Onyx Reserve - mini-belisco

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:52:31 -0700

Size: 5x50
Wrapper: Maduro
Filler: D.R., Nic., Peru
Binder: Nicaragua
MSRP: $3.25

I have smoking quite a bit lately. I have also been filling up my humidors, so I found it impossible to keep an up to date list of cigars in my inventory. I have found a good place to enjoy a cigar, a drink, and a good book. I am hoping the weather in Seattle continues to get better so I can continue to smoke outside. It can’t get any worse so I have to believe it’s getting better.

Pre-smoke:
Solid construction. Oily surface. This stick is packed tight and consistent. The wrapper is simple and elegant. For a shorter cigar it has a great look and feel. The smell was rich and distinct. After cutting the cigar the draw was a little to free but not terrible.

Burn
The burn was even throughout the entire cigar. It was pretty even and consistent. Plenty of rich flavors. The first thirst was a taste wood flavor that continued to get more rich and robust toward the end.

Grade: B. This was a great smoke. It did tend to get a little hot but was manageable. I found it to be a enjoyable cigar that I will smoke again, but I will not run out and buy a box. Therefore I gave it a ‘B.’

Shalom

CAO Brazilia Samba

Sun, 4 May 2008 08:34:44 -0700

Facts:
Wrapper: Brazilian Natural
Length: 6 1/4
Ring: 54
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Beverage: Corona Light

The Appearance/Construction
This was my first CAO (since I am new at this I have many firsts!). Great looking cigar as you can see. I am digging the torpedo shapes, and think they are easier to smoke. I also enjoy the bigger ring, had a great feel. Wrapper was in great shape, oil finish, and great color. There was nothing negative to note about the wrapper. Packed nice and tight but not too firm.

The Burn
The cigar lighted easily and evenly. I use wood matches, haven’t ventured in the butane torch realm yet, but most like will at some point in the near future. Burn was even all the way. Had zero relights, and kept a constant temperature. I smoked this while playing a game called ‘cornhole’ and still all of my ash was at least 1 - 1.5 inches.

The Flavor
This was a full bodied cigar. The taste was not over bearing, very smooth. The smoke was thick and flavorful. The first third there was a hint of sweetness and creaminess. The second third was much more spicy with a leathery taste. The best part of this cigar was the last third which is something I have not experienced in a cigar. The final third was a robust and full spicy flavor that didn’t dominate the pallet. Very enjoyable from beginning to end.

The Verdict
I will definitely smoke this again. Great cigar! I do recommend it, fair price, around $6. I would score it an easy 8.5 out of 10.

“Say hello to my little friend...”

Sat, 3 May 2008 12:22:01 -0700

So I have picked up yet another bad habit...smoking cigars. While in Canada, picking up a gift for a friend, I caught the cigar disease. So I have been shopping online purchasing premium hand-rolled cigars, and smoking about 1 every other day. Needless to say, Mary is not down with me smoking in the apartment, so our little courtyard has a table and chair that I can still reach the internet at and I smoke and surf. Or I go up to our little park just up the hill from our place and sit, smoke, and enjoy the view of the city. I am hoping to try my hand at doing some reviews of cigars, make some recommendations, and keep a diary/record of those I smoke. If you have any recommendations please send them my way! Even Cuban recommendations; I am heading to Los Cabos, Mexico next week and I could use all the advice I can get! Tonight I will be smoking a Rocky Vintage Patel 1990 Robusto with a Maduro wrapper.