RSS
 

Archive for November, 2005

Rey Del Mundo Choix Supreme

15 Nov

Slightly box pressed, the Rey Del Mundo Choix Supreme is a well constructed cigar with a nice oily wrapper, that is tightly wrapped, and a perfect triple cap that holds up well to the guillotine cutter. The pre-light smell was very nice, though not revealing, since it wasn’t very strong; perhaps some sweet notes of cedar and an overall light tobacco scent was all I got.

A quick light and a few puffs, and this cigar comes to life with a rather “floral” bouquet, and flavors of light toasted nuts, sweet wood, and even some spiciness and light pepper. The volume of smoke was very nice, billowing and aromatic. In general, every draw brings out all its flavors rather evenly balanced throughout the entire length of the cigar, except for peppery notes which pick up a bit of strength in the 2nd third and go on to the very end.

The draw on the Choix Supreme was great. The burn, though uneven at times, always managed to straighten out all by itself, making this cigar a nice relaxing smoke; you can put away your lighter and forget it.

The ash is gray (like most Cuban cigars), solid, and very long. The finish is long and woody.

I should mention that this cigar has received a score of 92 from Cigar Aficionado magazine. Where I am at odds with that review is in the fact that they labeled the Choix Supreme a “powerhouse” and a “dark” robusto. Well, I did not notice much of anything “dark” in this cigar, nor any chocolate, coffee, or predominantly earthy notes. I would classify this cigar as medium bodied, and especially so for a Cuban cigar. Try one and see for yourself.

Overall, the Rey Del Mundo Choix Supreme is a very pleasurable solid performer, with a good balance of sweet woody notes and peppery spice. A medium bodied smoke that is sure to please your taste buds.

 
 

Cuban Crafters Robusto

11 Nov

Cuban Crafters Cabinet Selection

I must say that, receiving this box of Cuban Crafters Robusto, I had very high expectations for this cigar. Well, I was not disappointed. On the contrary, my expectations were met and surpassed.

This Robusto from the Tabaclera Esteli in Nicaragua is absolutely beautiful to the sight, so the smoking experience began right when I opened my new box. From the texture of the wrapper, to the pigtail cap and the unfinished, carefully tucked foot, you can immediately tell that a lot of attention has gone into ensuring the quality of the tobacco, the blend, and the rolling. Sadly, this is one of those things that is missing from many Cuban brands these days, although the quality control of Cuban cigars is arguably on the rise. At any rate, you don’t have to inspect this baby too much before you realize the kind of smoking experience you are about to embark on.

Cuban Crafters Cabinet Selection

The wrapper is a wonderful dark natural leaf unlike many others. It is very fine and smooth, and almost marbled with slightly different shades.

The pre-smoke smell of this cigar is bold, full, and reminiscent of dark bitter chocolate with some cedar undertones, but with very little spice; which gives it away as a non-Cuban cigar, from the start.

Cuban Crafters Cabinet Selection

I sat out in the garden with a book (Unfinished Tales, by JRR Tolkien) and my cigar, the way I normally do; but I must say that this cigar quickly became the center of attention and before the end I only read one paragraph of my book. Lighting up was quick, and the burn was even; but what really got my attention was the absolutely opulent, thick, rich smoke this cigar began to emit. I can only compare it to the smoke of a Cuban Ramon Allones SSR, although the smoke did not have the spice that is typical of Cuban cigars. None the less, the smoke was rich, and so thick you could almost cut it with a knife. The ash was as solid as I have ever seen, going well past half the length of the cigar before falling off. I was impressed.

Cuban Crafters Cabinet Selection

The first third tasted very strongly of espresso beans, with some chocolate and only a hint of cedar; just delicious. The second third tasted more of cedar with equal notes of chocolate and espresso. The last third was almost exclusively cedar with less chocolate or espresso. The smoke never got harsh, bitter, or dominated by ammonia tastes, unlike other cigars, which I stop smoking at that time. This cigar took me to the very nub with its delightful creamy smoke. The smooth finish was very pleasant indeed.

Cuban Crafters Cabinet Selection

Overall, the only thing I missed in this cigar was a bit of spice. Otherwise, it was truly a delight to all the senses, a real shock and awe of pleasure for anyone who appreciates a full-body smoke.

You can find this cigar by visiting the Cuban Crafters online boutique HERE icon