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Archive for December, 2007

Padilla Miami Torpedo

20 Dec

Padilla Miami Torpedo Band

A relatively new comer to the cigar scene, the Padilla brand has already received accolades from well known cigar magazines and discussion groups. I recently enjoyed the Padilla Miami Torpedo and was impressed by what seems to be a good blend with excellent aging potential.

As good and as solid as the cigar is now, it is in my opinion a little rough around the edges. I believe a couple of years will tone down the power a bit, marry all the present notes and perhaps bring out even new depth all at the same time.

Padilla Miami Torpedo

The wrapper on the Torpedo is smooth and oily. The notes on it are buttery, peppery and accompanied by some cacao. Lighting up exuded an aroma of cinnamon and other musky spices. There is a delicious cacao aroma that permeated my office.

The smoke is very creamy at this point. There is sweet cedar and baking spices on the palate initially. These notes are accompanied by white pepper. There is a clear peppery effect, reminiscent of Cuban wrappers, which gives body to the rich smoke.

Padilla Cigar Ash

Half way through, the smoke intensifies a bit. The flavor turns toward leather with some espresso and woody undertones. I noticed that, at this point, the cigar should not be rushed. Doing so may turn out some sour notes; so take it easy and enjoy the complexity of the full smoke.

The power picks up quite a bit in the last third. For beginners, or anyone not used to this level of fullness, the last third may better be put down.

Padilla Miami

The leather picks up again, and the smoke begins to take on a certain chewy quality. Sweet spicy and cedar notes comprise the medium finish.

No doubt, the Padilla Miami Torpedo is a good full-bodied cigar with the potential to become a truly great smoke.

Padilla cigar nub

 
 

GrayCliff Vintage 1999 Robusto

11 Dec

GrayCliff Vintage 1999 Robusto

I admit to knowing relatively little about the GrayCliff line of cigars, since, as you could imagine, they are rather rare in Europe. After getting acquainted with the cigars in the last few months, I can heartily recommend them.

We’re not talking here about a cigar that will knock your socks off with power. The cigar is flavorful, smooth, easy and yet substantial. This is a stick will please everyone.

Graycliff Cigars Bahamas

The GrayCliff vintage 1999 Robusto has dark aromas on its wrapper. It’s slightly herbal on the one hand with marked caramel and cacao. The draw was a little loose, but the sweet woody initial aroma of the light as well as the creamy texture of the smoke made me overlook it.

The initial notes yield to complex notes of hay, cedar, and baking spices; maybe cloves. The cigar progresses well and burns evenly. The ash builds up well right up to the first blue band.

GrayCliff Cigar Even Burn

A pleasant progression of flavor goes toward a more roasted profile around the half way mark. Expect roasted nuts and toasted bread to be thrown into the mêlée and pretty much lead to a pleasant finish, which reminisces of the early wood and spicy notes. It’s an extremely refined smoke for everyone.

GrayCliff Vintage 1999 Nub

For more information on these ’99 Vintage GrayCliff Cigars, you can check them out at Cigars Direct.