Okay, I've decided to actually clean out the humidors in anticipation of the arrival of a couple hundred premiums and since I'm not willing to buy another humidor right now, that means that some of the "cheapens" I've managed to "win" here have to be tested so I can separate the "keepers" from the "my brother will take this crap off my hands". So here is what I discovered today in short:
1. Pirata Robusto: This sucker is HARSH! It's smokeable, but I would call it moochador material at best. Certainly not the worst cigar I've had, but you really can't describe the flavor since it doesn't seem to have much. Construction was decent with nice burn. Would not recommend.
2. Caleyes Torpedo: First reaction: YUCK! The first taste that came to mind was Pumpkin...wait...no...ROTTEN PUMPKIN! The draw was terrible and the burn just sucked. The taste did seem to get a bit better, but I don't know if that was because my taste buds were completely destroyed after this experience. Recommendation: STAY FAR AWAY!
3. Solearas: Okay this was the special that some of us took CBid up on. I can't be sure but think it's the Lonsdale? Whatever...draw sucked. Taste: slightly vegetal when I could get some flavor! Maybe it was on odd plug, but I don't have the time or inclination to smoke another. Your mileage may vary...but the two words that kept creeping into my mind: JUST WRONG!
4. Regalos Churchill: This one was more to my liking. Great draw with a spicy taste to it. Lots of smoke with an even burn. This is a keeper for me. Mild to medium body. I wouldn't smoke this regularly, but its good for poker nights and I wouldn't be ashamed to pass it to friends.
5. Don Guillermo Corona: Vegetal Nastiness at it's worst. Had a good draw and even burn, but just had that cabbage taste I don't like. Again, your taste buds may prefer this sort of thing, but I HATE CABBAGE!
6. Thomas Hinds Honduran Lonsdale: See above. Sam as the Don Guillermo, but slightly better. Still sucked big time for me. The draw was fine and I got good smoke out of it. About half way through I began to think I was enjoying this...then I had a catharsis. Why smoke something I have to consider whether I like it. It may get better with time, but they have already had nearly 6 months in the 'dor and this is the first time I've tried it. I won't be going back to visit Mr. Hinds any time soon.
7. Rovanoff Churchill: Another vegetal smoke with a nasty hard draw. I gave up before it could make any more of a negative impression. STAY AWAY!
8. Don Fano Robusto: This one had a good draw and put out nice amounts of smoke. But I kept having to consider what it tasted like. It wasn't that it was bad...but then it hit me! If you could smoke and old shoe, this is what I'd imagine it tasting like! Some may find foot sweat and canvass appealing...not me.
9. Flor de Los Reyes Robusto: This is one of the original Flor de los Reyes, not the new one which I haven't tried. The draw was a bit tight and it had a really bad uneven burn. The start had a slight vegetal flavor, but it evened out and actually became pretty good. Not too bad honestly, with a mild spicy taste that will stay in my moochador'/yard 'gar stash. Overall I wouldn't buy it again, but don't feel I was taken to the cleaners here. Looks like my 'bro won't be getting any of these today.
10. Sunrise Classic Maduro Robusto: I really wanted to like this cigar...I promise! The construction seemed nice and I really like Robustos & Toros. But it was plugged beyond all recognition. DISGUSTING. Say goodbye as these won't see the next sunrise in my humidor.
11. Nicarao Lanza: I was a bit worried when the cap just fell right off. Despite the construction issues, this Felipe Gregorio made Nicaraguan Puro isn't that bad. After a bit of a rough start it settled down and became an okay smoke. I'm undecided about this one so its got to go. But really it isn't that bad. Some vegetal characteristics at first but spicy.
12. Adolphus Churchill: This ROCKS! Minor construction issues, but overall a great burn with full creamy smoke! GIVE ME MORE OF THESE!
13. Alteza Churchill: I've given my opinion on these before that it had little flavor. I decided to give it another shot after spending some time in the humidor and boy was I surprised. This spicy number had me double fisting with the Adolphus! It had a nice burn/smoke with a slightly tight draw. It got better as it was smoked. I like this one and will save them for another six months to see how much better it will get. Great construction here as well!
14. Juan Y Ramon Robusto: Terrible draw with little flavor except for that damn cedar taste all by its lonesome. I don't like that at all! It was plugged so I decided to cut it open. I found black string that could have fallen off the rollers clothing! It was so nasty to think that foreign substances were in there! For all I know this "fabric" was a handkerchief and snot was the reason it was plugged. Completely gross and DISGUSTING!
15. Juan Y Ramon Toro: See above with slightly less issues on the draw. NEVER AGAIN!
16. Havana Royale: This had a decent draw and the construction is very nice. I didn't care for it at first, but as it settled down it became smokeable. The ash looked as if the Alien had impregnated it and burst forth upon maturation. Rather mild for my tastes, but it will stay for now in the moochador.
17. J.R. Alternative Robusto: This one was supposedly the "alternative" to the Hoyo Natural. I've already tried the alternative to the Hoyo Maduro and it was plugged with terrible flavor, so I'm not sure why I thought this one would any different. It wasn't. Terrible flavor that is nothing at all like a good Hoyo. The ash was nice and the burn even, but I just though....BLEGHH!
18. Rey del Mar: This one surprised the heck out of me. Very spicy and tasty smoke. It's ugly as sin and doesn't burn incredibly straight, but its pretty darn good for what it is. I only got a five pack of these and won't buy it again, but it isn't shameful.
I have a few more bargain smokes, but I'll have to try them later. I'm done for the day and need a good Exodus to clean my mouth out...along with some Bass Ale of course.:)
