5 Vegas Series A Triple A (AAA)

Sorry for the recent lay-off but it has been absolutely freezing here and it has been tough to find time to enjoy a smoke.  The snow quit and it warmed up to 40 degrees so I ventured out for some stick time.

This is the 5 Vegas Series A Triple A.  This bad little mofo is 5 x 56 of pure smoking pleasure.  Thanks to @JTull_fan for taking the time to send this half way around the world!

Appearance: A short but thick cigar with a oily maduro wrapper.  I mean this dude looks like a candy bar.  Double banded in a black and gold style.  Kinda cool. 

Score: 19/20

Construction: Tight seams, minimal veins, and no spongy spots pre-light.  Cap cuts nicely with very little litter.  Draw is smooth. The burn line did get off and I had to save it once or twice.  Remember, I am in the high elevations of Afghanistan.  I don't know if that had anything to do with it.

Score: 16/20

Flavor: A very full flavor to it that becomes more complex as you smoke it.  I get some coffee, bread (?), and a little pepper.  Very smooth however.  This guy is just bursting with yummy!

Score: 19/20

Ash/Smoke: Tight gray white ash that held on almost half the stick.  The smoke was a blue tinged velvet and lots of it.

Score:19/20

Cost/Value: Retails for around $5.50 a stick which isn't bad for this full flavored, medium strength stick.  I'm sure you can find them cheaper if you keep your eyes open.

Score: 19/20

Overall: 92

This was a great way to get back into a smoke after a few days layoff.  Thanks to my friend @JTull_fan for sending this in a care package!

Padilla Achilles Corojo Edicion Especial 2006 Salomon

This guy is my first Padilla and salomon.  I was kinda excited to try it being that I never had this brand or shape before.  But as the Chines proverb says, "Be careful what you wish for."

Appearance: Kinda of a cool rustic looking shape.  I don't know the history behind it but it looks like something a Cuba fisherman would lit up after a long day.  No issues with it's wrapper.  I did, however, not like the band.  It looks like a poster from a 1970's bowling alley.

Score: 18/20

Construction:  Again, no big flaws.  Feels nice in my hand, no soft spots.  Cut nicely.  Burn line was sharp and the draw was near perfect.

Score: 19/20

Flavor: Cough/choke/cough...Jesus, what did they put in this thing?  It was almost as bad as that shitty Te Amo I had a few weeks back.  Nothing but bitter tasting dry tobacco flavor.  It tasted like I was eating a cigarette.

Score: 0/20

Ash/Smoke: No issues with these.  Ash was nice and stuck for about 1/3 of the stick.  Unfortunately, the smoke delivered that ashtray taste with every puff.  I could;t take it anymore and threw it away after this last pic.

Score: 10/20

Cost/Value: I looked online to find the price of these things since this one was a gift but I could't find it anywhere.  Doesn't matter, could;t pay my to smoke another one of these things.

Score: 0/20

Overall: 47

Shitballs, that was horrendous. I see reviews of Padillas online and some people like them.  Personally, I rather be kicked in the balls than smoke another one of these monster.  Please excuse me while I go gargle gasoline to get this taste out of my mouth.

Diesel Unlimited d7

Another cold ass morning here in the mountains of Afghanistan.  So being the cigar loving, nicotine addicted fool that I am, I decided to sit out in the freezing weather and lit up this beauty.  This is a Diesel Unlimited d.7 that comes in at 7 x 58.

Appearance: I love big cigars and this one is no exception.  Nice dark brown wrapper with super tight seams.  A few small veins but nothing big.  Oddly, I even like the subtle but highly decorative foot band.

Score: 19/20

Construction: I can't find anything wrong with this dude pre-light: It feels solid making me think overpacked but the cut and the draw where excellent.  The burn line did get a little off and I had to tend to it.

Score: 18/20

Flavor: Holy ball kick Batman.  This sucker is RICH!  Extremely full-bodied with a smooth deep earth and leather.  A nice oily coat encircles the lips.  As the smoke got down to about half way, some hints of pepper come through on the finish.  Ain't no doubt that it a full strength stick.

Score: 20/20

Ash/Smoke: It had a nice tight ash that probably would have stayed on longer if I wasn't shivering (notice the gloves now).  The smoke, forgetaboutit! That rich creamy smoke poured out of this guy.

Score: 19/20

Cost/Value: Retails for $5/stick but you can find them cheaper. And if you do, STOCK UP!  Even at $5 this is goddamn worth it.  

Score: 20/20

Overall: 96

In my limited experience, this is now probably my second favorite smoke after the Ave Maria Knights Templer.  I can't wait to try some of their other lines.

Cohiba Red Dot Corona

Hello again. Time to take a look at this guy, the Cohiba Red Dot Corona.  A 5 x 42 stick that packs a little punch to it.

Appearance: A nice dark brown wrapper with tight seams but it has some little white dots that I cant identify.  Not quite sure what they are.  It has the typical Cohiba band with the red dot in the "O".  I believe that is to set it apart from the ones made in Cuba.

Score: 18/20

Construction: Feels like a nice stick.  Not spongy in any spots.  As you can see however, the cap cracked slightly with the punch cut.  After lighting, it had a loose draw and burned pretty quick.  So issues whatsoever with the burn line, it was tight and razor sharp.

Score: 17/20

Flavor: This guy has a little ass to it.  Right off the bat it was a rich leathery tobacco with a nice long finish.  As the smoked progressed, a distinctive pepper developed that built up as the smoke finished off.  I was a little disappointed that it didn't have any other changes.  It ended up being full body, medium-full strength.

Score: 17/20

Ash/Smoke: As you can see from these pics, nice tight ash that held on for almost half of the stick.  With the loose draw, the smoke was plentiful but a little warm at times.

Score 18/20

Cost/Value: Retails for $9 a smoke.  Seems like you are paying more for the name than anything.  Smoke time was around 45 mins.

Score 16/20

Overall: 87

Not a bad stick but I don't think it justifies a $9 price tag.

5 Vegas Gold Maduro Robusto

I have been thinking that instead of just smoking these dudes and writing about it, maybe I would do some type of ratings system.  More because I am bored to death and it will take up addition time during my day.  Therefore, 5 categories with 20 pts each.  The categories are as follows (drumroll): Appearance, Construction, Flavor, Smoke/Ash, and finally, Cost/Value.   Granted, my experience is limited so my scores might be a little weird.

So onward...This is the 5 Vegas Gold Maduro.  I received this beauty in a care package from a friend on Twitter, @JTull_fan.   

Appearance: This stick has a yummy looking dark brown maduro wrapper.  Very tight seams and minimal veins.  Also, the 5 vegas band is pretty sweet looking.

Score: 18/20

Construction: It had no major issues what so ever.  Burn line was a little off but did not require any more attention.  Draw was a little tight but no biggie.

Score: 18/20

Flavor: Rich coffee, earthy tobacco and a little hint of sweetness started this guy out.  As the second 1/3 approached, some nice spice could be appreciated, especially on the finish.  Coffee died down some and some chocolate notes found its way to my palate. Finally, the coffee left and now it is a rich earthy smooth tobacco with a spicy finish.  Overall strength and body was a medium.

Score: 19/20

Ash/smoke: The ash was nice a tight.  It lasted for the first half of the cigar before falling off.  Smoke out put didn't suffer from the draw being a little tight.

Score: 18/20

Cost/Value: I got the robusto (5 x 50) and for $3 a stick retail, I love these guys.  Lots of flavor and flavor changes.  Medium body/strength.  Good Smoke output.  I see these as a great everyday kind of smoke.

Score: 19/20

Overall: 92

Again, much thanks to @JTull_fan for the gift!

Gurkha XO Maduro

This fat little beauty is a Gurkha XO Maduro.  It's out of Gurkha's Master's Select line.  Let me tell you, this mother is big.  Comes in at 6 x 60 of nothing but goodness.  Got this beauty from the CI Gurkha grab bag special they were running.  Pre-light: velvety dark brown wrapper, tight seams, and small veins.  Smells of a rich earthy leather.

Cutting/lighting:  Punch cut, took a little effort to lit this honker but no issues once it was torched.

First 1/3: Full of a black coffee and leather.  A little bit dry in the mouth, needed some water.  Draw is a little tight but I expect that with a punch cut and a large stick.  Smoke output is acceptable.  Strength is a  solid medium.

Second 1/3: Starting to get a nice black pepper mixed in with coffee. Draw has opened up a little bit.  As you can see the ash held on for about half of the burn.

Final 1/3: Lots more pepper especially on the finish.  Strength got up to a medium-full range.  Total smoke time, and hour and 25 minutes.

Overall:  A great full bodied, medium-full strength smoke.  The stick had no construction issues at all.  I love the flavor and the changes. Retails for about $6 but you can find them cheaper.  Well worth it in my opinion.  HOOAH!

Gurkha Spec Ops

This is the Gurkha Spec Ops.  This guys weighs in at 6 x 52 and it is HUGE!  It was holding a damn 9 iron.  Another great stick sent over from Cigars for Warriors.  Pre-light: a velvety dark brown wrapper with tight seams.  One big whiff and my nose is filled with a great barnyard (minus the cow shit) like aroma.

Cutting/Lighting: punch cut and lit up with no issues.  First flavors are a smooth creamy chocolate flavor with a little spice.  Draw is a little tight but it is a giant stick.

First 1/3: I get a lot of deep rich earthy chocolate and creamy tobacco.  I might be crazy, never smoked a chocolate bar before.  I think there is some spice on the long finish also.

Second 1/3: Weird...I taste like a black coffee flavor.  Not bad at all.  Draw is still a little tight but lots of smoke output.  I would say the strength is a solid medium to medium full.

Final 1/3: Spice and chocolate is gone and a creamy coffee/tobacco flavor finished it off.  Smoke time was an hour and thirty minutes.

Overall:  I love Gurkhas.  I think they have some of the best products out there and you can usually find them at good prices.  This guy retails for about $10 but you can find them way cheaper.  Try a sampler,  and experience more.  I have a bunch in my humi and I can't wait to light these bad mofos up.

Nub Cameroon 358

This little slice of heaven is the Nub Cameroon 358.  The last of my Nub sampler that I got from CI.  It has a nice looking medium brown wrapper with tight seams.  Pre-light smell is a sweet barnyard like aroma.

Cutting/lighting: punch cut and even though it is as fat as one of Rex Ryan's fingers, it lit up without a prob.  First tastes are a nice sweet smooth tobacco with a slight leather flavor.  Draw is a little tight but producing lots of nice smoke.

First 1/3: you can taste and feel the oil that this little dude is leaving in my mouth.  I taste a smooth leather and maybe a little spice on the finish, which is nice and long.  Strength is mild to medium at this point for me.

Second 1/3: Little bit more of the spice flavor coming through.  Still with the oily finish.  Strength is a solid medium.  Lots of creamy smoke that coats the mouth.

Final 1/3: Not sure what happened to my picture, but I smoke this thing til I couldn't hold it anymore.  Leather flavor was pretty much gone and a nutty spice was predominate.   Finished up around an hour and 15 mins. 

Overall: Again, and I have said this with all the Nub sticks, if you can make a smoke this good, make it a regular size.  All were great but I guess I'm use to holding a bigger stick in my hand (rimshot!)

Ave Maria Knights Templar

Another day here in Afghanistan with nothing to do (which is a good thing in my profession), so I figured I would bust out one of these Ave Maria Knights Templar.  This is a 6 x 48 toro.  I must say that this is one of the best looking cigars I have ever seen.  Near flawless construction with a great pre-light smell of fine tobacco.  Not to mention, the coolest band EVER!

Cutting/Lighting: Punch cut. Light up like a champ.  First draw was perfect.  This stick puts of the smoothest smoke I have ever had.  Full of rich creamy tobacco flavor.

Had to snap a few pics with the sun coming through here.  Make the smoke glow almost a neon blue color.  It was pretty cool.

First 1/3: Just a really complex flavor profile, nothing really overpowering.  Just full of that smooth smoke.  Nice long finish lasting to the next draw.  The ash was almost pure white.

Second 1/3: Just absolutely amazing flavor.  It isn't like most sticks were you can say, "I taste spice," or "I taste a nut flavor."  It was just this cornucopia of flavor that fills the senses.  Strength is a solid medium.

Final 1/3: Just more of the same.  No changes at all which I didn't mind at all.  Smoke time was a touch over an hour and a half.

Overall:  To date, the finest cigar I have had.  No complaints whatsoever.  Glad I have a few more in the humi to season over the next few weeks.  

Rocky Patel 1961 Robusto

Good Morning.  Got another nice stick here from your friends at Cigars for Warriors.  A Rocky Patel 1961 Robusto.  Comes in at 5x50.  I love the look of this smoke.  Beautiful dark brown wrapper, tight seams, and a cool looking band.  Pre-light: nice sweet tobacco smell with a touch of spice.

Cutting/Lighting: punch cut, toasted up with no problems.  First taste are of a delicious sweet tobacco with a hint of nuts.  Nice draw on it also.

First 1/3: More of the same. Just a nice sweet nut and tobacco flavor.  Lots of creamy smoke.  Medium body and strength.  The finish is short but no worries.

Second 1/3: Starting to add in a little spice now that I can feel on my tongue in the finish.

Final 1/3: still with that sweet tobacco, nut, spice flavor.  Defiantly a solid medium in the strength category.  Smoke time was just under an hour.

Overall: A little stronger than I expected, which isn't a bad thing.  This was the first RP I have had and I was not disappointed.  At around $7-8 a smoke not a bad choice, I just might have to pick up some in a larger size. Hooah!

La Perla Habana Rojo Perfecto

Hey Now!  This little mother is the La Perla Habana Rojo Perfecto.  I got it in a sampler from CI.  It was one of their checkout add-on specials.  This guy has a nice perfecto shape with a leathery brown wrapper.  Nice tight seams and a few little veins.  Pre-smoke smell is full of tobacco and some spices.

Cutting and Lighting: Used a standard cutter to snip off the end and it lit up just like a perfecto should.  I have to admit that torching up a perfecto is my favorite.  A nice small opening that lights quickly and "perfectly" every time.  First flavor are a strong tobacco, not harsh, just powerful.

Had to snap this pic of the Afghan mountains right outside of the wire.  Very pretty if they weren't in this hell hole of a country.  

First 1/3: Rich powerful smoke!  Full bodied and strength.  Again, not harsh, however.  The draw is wonderful and producing a creamy smoke.  The finish is pretty long and it has a pepper pop to it.

Second 1/3: Same flavor and strength, certainly full now. Same nice draw.  Had a pretty long tight ash going until some outgoing fire scared the bejesus out of me and I lost it.

Final 1/3: No changes in the flavor or the strength.  This stick definitely had some ass to it....in a good way.

Overall: Nice powerful gar with lots of pepper flavor to it, especially on the finish.  I would give it 2 thumbs up but my hands are shaking a bit from the rush.