Padron Series Ambassador Maduro
Padron Series Ambassador [lonsdale]
Wrapper: Nicaragua Maduro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Size: 6 7/8 x 42
Note: with this post, I begin the use of a new, more regimented, rating system. Previously, I’ve simply assigned an over all score (out of 10) that honestly, was too subjective. My new system is still based on a top score of 10, but now 3 points will come from overall appearance, 3 points from construction and 4 points from taste. I hope this will allow me to more accurately rate each cigar I review. With that said, on to the review…
I’ve often avoided writing a Padron review, for the simple fact that every cigar within the Padron Series I’ve had the pleasure to smoke, I’ve found each about the same. Which is to say a quality, consistent, go to cigar. Today, however proved such a beautiful day, it seemed only fitting I carve out a bit of time to enjoy a cigar and what better choice than the Padron Ambassador?
My initial inspection resulted in a rather rugged looking cigar that while not something you’d take home to mom, was well constructed and set firmly in hand. The pre-light aroma was caramel sweet and rather inviting, and I quickly forgot about the rugged, dare I say unkempt appearance. Like with any other Padron I’ve smoked before the cap clipped easy and the draw was just right.
She lit up like a champ, producing billowing clouds of smoke that faded into the rich blue sky above. Immediately I was greeted by a wave of deep pepper, which wonderfully coated my entire pallet. The maduro wrapper helped to balance the pepper with a fine dusting of chocolate, mixing together to create the perfect blend of creamy snap pepper.
The marble grey/black ash was light and anything but firm, falling off a bit too easily about every half inch. The burn however was dead on even, despite the best efforts of the breeze; which did it’s best to remind me of its presence.
As I approached the two thirds point of the cigar, the flavor had decidedly mellowed, settling into a gentle, yet rich pattern distinct of cigars baring the Padron band. Every now and again, I would catch the faintest kick up of caramel; which helped pull me along what had now become a lazy afternoon smoke.
Entering into the final third of the cigar, I began to notice the flavor was mostly that of the maduro wrapper. There was a definite richness and fullness to this final third which made for a fine finish. While I can’t say for certain, I may have noticed a touch of toast as the cigar came to a rather pleasant finish, about seventy minutes later.
As far as flavor is concerned, the Ambassador didn’t prove overly complex, nor did it dissatisfy–it is a Padron after all. My guess is the maduro gave this cigar a bit more excitement than you might find with the natural. Medium in strength, it was, as I mentioned a good afternoon cigar.
Appearance: 2 (3)
Construction 3 (3)
Taste 2.5 (4)
Total score 7.5 (10)
Happy Smoking,
~R. Harrison Malone
Rocky Patel Old World Reserve [Torpedo]
Wrapper: Maduro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Size: 5 x 54 [Torpedo]
As the evening wind softly announced the impending storm that loomed on the far horizon; I was struck by the regal charm of the Rocky Patel OWR. Encased by a rich, leathery maduro wrapper, this 5×54 torpedo need not beg to be clipped; for I had already done it the honor. without effort the double blade of the Palio made quick work of the well crafted cap.
My pre-light inspection turned up hints of aged caramel notes; which served to only heighten my excitement for smoking this find cigar. Before setting flame to tobacco, I tested the draw. It was found to be easy and open.
Now with nothing left to do, my Xikar lighter clicked to life, sending billowing plumes of smoke rising into the air. Instantly, I was made aware of the earthy–almost cashew nuttiness of the OWR. This tone would continue for the duration of the cigar; much like the rain that was now falling rhythmically from above. Mixed with the earth tones was a robust hint of fine German chocolate and the faintest hint of white pepper that graced the back of the throat like a velvet blanket.
Within those first few draws I knew I would be in for a fine cigar. About ninety minuets later my predictions would be confirmed.
Personal rating: 8.25 (10 pt. scale)
Happy Smoking,
~R. Harrison Malone
An Update
It doesn’t take a genius to notice I’ve been on a bit of a reviewing hiatus. While this is true; also true is my hiatus is nearing its end. The fact of the matter is, I’ve found myself, as of late, in a busy season of life. Shortly this season will come to a close, and just in time for summer; which we all know is prime opportunity for fair amounts of cigar smoking. So, to those of you who hold yourselves as faithful readers, I ask your favor to bare with me a while longer. The reviews are soon to return, and the Ring Gauge Review will once again be alive and active.
Until such time, I bid you Happy Smoking,
~R. Harrison Malone
Hoffman House (Robusto)
Hoffman House
Wrapper: uncertain
Binder: uncertain
Filler: uncertain
Size: 5 x 50 [Robusto]
It was a decent late winters day when I strolled into Iwan Ries & Co looking to spend the next couple of hours enjoying a cigar. As I determined my cigar for the day, I also opted to make a purchase to be enjoyed at a later date.
Cue the Hoffman House Robusto. I recall the salesman offering me a brief history on the cigar, which you can read for yourself.
Upon my usual pre-light ritual, I quickly noticed a rich, robust tobacco aroma, that seemed to be mixed, if ever so slightly with a note of honey. Inviting for sure. The wrapper was drawn tight, providing the perfect coat upon which to clothe the well packed binder and filler. She cut clean and while holding to a draw that was a little firm, offered up a rich pre-light flavor of oats, honey and pure tobacco.
I was pleased to see that I had no difficulties in lighting the cigar. In fact, upon setting heat to it, the draw began to loosen and by an inch or so into the cigar the draw issues had resolved themselves just fine.
I noticed an initial spice; almost like white pepper that greeted you at first. However, this far too quickly dissipated in my opinion. More on this in a moment. Once the spice left, I was left with the flavor of rich, pure tobacco with a hint of butter. This made for a rather indulgent flavor profile, that kept me coming back for more.
Toward the latter third of the cigar, due to neglect more than anything, I did have to offer a relight. To my surprise this reproduced the spice I was initially greeted with. But much like in the beginning, this too quickly faded returning to the flavor profile that had been true throughout.
Producing large volumes of smoke and a rather gorgeous firm white ash, the Hoffman House proved to be a real gem of a cigar, that in hind sight I’d wished I’d purchased more of (despite the fact I felt as though they tipped toward the pricey side. I believe close to $9 for a single). I should add, I found the Hoffman House to be a very well balanced cigar, resting nicely in the medium range for strength.
Personal rating: 8 (10 pt. scale)
Happy Smoking,
~R. Harrison Malone
Kristoff Ligero Criollo Matador
Wrapper: Cuban Seed Honduran
Binder: Cuban Seed Dominican
Filler: Cuban Seed Dominican & Cuban Seed Nicaraguan
Size: 6.5 x 56 [Matador]
If I were to describe the Kristoff Ligero Criollo Matador in a word, it would have to be “club.” The Matador is a beast of a cigar, but don’t let that scare you. This beast is tame and gentle.
Resting nicely in its rough wood finished box with loose tobacco shavings creating a bed for this monster of a cigar to rest upon; it’s inviting to say the least. Another fun and interesting feature that helps the Matador stand out is its pig tail cap and shag foot. Wrapped in a well pronounced veined wrapper, it’s surprisingly smooth to the touch. Equally as surprising is the firmness of the cigar; although boasting such a bold size, I guess this is to be expected.
My pre-light inspection was well met with a distinct aroma of fresh roasted nuts and a slight hint of honey. As you may well imagine, I no longer can prolong the inevitable; I sink the blades of my Palio into the pig tail cap. I’m committed now! Nicking off just the extream most edge of the cap, it proves to be enough, allowing for a firm, but open draw.
More of the roasted nut and honey great me. I light, draw, and am instantly transported to the land of relaxation. Upon first draw, a gentle spice is added to the flavor profile of the Matador, making for an invigorating smoke. Billowing clouds of white smoke begin to fill the air, and I think to myself, “this is how a cigar ought to be.”
It probably goes without saying, but the Matador is a cigar event. You would do well by yourself to grab a good book to slow yourself down and enjoy the fullness of flavors the Matador has to offer. This is not a cigar you’d want to burn through in an hour. In fact I took close to three hours to eventually nub the cigar to completion.
While the ash was firm throughout, I did experience a slight burn issue. This however never proved too much of a problem, only requiring a couple of touch ups with my trusted Xikar torch lighter.
Somewhere toward the middle part of the cigar, the spice that had supported the notes of nut and honey faded, making way for a buttery smooth draw that just clung to the roof of the mouth. Medium to full in strength the Matador is an impressive cigar and at a retail price of just under $10.00 is every bit worth it.
I imagine this being a perfect cigar for a long summer’s night with family and friends, watching the sun set and the stars fill the night sky. Please do yourself a favor and try a Kristoff Ligero Criollo if you’ve not done so already. I doubt very much you’ll be disappointed.
Personal rating: 9.5 (10 pt. scale)
Happy Smoking,
~R. Harrison Malone
Alec Bradley SCR Torpedo
Wrapper: Trojes, Honduras
Binder: Trojes, Honduras, Indonesia Embertunada
Filler: Honduras, Nicaragua
Size: 6 1/8 x 52 [Torpedo]
I enjoy giving new cigars a try. There’s something of the unknown that stimulates the senses and seems to heighten the overall smoking experience when for the first time you enjoy a never-before-smoked cigar. This was exactly the case for me as I selected the handsome Alec Bradley SCR from the humidor.
With it’s banded foot and dominant primary band, the SCR is dressed for a night on the town of the highest class. The wrapper is rich and inviting to say the least, offering hints of leather and molasses. As much as you could simply sit and stare long at this fine cigar, it’s near impossible as it begs you to clip, light and draw deep.
Which is exactly what I preceded to do. It was like seeing an old friend you’d not seen in years. The initial draw flooded the senses with a bounty of rich flavors, including thick leather mixed with a perfect balance of buttery smooth cream (I’m craving another as I write). In addition to the wonderful array of flavors that danced about for the duration of the smoke; every now and again I would pick up a soft hint of spice that seemed to linger ever so gently on the lips. This was a nice touch to the overall cigar, as it kept things interesting all throughout. I also noticed that the flavor profile you were greeted with at the beginning held throughout the middle and end of the cigar. Never once did it become bland or earthy toward the middle or end.
The draw was flawless; something I find lacking on most torpedoes. The smoke was encasing, hanging low in the air. The burn was only slightly hindered by a small nic in the foot that was the result of removing the secondary band. Once the burn moved beyond this point it was near perfect, never once needing a touch up. The ash held firm, holding to about the one to one and a half inch mark every time before letting go on its own.
This is a wonderful cigar to add to any humidor and would seem to compliment most any occasion well. It is quite mild (don’t read boring), but has a ton of robust flavors that do well to make this a great cigar for a long time smoker or someone somewhat new to cigars.
Would I smoke the SCR again? In a heartbeat!
Personal rating: 9 (10 pt. scale)
Happy Smoking,
~R. Harrison Malone
Illusione ~68~ Bombone
This evening I needed a short smoke with loads of flavor. Boy does this stick deliver. The cigar’s particulars are:
4 x 44 – petite corona – Nicaraguan puro with first generation Corojo ’99 and Corillo ’98 seed all wrapped up in a wonderful looking Cafe Colorado wrapper.
As I was reviewing the cigar per-light it had a good firmness to it, except a small length down one side. I was a little perplexed as Illusione’s are known for stellar construction. I cut the cap with my “new best friend” – my new V cutter. The draw was good and there was a nice sweet taste of tobacco.
I lit the stick and was immediately met with a blast of spice, leather and a lingering sweetness. It was cold out so I started huffing it a little faster than I ought with the predictable bitterness entering the tasting profile. Your going to have to take your time with this cigar….and it will reward you.
As the smoke progressed the flavors in the cigar kept switching prominence. That is, spice would start the tasting profile, then a sweet cedar would become more prevalent replaced by a nutty leathery note. Rinse, repeat. The most striking thing was this cornucopia of flavor keep expanding. It was truly a complex and enjoyable smoke.
The only strike to the cigar was the irregular burn. As mentioned before there was a strange soft spot which effectively wouldn’t burn properly. Which lead to 2 touch-ups and much head scratching.
As I was pondering this dichotomy it occurred to me that due to the weather, i.e. dry winter clime, my humidor might be a little “out of whack” which would lead to the cigar being on the dry side. This in turn could lead to the tobacco leafs becoming less firm, ergo, soft spot. The issue so perplexed me that I ventured to other review sites and lo and behold they had the same issue too. However, don’t let burn issues deter you. This is one fabulous smoke and being able to smoke a complex smoke in under 1 hour can, at times, be a good thing.
Unscientific rating: 8
- der Baron
5 Vegas Gold
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
Binder: Honduran
Filler: Cuban-seed Nicaraguan / Cuban-seed Honduran
Size: 6 x 50 [Toro]
What you have in the 5 Vegas Gold is an aptly named cigar, for the wrapper is nothing short of golden. Not yet having had the opportunity to smoke a 5 Vegas Gold, I was more than a little bit excited for our first date; as I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews on this particular cigar. And if past experiences with 5 Vegas were to be any indication of the Gold experience… well, let’s just say I was giddy. Not to mention that the Mid-West is experiencing a heat wave of sorts, with temperatures climbing out of the single digits and to near 40 degrees.
As mentioned, the wrapper has a brilliant golden sheen, which accents the well pronounced veins running throughout. Despite the veins however, I’d describe the wrapper as soft and smooth. Topped with a double cap the 5 Vegas Gold feels firm in the hand and more or less begs to be clipped.
Doing the honors this time around, I opted to give the Gold a V-cut. Unfortunately, this caused a slight tear in the wrapper, which lead to some minor loss of the wrapper. Thankfully, however, this did not seem to impact the smoking experience; as the draw was near perfect throughout the smoke.
I thought the Gold produced a good amount of smoke, which filled the air with a rather inviting, smooth aroma. Known for it’s flavor complexities, the Gold most certainly delivers. Pre-light I noticed hints of pure tobacco mixed with vanilla and a slight woodiness. These flavors came out in full force upon lighting and were accompanied with a wonderful white pepper spice that danced about for the entire cigar. I’ll admit this was a nice surprise that I wasn’t anticipating, just by the look of the cigar.
The 5 Vegas Gold, while being flavorful is not overly strong; falling nicely into the mild to medium strength range. Although, after about ninety minutes of cigar enjoyment, I did begin to notice the slightest nicotine buzz. But given the date thus far, it was quite welcomed.
I would highly recommend this cigar to most all cigar enthusiasts, as well as to any adventurous beginners. The Gold will be a welcomed addition to my previously established list of favorite cigars; of which many are from the 5 Vegas family.
Personal rating: 9 (10 pt. scale)
Happy Smoking,
~R. Harrison Malone
Don Pepin Garcia Series JJ
Wrapper: Corojo Oscuro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Size: 5 x 50 [Selectos]
Someone once said to me, “If you’ve smoked one Don Pepin cigar, you’ve smoked them all.” This statement couldn’t be further from the truth. Most certainly, you can almost always expect to be greeted by the customary DPG peppery spice for the first few draws. But to suggest the vast a ray of DPG cigars all taste the same; well that’s foolish.
I’ll be the fist to tell you I enjoy a DPG cigar every now and again, and what better cigar to begin 2010 with than the Series JJ Selectos? Pre-light I found this cigar to be near flawless. The light, soft veins of the wrapper danced about the length of the cigar, oddly enough helping to draw your eyes directly toward the impressive double band wrapped neatly around the cigar.
Making quick use of my trusted Palio cutter, I just ever so slightly trimmed the top most portion of the triple cap; which opened up a free flowing draw that was surprising given how little head I had taken off. The pre-light aroma was that of honey and a dry roasted nuttiness that proved rather inviting.
The Series JJ lit like a champ, producing a nice even burn out of the gate. Large clouds of smoke quickly filled the air and I effortlessly puffed away taking in the fullness of the DPG spice. After the initial spice relented, around the third or fourth draw, I noticed a rather intense dryness to the cigar. This rather intensified the earlier dry roasted nuttiness I had picked up in my pre-light routine. While I can’t be certain, I thought I too noticed hints of mahogany scampering about throughout the duration of the cigar.
I wouldn’t dub this a very complex cigar, as far as flavor is concerned. Like all other DPG cigars I’ve had the privilege to enjoy, I would dub this a quality cigar. It held its burn quite well, kept a fair amount of smoke lingering about, stayed true to the flavor notes it first greeted me with and all in all satisfied to the very end.
Then again, this is a DPG… would you expect anything less?
I will say however, that I more prefer say the DPG Blue or Black Edition to the Series JJ. But please, don’t allow that to deter you from enjoying this great cigar.
Personal rating: 8 (10 pt. scale)
Happy Smoking,
~R. Harrison Malone
Illusione Epernay Le Elegance
I very well could have titled this review, Cigars from the Wintery Mid-West or Final Smoke of 2009. Nevertheless, I’ll keep to my standard formatting here.
I very much enjoy having the opportunity to try new cigars, and the Illusione Epernay allowed me just such an opportunity. If I were to describe this cigar in a word as it rested in the humidor, I might suggest unassuming. But that’s as far the description will go. Once I plucked it from it’s resting place I quickly began to become aware of far more accurate words to describe the Epernay.
The wrapper was nothing short of a master piece, with its soft relaxing feel and subtle veins running throughout. This particular vitolas comes in at 5.75 x 40 and seems the perfect mid-day smoke.
Speaking of smoke; the Epernay can smoke. Like a wild fire run a muck, huge billowing clouds of white-grey smoke filled the air for the duration of the cigar.
I decided in place of my standard Palio cut, I would opt to use a V-cut (having just received a V-cutter for Christmas). While I still need practice with the V-cutter, my minor cutting mistakes did not seem to effect the overall smoking experience. Other than an early mishap, where due to the cold, the cigar burned out. I would say the burn was near flawless, keeping fairly consistent throughout the length of the cigar.
Regarding the tasting notes of the Epernay, I would liken them to a dry white wine; subtle but there, lingering toward the back of the throat. According to the Illusione website, I should have noted hints of coffee and honey, but alas I did not. Toward the middle to end of the cigar the flavor become dominated by pure tobacco; which I might add was not to the detriment of the overall experience.
I found this cigar to sit nicely in the medium body range for the length of the cigar. This factor, combined with the somewhat under assuming flavor notes (for me) resulted in a rather “vanilla” cigar. Nothing too exciting or complex here. Yet I do not believe I would recommend this cigar however, to a young cigar smoker. Once if after you have about a dozen cigars under your belt, the Epernay would be a suitable choice.
While I am certainly not writing off Illusione cigars, I have to give this particular cigar the following rating…
Personal rating: 7.25 (10 pt. scale)
