTuccelliMTuccelli Everyone, Registered Users Posts: 2,587
    robbyras:
    I smoked this one a few days ago and just now found the time to post it... check it out at the link below!

    CAO OSA

    thanks for all your support guys!
    Another great review.
  • robbyrasrobbyras Everyone, Registered Users Posts: 5,487
    MTuccelli:
    robbyras:
    I smoked this one a few days ago and just now found the time to post it... check it out at the link below!

    CAO OSA

    thanks for all your support guys!
    Another great review.
    Thanks for the support Mike!
  • kaspera79kaspera79 Everyone, Registered Users Posts: 7,144
    I enjoy reading your reviews..You put a lot of time and effort in your work...Nice Job.
  • MonteWhiteMonteWhite Everyone, Registered Users Posts: 200
    robbyrasreviews.com????? Consider it bookmarked!
  • robbyrasrobbyras Everyone, Registered Users Posts: 5,487
    kaspera79:
    I enjoy reading your reviews..You put a lot of time and effort in your work...Nice Job.
    Thanks Bro! It's currently my form of therapy... but don't tell anyone!
    MonteWhite:
    robbyrasreviews.com????? Consider it bookmarked!
    NICE! you might be my first bookmarker! feel free to check the site 10-15 times per day... and if you do, i'll know... the level of info you can get from Google Analytics is pretty amazing
  • DirewolfDirewolf Everyone, Registered Users Posts: 3,493
    The ashtray rocks
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