CAO Flavours…. September 30, 2005
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Now I must initially say I’m not a fan of the flavored cigars. No matter how exotic the flavor, I just don’t like flavored cigars. So all you ACID fans out there really need to get a life and should probably stop smoking cigars and go buy those flavored cigarettes that way people won’t look at you like there is something wrong with you. So anyway, I was in the local cigar shop walking around smelling various cigars trying to find something new to try and write about. I walked past the cologne isle, err I mean flavored rack and happened to see these small CAO’s laying there. I’ve seen these CAO cigars several places on the Internet, and what I’ve read was all positive so I figured I would give it a shot just to see what happens. Not only that but the cigar was pretty cheap and figured I wouldn’t be out too much if I tried them. So I picked up this vanilla flavored one, because it seemed to be the most mainstream of the bunch there where several others laying by it but they seemed a bit too odd for my taste so I just grabbed this one to see how it was. So at first you’ll notice the flavor is very mild, unlike some of the other flavored cigars I’ve tried the flavor is very understated. Additionally, it seems like halfway decent tobacco was used in the production of these cigars. This cigar was quite mild, with only hints of the vanilla flavor. I believe if one was to smoke flavored cigars this is how they should be. I have smoked cigars now for quite some time, and I’ve grown very appreciative of the flavor that comes from various tobacco blends. Hence why I’m am opposed to the addition of flavors that are not naturally occurring. However, I can accept that the addition of some flavors might make for a good cigar and this was one of those cases. If you have occasion to try one of these cigars I’d say go ahead and give it a shot and see what happens.Montecristo Afrique Safari September 27, 2005
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The Montecristo Afrique Safari is probably the smallest in this line that you can purchase. Additionally, based on some observations and experience it seems that like most small cigars of a line, the blend is lacking in certain of the characteristics you might expect in a larger cigar. This could be due to the sheer volume of the cigar, simply put a smaller cigar has less room for tobacco, so a blend that might require a certain number of leaves just won’t fit. I can not say this with much authority since I’ve never actually rolled a cigar so this is merely speculation on my behalf. The Safari comes in very nice presentation case, as you see from the picture, which frankly does not do it justice, this case has a magnetic closure mechanism, and has the Montecristo emblem proudly displayed on the front very nice. However, if you’ve smoked a Montecristo then this is something you will have come to expect. In general I’m not a fan of the smaller cigars, for many reasons, they have a shorter smoking time, and usually the smoking experience is not the same as the larger cigars that I really enjoy. This Montecristo however, is one that I think I will continue enjoying in the future. Frankly, the cigar did have a nice flavor, but not as rich as its larger cousins. The smoke was very even and had an easy draw which in my opinion is essential to a good smoke. It was a great smoke and definitely worth repeating. I recommend this to anyone looking for a smaller Montecristo Afrique.Montecristo Afrique: Machame September 12, 2005
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So it was a Friday night, and I’m trying to get myself a life, but that’ll have to wait for a week or two. So I was enlisted in the process of helping a friend of mine relocate his business. This involved moving about 50 computers replugging them in getting the T1 routes changed all kinds of fun that you like to have on a Friday night. So I like to have me a cigar when I have to work and so I looked through my collection, and picked out this smaller sized cigar. The Montecristo Afrique Machame, is part of my favorite Montecristo line of cigars. This cigar comes with an african tobacco wrapper, and a blend of tobacco, that I feel is unmatched in flavor. This smaller cigars offers you the taste of the larger Afriques but in a slightly smaller package. The construction of this cigar is very nice, and if humidified properly it will burn very easily, and provide you with a very refreshing smoking experience. I originally discovered the Afrique line by accident when it was mistakenly shipped to me when I ordered a different Montecristo. I have to say that since then I have bought as many of these as I possibly can buy. If you watch Jrcigars.com on a requal basis they have specials on these cigars quite often. However, I have to say that having ventured to every cigar shop here in Kansas City I have yet to find a single store that carries the Afrique line, I think that people are being deprived of a real treat. In any case I hope that given the oportunity you can treat yourself to one of these cigars.Montecristo Platinum: Por Delacroix Tube September 8, 2005
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So about 2 weeks ago a very good friend of my finished his Ph.D. studies at a university about 45 minutes west of where I live. In doing so he was treated to many a graduation celebration, and me having a good understanding of his tastes felt that a box of these fine cigars where the perfect reward for just such a great accomplishment. Now timing was such for my friend that his lease expired within 2 days of completion of his studies and so I offered him one of the spare rooms in my house as a place to hang his hat while he got settled in and before he left the Midwest for the great west. So tonight was one of those nights, I had a small breakthrough of sorts and so to celebrate he offered me one of these fine cigars. I first must say this cigar is probably the most well presented cigars I’ve ever had the privilege of smoking. The box for this cigar is adorned with art work by Michel Delacroix, and is nearly as good if not better than most humidors that are on the market. It is very nice a super premium cigar by all accounts. I have to say however, that like most other Montecristo cigars the Platinum Series seems to be under appreciated by most cigar smokers. This particular cigar comes in an aluminum tube, and is additionally wrapped in a cedar sleeve that has the traditional Montecristo logo, as well as a second band at the top. The attention to detail in this cigar is unmatched in my opinion. In any event the Doctor and myself had tried to smoke on of theses cigars on an earlier occasion but because we had to smoke out side one of the August thunder storms so common to this area cut our smoking outing short resulting in a not so full experience of the cigar. Tonight was different however, there was not a cloud in the sky, and we where out walking in the neighborhood so it was just about perfect. So I began by removing the cigar, and saving the tube, I have a small fortune in aluminum in all the cigar tubes I have lying around so this will end up in the pile shorty. I then cut the cigar. Now I light my cigars by moving the flame around on the cigar for a few seconds before I begin lighting, it was a tip I heard somewhere along the way, and if it makes a difference or not I can’t say, but it’s habit at this point. I then lit the cigar, this cigar lights very easily, and like all Montecristos requires about a 1/4″ of burn before the true flavors begin to reveal themselves. This cigar is an experience like none other. The flavor is hard to describe, but I’ll try. There is a very heavy feel to the smoke but the flavor is not overpowering, not super strong. It is rather “just about right.” There is no one flavor that sticks out but rather a smooth and complete smoking experience that is unequaled. I have to say if you have the money and would like to experience something truly unique give one of these bad boys a try you will not be disappointed. Like all my experiences with Montecristo I ended up nearly burning my fingers. The construction of this cigar and it’s burn was perfect and even respectively. The taste: perfect. I have to say the flavor does not express the true power of this cigar, it does pack a strong bite and it left me a little light headed after the smoke but it was well worth it for such a fine cigar.Montecristo White September 6, 2005
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Well my evening started like so many others a couple of fine brews followed followed by a small glass of water and then a cigar. If you’ve read my recent posts you will know that I’m a big fan on the entire Montecristo line so smoking this cigar for the first time I had very high expectations. I had to say I was not disappointed in the least. I had the Toro size which in this case comes in a nice cellophane wrapper, and lucky me I was able to buy them using the following link 5 Toro gift pack with Ceramic montecristo Ashtray. I thought this was a great deal, and I didn’t have an ashtray at the time so it worked out pretty well for me. Upon seeing this cigar for the first time you realize very quickly it is not a heavy cigar so if your into full cigars this may not be the best choice for you. However if you are of a more sophisticated pallet that can appreciate variation in the strength of cigars then by all means try this smoke. The cigar has a very nice smell to it some not overpowering but very suggestive of high quality tobacco, and a very good blend. The smoking experience begins like most Montecristo cigars some what understated, but after about 1/4″ of burn the cigar takes on an entirely new set of characteristics that lead to a magnificent smoke. The cigar burns very evenly, indicating a very high level of attention to construction detail. The flavors of this cigar are typically not overstated and are very nice and easy on the tonge, but from time to time you get a very good taste that will come through. The cigar did not burn hot until I had smoked it down to the band. I would highly recommend this cigar to anyone looking for a milder cigar who enjoys the Montecristo cigars.The Montecristo Series VI September 3, 2005
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Well our night on the town began with a quick meal at a local dining establishment, which I have to say was quite good, and quite easy. Typically that’s my goal when it comes to eating around this bloody city, and since it was a Thursday night, this was a perfect fit. I apologize for my digression, and I’ll get back to the topic at hand. So we headed down to the local cigar smoking establishment where I drank a cold beer, then cleansed my pallet with a small drink of the water and cracked open this fine cigar. First and foremost this is a very well constructed cigar. The cigar has an African Cameroon wrapper, this leads to a very nice smell and a some what darker texture. So I cut the cigar took a sip from my beer, and lit the bad boy. Like a Montecristo cigars the cigar took a second to warm up, once the cigar had burned down a couple of puffs, the smoking experience was great. As I have said I’m a fan of the Montecristo Afrique, and this cigar was quite similar in taste. This was due to the wrapper in my opinion, this cigar however was different there was a slightly spicy, and nutty flavor to the cigar, and it was a great cigar. The cigar smoked very evenly it had a bit of a heavy draw on it, but not too much. I would highly recommend this cigar when you are looking for a heavier smoke and you can not find an afrique. I have to say every time I smoke a Montecristo I’m more and more impressed, and this time was no exception. I would highly recommend watching for this cigar on Jr Cigars. The run these cigars on special from time to time so check in from time to time and keep your eyes peeled. My First post regarding cigars…. September 1, 2005
Posted by vinnyt in : cigars , add a comment I’m going to begin by saying, I’ve only been smoking cigars about 1.5 years now, so by no means would I call myself and expert. However, like all things I grow interested in I spent a considerable amount of time learning every single thing I could about cigars so that I could enjoy the smoking experience and above all spend my money wisely when purchasing. So my real smoking story begins when I was about 16 and I would smoke Swisher Sweets on the back porch with my buddy Joe Chiles, and we would have a good ol’ time. Some where between then and now a smarter man than I came along and put a fancy label on the swishers and wrote a bunch or marketing slime, and the cigar brand ACID was born. I have to say ACID of all varieties are terrible, they are no better than a swisher sweet, and then only difference is the price. So tip number 1 go to your local QT, or the stop and go store in your region and get a 5 pack of swisher wood tips, it’ll be a lot easier on the pocket book, and frankly a little easier on the palette. Now, in learning you smoke a lot of bad cigars, and I’ve had my share ranging from ACIDs to the non-Cuban Cohibas they sell here in America. I’m of the opinion that the majority of cigar smokers I’ve encountered simply here it by word of mouth, or from some magazine, that Cigar X, is the best, they smoke it, and then even if it is a bad cigar their mind some how tells them it’s a good smoke. I’ve avoided this pitfall by ignoring what people tell me, and not reading reviews in magazines so that when I smoke a cigar for the first time I’ll experience it completely, and with out bias. I think this has served me well thus far and has lead me to the cigars that I’m am particularly fond of.
A cigar I enjoy on a not so frequent basis, but I really have to say is one of my favorites is the Mayorga line. I especially like the high octane toros, but all their cigars are quite nice and well blended. I think what I like is the hint of a coffee like flavor that you experience with the smoke. It’s a good cigar, and frankly pretty reasonable in price with the most expensive in my experience being somewhere in the neighborhood of $8.00, but these cigars are hard to find most times and typically require a trip to your favorite on-line smoke shop. Ohh say Jrcigars.com. The next cigar on my list in the Montecristo. I’ve smoked just about every cigar they have from their entry level cigars clear up to the Platinum ultra premium, and honestly I have to say every cigar type was a unique and enjoyable experience. The Platinum is a smooth smoke with very rich in flavor and easy on the palette. The Montecristo white is a very smooth mild smoke that has a light almost nutty taste that leaves you very satisfied at the end of your smoke. My favorite of the montecristo brand in the Afrique, this cigar is wrapped with an african tobacco wrapper that has a somewhat spicy flavor, but compliments the tobacco blend quite nicely. The cigar smokes very evenly, and you will burn your fingers if you are not careful. The great thing about the Montecristos is they do not burn all that hot. I’ve smoke some cigars that nearly burned my mouth. Montecristo never does that it’s a good smoke from the minute you light the cigar until you are done. I will begin to post regularly regarding what I’ve smoked and what I think of it, along with a picture of the band so you can pick up one later.
