Here are my reviews. I`ll let Jeff post my guesses when bass is ready.
#1- Toro size with very good construction. Lightly colored wrapper had a nice smooth sheen to it though not a Connecticut shade. Smelled that of light spice with a bit of sugar? Clipped the end and pre-light draw was smooth, but with no taste. Upon lighting, a blast of billowing spice filled the air followed by natural sweetness. This flavor held solid, even intensifying midway. Not spicy mind you, but subtle spiciness like a dash of pepper. Very good cigar. 4 out of 5.
#2- A large ring gauge maybe 54+ with a perfecto foot. Also with good construction. Wrapper was a dark brown matte color. Pre-light had nice smooth flavor. Burned a bit uneven at first as is the case with most shaped cigars, then evened out. Experienced some earth tone flavors with a leathery hint. Good draw and pleasant taste give this is 3..5 out of 5.
#3- A box pressed robusto. Great construction with a nice Cameroon wrapper (a favorite of mine). Pre light aroma was a pleasing reminder that I “think” this is one of my favorite cigars from CAO. Medium bodied flavor of spicy, but smooth pepper filled the air with the first draw. A slow burning bright ash held firm nearly ¾ of the way down. Overall nutty flavor did intensify near the finish. Great cigar. 4.5 out of 5.
#4- This big fat robusto has a huge ring gauge about 58 or 60. A super dark wrapper, although not maduro, is rolled tight, smooth and nearly flawless. This cigar has a deep, hearty, earthy pre light aroma that is up front in your face. After the foot was toasted, 1st draw slammed a deep robust flavor on my tongue. Though I really can`t explain it, it was just complex. No real flavors stood out although there were plenty, just kind of like a mystery mix. Halfway point greeted me with a break, then, before I knew it, again I was hit hard. Had the power of a VSG, but the flavor was not as good as VSG. I would try this one again in the future and be prepared for an adventure with different flavors. 3 out of 5.
#5- Box-pressed “black as night” maduro robusto. This cigar is smelly! The oily, deep black maduro wrapper smelled like a red hot roasted pepper. I cut the head off and took a pre light draw. My lips were instantly drenched with spicy oils filled with pepper. Wow, didn`t expect that, but did like it. Upon lighting the chili pepper, clouds of creamy blue smoke went to combat with the spice. I found myself in the middle of a battle that could go either way. After a quick uneven burn correction, I settled in a found the sweetness of the creamy smoke to not overcome the chili pepper, but to compliment it in producing a well balanced full bodied, full flavored smoke. What a mix of flavors, some roasted coffee beans, light chocolate, nutty hints and a heavy leathery finish. I really enjoyed this cigar. 4.5 out of 5.
Dave
