Nub Maduro 460

The Nub line by the Oliva Company is one of my favorite smokes.  The Maduro 460 is a 4"x60 ring beauty of a cigar.  The 60 ring gage is typically out of my comfort zone for a cigar but these Nubs are so good that I am willing to overcome it.  The prelight aroma was of a well stocked humidor, strong and pleasant tobacco smell with some undertones of chocolate.  Upon torching the massive foot of this cigar I was immediately welcomed with the flavors of strong cane syrup and some vanilla.  The retrohale was woody with some spice.  As the cigar progressed the flavors developed with some burnt caramel and vanilla in the background. At about the halfway point I was greeted with a burst of orange and citrus.  The retrohale actually tamed as the cigar went along and the woodiness gave way to citrus.  At the last third the cigar displayed some metallic, earthiness that never became unpleasant.  The typical Nicaraguan spice in the back of the throat never really manifested itself so I would consider this to be a medium strength cigar with many great flavors.  As is typical with the entire Nub line the ash held on tight and the burn was crisp and straight.  Overall I was very pleased with the cigar and plan on smoking many more in the future.

Punch Elite Maduro

Elite Maduro 5 1/4 X 44 - 25 cigars per box

Punch Elite Maduro from General Cigar

Schizophrenic is the best way to describe this smoke.  Beginning with creamy vanilla, caramel, and nutmeg it quickly turned metallic and earthy at the half mark, then the sweetness came back briefly. I was ok with the flavor changes at first.  However, it quickly became more and more harsh and I tossed it with about 2 inches left.  I was glad that I had only dropped about 3 bucks for this cigar.  I found it to be light to medium in strength and the retrohale uneventful.  Even at $3 I'll probably pass on these in the future.



Padron Delicias Maduro

This rustic 4 7/8" x 46 ring is a no brainer.  For God's sake its a Padron, not much to say other than a constant go to.  This isn't the most refined cigar you will find.  This cigar gives the appearance of what I would consider a blue-collar cigar, rough exterior that won't win any beauty awards.  Once lit it gets straight to the point, without holding back.  Not an overly complex cigar so there weren't many subtle flavor changes.  A full flavored, and balanced spicy Nicaraguan puro with strong tobacco flavors that please the palate after a long day of work. The retrohale on this smoke helps to remind you that you are alive, as it powers it's way through the nasal cavity.  The cigar stayed full bodied and full flavored all the way to the nub.  Being an unusually warm evening in February, even  for South Louisiana I Enjoyed this smoke with a red stripe lager.  The strong lager paired well with the cigar. 
 

Partagas Short

This classic minuto from that island south of Miami is a classic, and one that I can't seem to get enough of (Thanks JFK). I have yet to have one that didn't behave well, and today's was no exception, rolled perfectly with a great draw went down smooth in about 45 minutes and was a great accompaniment on the commute to work. Medium body and mild to medium in strength it left me wanting for more. Not very complex, it had a great nutty after taste that stayed with me. If you can, I suggest getting your hands on one.

Perdomo Lot 23 Maduro Robusto

The Prelight aroma of the Lot 23 was that of both barnyard and a hint of espresso.  The appearance of the cigar was somewhat rustic with some sheen on the wrapper. Upon initial light the draw seemed tight but quickly opened up.  Flavors of espresso and unsweet cocoa were present.  I detected spice only in the retro hale through the first half of the smoke.  Although the coffee element remained, the taste turned more earthy in the second half with the strength picking up.  The spice became more present in the back of the mouth.  As I got past the halfway point the flavor turned more woody and surprisingly there was some sweetness in the background and even the hint of lemon peel.  The earthiness turned somewhat bitter as it went on but it never became unpleasant.  It behaved well and stayed lit with no burn issues.  I find this to be an enjoyable cigar for anytime of the day, and even though I wouldn't call it a must have, at its very affordable price point I certainly plan on keeping a few on hand.

La Clotiere Coteaux D' Ancenis Gamay 2009

Found this on sale at Whole Foods and grabbed it for $8.99 As I don't know much about this wine and it is the first 100% Gamay I drank I am going to keep it real simple.  When I poured it I first noticed that it was very light in color for a red wine and had almost no weight to it, and based on sight It was exactly what I expected; extremely light bodied and it behaved almost like a white wine.  It was loaded with fruit flavors most dominate was strawberry and cranberry.  It is a good alternative to Pinot Noir to pair poultry or fish. When I find out more info I will update post.

Oliva Connecticut Reserve Rubosto

My first note so here goes nothing:

I start with the Oliva Connecticut Reserve Rubosto 5x50 from Oliva Cigars hand made in Nicaragua.  These are some of my favorite cigars.

The appearance was light and the cigar was well constructed with some greenish blemish as to be expectesd with connecticut wrapped cigars.  Upon light you get the intitial hit of Nicaragua that quickly retires to a cool buttery flavor transparent even through the coffee making it enjoyable in the early morning. After about a half inch I begin to taste cinnamon which combined with the butter makes for a delightful taste.  Although it begins on the light to medium strength it has a very clean finish that continues to build.  At the halfway point it is into a full medium strength and the buttery flavor gives way to earthiness and a clean tobacco flavor.  Some spices build on the back of the tounge and it continues to finish clean.  I love this cigar if I am smoking it in the morning because of the way it evolves; starting off like cinnamon toast and fininshing by gently making sure that you are awake, slowly ramping up in strength.  It is a great example of what a cigar should be because after it is gone the flavors easily wash away allowing you to go on with your day.