The Expert Review Library
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Josh - ACID Opulence 301/07/2013
I'm not a big fan of "infused" cigars but when Jonathan Drew first handed me a box of Opulence 3 down in Nicaragua, two days later I found myself with 6 sticks left. I was shocked with the blend's fantastic balance between natural tobacco flavors and sweetness. It also contains tobaccos cultivated in 2005, 2006 and 2007. -
Tina - CAO Flavours01/07/2013
This cigar is the true definition of paradise: Bourbon vanilla, Hawaiian white honey, Virginian tobaccos. Not only does it taste like you're on a tropical vacation when you close your eyes and exhale, but it also gets the seal of approval from the nonsmokers around you (who usually give you the evil eye when you puff in their presence).
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Alex - Erin Go Bragh01/07/2013
I won't sugarcoat it; I love whiskey. I also love cigars. Combine the two and in my mind, you have the perfect storm in blending. However, Erin Go Bragh offers only a subtle note of whiskey with sweetness throughout and a light tobacco finish. This is a good starting point for those looking to get into the infused lane. Perfectly balanced.
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Tim - Drew Estate Tabak Especial01/07/2013
I never do this, but I reached for an "infused" cigar the other day; Tabak Especial Red Eye, a shot of espresso in a cigar. I paired it with a Pumpkin beer called "Pumking." I can't believe it, but it was an excellent combo! Red Eye has a light sweetness that quickly fades as the bittersweet coffee-chocolate combo intensifies on the finish.
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Andrew - Drew Estate Natural01/07/2013
Calling this cigar "Dirt" is more akin to calling a blonde bombshell "homely." She's dark but still light on her feet and incredible sweet; she's the kind of gal you can smoke in front of your mother as she'll like the aroma. Heavy with coffee and just a hint of earth make Dirt perfect for dessert. Instead of some decaf as a night cap, try Dirt instead.
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Dave - Varina Farms Breakfast Blend12/20/2012
Toro (6.0”x52): The toro really allows for the flavors to open up. The fatter ring gauge allows for a cooler burn and emits a smoother smoke than the robusto. Not overly complex, the blend is perfect as a cigar to pass the time but flavorful enough to really focus on the depth of the flavor. Pair this with a nice cup of coffee and you’ll be in heaven.
Churchill (7.2”x54): Jumping up a ring gauge again, the Churchill loses a little bit of flavor that makes the Toro so good. But the same principles apply here. Smooth consistent flavor that’s perfect to pass the time. Even though we’re in the middle of winter, keep this on your radar for a round of golf or tailgating. The flavorful, consistent blend is mellow enough for when you’re socializing yet flavorful enough if you have a moment to yourself. Plus, the aroma is fantastic.
Robusto (5.2”x50): Don't let the wrapper color fool you. It's darker than most Connecticut cigars but still presents those smooth Connecticut flavors you enjoy. If you're not a fan of spicy cigars, you'll love this robusto. A robust, earthy sensation will stimulate the tip of your tongue while the finish encapsulates your entire palate with earth and a hint of cedar. This pairs incredibly well with your morning cup of coffee. -
Sean G - Varina Farms Breakfast Blend12/19/2012
Toro (6.0”x52): The toro really allows for the flavors to open up. The fatter ring gauge allows for a cooler burn and emits a smoother smoke than the robusto. Not overly complex, the blend is perfect as a cigar to pass the time but flavorful enough to really focus on the depth of the flavor. Pair this with a nice cup of coffee and you’ll be in heaven.
Churchill (7.2”x54): Jumping up a ring gauge again, the Churchill loses a little bit of flavor that makes the Toro so good. But the same principles apply here. Smooth consistent flavor that’s perfect to pass the time. Even though we’re in the middle of winter, keep this on your radar for a round of golf or tailgating. The flavorful, consistent blend is mellow enough for when you’re socializing yet flavorful enough if you have a moment to yourself. Plus, the aroma is fantastic.
Robusto (5.2”x50): Don't let the wrapper color fool you. It's darker than most Connecticut cigars but still presents those smooth Connecticut flavors you enjoy. If you're not a fan of spicy cigars, you'll love this robusto. A robust, earthy sensation will stimulate the tip of your tongue while the finish encapsulates your entire palate with earth and a hint of cedar. This pairs incredibly well with your morning cup of coffee. -
Dave - Las Cabrillas11/13/2012
Cortez (4.7”x50): Medium-bodied from start to finish with light complexities throughout. Expect a creamy finish from the Connecticut wrapper with some hints of black pepper and cedar in the aroma. Robust yet balanced.
DeSoto (6.8”x50): The draw remains a bit tight as this size expels light puffs of smoke. Much more robust than the Cortez, greatly building in heartiness as you progress past three inches. Expert more notes of pepper and earth instead of cedar while the finish remains with you for a while after extinguished.
Balboa (7.5”x54): Excellent draw and burn, releasing thick clouds of hearty smoke with an excellent earthy, cedar aroma. Not as creamy as the other sizes due to the extra Mexican fillers needed to fill the 54 ring gauge, so you'll lose some of the great flavors from the Connecticut wrapper. For those who want a less refined, bolder experience.
Columbus (8.2”x52): We were looking forward to enjoy this size but unfortunately it simply didn't perform. It burned hot with a super tight draw and felt rather unbalanced. Strong and hearty but offered a bittnerness some may enjoy. If you're all about body and long burn times, this size is for you. But if you prefer a refined, well-balanced blend, stay away. -
Sean G - Ramon Bueso Genesis The Project11/01/2012
Toro (6.0”x50): Simply stunning. We barely hand out 95 ratings. In fact, this is one of the only blends we've ranked so high but we're proud to do so because we've never tasted something so consistent, flavorful, yet mellow. All of our experts agree here too. This is a cigar you can enjoy one right after the other. It doesn't destroy your palate but it constantly keeps your interest. Mellow, medium, and full-bodied enthusiasts will find something special about this cigar so it really is the epitome of "the perfect blend."
Robusto (5.0”x50): Same great flavor profile as the toro size but in can be enjoyed in under an hour. The only reason why this size lost a few points is due to the fact that it doesn't last as long or become as complex as the toro.
Muy Bueso (6.5”x60): Not usually a big fan of the mammoth cigars but the boldness and richness of this blend is just captivating. While not an everyday cigar, this size is perfect if you’ve got plenty of time to kick back and relax.
Torpedo (6.0”x52): Hey, we have to nitpick somewhere. Don’t get us wrong, this is still an excellent size but we found that some of the cigar’s boldness is a little sharp on the finish when you first light it up. Otherwise, this size is still worthy of the Genesis name and is still nothing to scoff at. -
Alex - Rocky Patel 15th Anniversary10/08/2012
I don't burn many of Rocky Patel's cigars. There's so much out there right now it's hard to keep to my original staples. I loved the Vintage blends so I must say, RP 15th met my expectations. The richness and complex flavors are bold and exciting. Definitely rolled for the experienced.
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