Arturo Fuentes Gran Reserva

I just returned from a vacation in the Dominican Republic (AKA--cigar heaven!).

I have to admit that I was very disappointed to discover that the premium Dominican cigars were not much cheaper there--a little bit, but not what I was expecting. I picked up a handful of premium cigars, smoked a few of them on the beach and brought the rest of them home with me.

I'll give you my amateur's review of each as I sample them.

First up is the A. Fuentes Gran Reserva

I like the cedar sleeve that it comes wrapped in, just a little touch of class.
Over the past year or so, I've moved away from the maduro wrapped cigars and opted for the Connecticut leaf or natural wrappers. However, this darkly wrapped cigar truly lives up to its reputation of a quality smoke!

I sat om my deck, watched the UFC 173 fights and enjoyed the Churchill size for nearly 1 1/2 hours. Although the long ash doesn't add to the cigar's flavor, it is indicative of the quality of the long leaf fillers and the craftsmanship of the roller.

Its bold, smooth taste is great for a long smoking session. I certainly enjoyed this smoke and would gladly receive another one as a gift. However, this beauty is far and above my normal budget for my already indulgent habit so I'll have to mark it as a great treat and accept that I'll probably not enjoy another one for quite some time.

For a short time, I was receiving regular sampler packs from my cigar supplier of choice--Thompson Cigar Co., but decided that it was just pushing the cost of my habit above what I was willing to spend on a regular basis.

If you are looking for a cigar for a special occasion, if you just want to treat yourself to a quality smoke, or if you want to make me extremely happy and buy me a really good cigar, A. Fuentes Gran Reserva will not disappoint you!

John

Romeo y Julieta

It's been a little while since I've posted here. The main reason is that reviews on the Thompson Cigar site (where I purchase most of my cigars) has stopped linking direct to my blog.

This little sampler was everything that one would expect it to be. Good quality cigars! Good flavor, full bodied, even burn. While I enjoyed these very much, I'd say that they run a little bit more than I'm willing to spend on a daily cigar. I will always keep these in mind for those occasional premium cigar. I have enjoyed the occasional RyJ while on vacation and find the Dominicans to be every bit as good as their other cigars.

Perfecto!

I'm excited about finally receiving my "Perfecto sampler"

I already like the size and shape and am looking forward to sampling the product.
More when I've smoked a few!

John

Explorer Robusto

A good little cigar!

I bought this cigar because I was looking for a smoke that I could complete on a break at work. At just 5 inches, this fits the bill for a 20-25 minute break.

As with all of the Thompson Explorers that I've tried, it is a good everyday smoke with a mild to medium flavor. My only complaint is that the band (and the additional "habano" band) are too heavily glued and make removal a little bit of a pain.

I'm guessing that these will continue to fill my humidor until I retire.

John

VS Cabinet 99 Churchill

By Magicianary from Ozark MO on 7/31/2013
Your Rating: 4 stars
Headline: Great cigar

Pros : Easy Light, Great taste, Mild, Even burn
Best Uses : Every day, After dinner
Was this a gift? : No

I received some VS Cabinet 99 toro cigars as a part of a sampler. I really like this cigar and in the Churchill size. This is my new standing order for my 250 Club!
I have generally enjoyed the Maduro wrapped cigars, but this Connecticut leaf wrap is really good. Great flavor. Great aroma. Whatever size cigar you prefer, order these Cabinet 99 cigars!

My Review of VICTOR SINCLAIR EXCLUSIVO SAMPLER 2-FER TORO

Originally submitted at Thompson Cigar

The Victor Sinclair Exclusivo Toro Sampler is a wonderful sampling of excellent mild to medium Toro cigars. These Victor Sinclair Exclusivo cigars display top shelf qualities that turn them into true humidor treasures. When they are offered as a 2-fer sampler, the result is an excellent assortment ...

VICTOR SINCLAIR EXCLUSIVO SAMPLER 2-FER TORO

A good variety sampler

By Magicianary from Ozark MO on 5/15/2013

 

4out of 5

Pros: Easy Light, Good draw, Even burn

Best Uses: Gift, Every day

Was this a gift?: No

In general I like the Victor Sinclair brand. I was surprised that I really enjoyed the Connecticut wrap Cabinet 99 as I am more of a Maduro fan. The only one that I wouldn't buy again was the Sun-cured.

This was a great value.

(legalese)

My Review of DON PEPIN GARCIA BLACK LABEL ROBUSTO HABANO

Originally submitted at Thompson Cigar

The beloved Black Label, a medium to full-bodied smoke that Cigar Insider awarded the prestigious 92 rating. The magical flavor of the Black Label leaves you finding Don Pepin Garcia's deft touch with tobacco entrancing.

DON PEPIN GARCIA BLACK LABEL ROBUSTO HABANO

Definitely earned its 92

By Magicianary from Ozark MO on 4/21/2013

 

5out of 5

Pros: Great Flavor, Undamaged Wrapper, Easy To Light, Well Constructed, Good Draw

Best Uses: Events, Special Occasions

Describe Yourself: Aspiring Aficionado

I received this as a part of a Premium sampler.
Easy light, easy draw, good strong ash, mild, easy flavor. Other than the cost being a little bit more than I care to spend for an everyday cigar (even with Thompson's great pricing), this would be a great everyday cigar.

I will definitely keep this one in mind for a future way to treat myself!

(legalese)