The Expert Review Library
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Tim - Joya de Nicaragua Antano Dark Corojo03/03/2014
From a collaborative effort of tobacco masters Joya de Nicaragua and the mad scientists at Drew Estate, comes the JDN Antano Dark Corojo. Don’t be afraid, it looks hardcore but it’s more of a balanced blend than an all-out firebomb. The blend is loaded with flavors ranging from espresso to pepper with a long, rich finish. Embrace the darkness! -
Andrew - Gurkha Warpig03/03/2014
With a name like Warpig, I expected huge flavor right out of the gate. Instead, Warpig sneaks up on you with a slow, deceptive build. Smooth notes of a dark espresso hit you up front while more potent notes of black pepper, oak, and hints of cocoa are apparent through the finish. Truly a well-balanced blend, I like to battle this pig with a nice red wine as a complement.
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Sean L - Partagas Black Label03/03/2014
Being a maduro hound, I couldn’t think of a better selection than the Partagas Black Label. This full-bodied blend from a classic brand has been a favorite of mine for years and each time is like visiting an old friend. The crown jewel of this blend is the Medio Tiempo Sun Grown wrapper by; it’s dark, oily, toothy, and simply put: amazing.
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Dave - Spectre02/11/2014
Overview: When the blend was launched, the contents of the cigar were unknown. Of course now that enthusiasts have got their hands on it, we’ve figured out that the fillers have a dose of Latakia tobaccos from Turkey. These smoky tobaccos are usually used with pipes and only very few blends use them for cigars. Easily one of AJ’s most unique blends to date, this is one that I’ve been dying to get my hands on.
Toro (6.0”x52): When you take a whiff of the foot of the cigar, your senses are overwhelmed with the smell of a campfire. Appetizing? Not really. When you light up the blend, the smoky aroma becomes even more apparent, yet, mixes well with the coffee-like aroma of the maduro wrapper. Surprisingly enough, the smoky flavor of the Latakia is in the background rather than being the dominate flavor. When combined with the Nicaraguan tobaccos and the maduro wrapper, the full package reminds me of a chili cooked with some strong-brewed coffee. Is it the best AJ Fernandez blend I ever had? No, but it’s the most unique and definitely a cigar that will add some diversity to my rotation. -
Sean G - Spectre02/11/2014
When the blend was launched, the contents of the cigar were unknown. Of course now that enthusiasts have got their hands on it, we’ve figured out that the fillers have a dose of Latakia tobaccos from Turkey. These smoky tobaccos are usually used with pipes and only very few blends use them for cigars. Easily one of AJ’s most unique blends to date, this is one that I’ve been dying to get my hands on.
When you take a whiff of the foot of the cigar, your senses are overwhelmed with the smell of a campfire. Appetizing? Not really. When you light up the blend, the smoky aroma becomes even more apparent, yet, mixes well with the coffee-like aroma of the maduro wrapper. Surprisingly enough, the smoky flavor of the Latakia is in the background rather than being the dominate flavor. When combined with the Nicaraguan tobaccos and the maduro wrapper, the full package reminds me of a chili cooked with some strong-brewed coffee. Is it the best AJ Fernandez blend I ever had? No, but it’s the most unique and definitely a cigar that will add some diversity to my rotation. -
Alex - Rocky Patel The Edge Habano01/13/2014
This is the cigar world’s meat and potatoes. A robust, full-bodied blend offering plenty of spice and dark espresso notes while remaining smooth and satisfying throughout. The Edge has stood the test of time and remains one of the country’s top sellers due to the consistency within its construction and rich, hearty flavors.r
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Sean G - My Father01/13/2014
Anyone yearning for the old days of Cuba simply hasn’t tried anything from the My Father factory. This ‘94’ rated gem was blended by a legend (Don Pepin Garcia)who started rolling cigars in Cuba when he was just 11 years old. All-Nicaraguan fillers are nestled within a choice Ecuadorian Habano leaf that is packed with notes of cedar, earth, and hints of spice.
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Tim - Carlos Torano Exodus Gold 195901/13/2014
One of the first cigars I ever enjoyed and I remember the experience like it was yesterday. Box-pressed, this thing looks like a chocolate bar and it doesn’t taste that much different. This rich, exciting blend of diverse tobaccos serves to commemorate the Exodus of expert Cuban cigar families and their impact on the industry following nationalization in 1959.
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Sean L - Ave Maria01/13/2014
If you like a complex, yet smooth cigar, this one is for you. With its flawless Ecuadorian Habano wrapper and delicious well-aged Nicaraguan fillers, this cigar will please even the most scrupulous veteran cigar enthusiasts. With notes of toast, cedar and leather, along with the billowing plumes of white smoke, I just couldn’t put this masterpiece down.
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Sean G - Alec Bradley Mundial01/07/2014
Yes, this is that cigar. The blend garnered a lot of attention at this year’s IPCPR for being the first cigar shot into space. And unless you can tell me that shooting a cigar into space makes the blend better, I could really care less. Regardless, I still felt the need to try the cigar because of all the goodwill the brand has built up with all of their legendary blends.
PL#5 (5.1”x52): The blend is described as being loaded with ligero leaves and it proves that right out of the gate. Notes of a dark espresso and leather are prevalent up front while hints of spice are present on the finish. After about half an inch, the cigar mellows and gives off more of a medium to full-bodied profile. To me, it’s definitely not a complex cigar and tastes a little bit like everything else that Alec Bradley makes. That being said, tasting like every other Alec Bradley isn’t really a bad thing but when you factor in all the great blends they’ve made.
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