Crowned Heads Las Calaveras 2014 LC50

Tonight we have the Crowned Heads Las Calaveras Limited Edition 2014.  The sample I am smoking tonight is the robusto size.  It comes in at 5 X 50.  It has a medium brown oily wrapper.  It has invisible seems and a few veins.  At first light I am met with a medium to full bodied black pepper and faint coffee on the draw.  The pepper is heavy on the "retro-hale".  Its at a 8 out of 10 on the "pepper zing" scale.  The finish flavor is a sweet cedar and slight coffee.  The flavors stay on the palate all the way to the next draw.  The draw is producing large amounts of smoke and isn't snug or lose, its right in the middle.  The burn line is razor sharp.

The second inch starts out with some flavor changes.  A slight coco is mixing with the black pepper and coffee on the draw.  The pepper is still heavy through the nose.  The finish is black pepper, and a sweet prune cedar note.  A nice vanilla note comes in and out on the finish between draws. The draw is still good, producing large amounts of smoke.  The burn has gone a little wavy.  It's about a quarter inch higher on one side than the other.  It did not require a touch-up and self corrected fairly quickly.  Shortly after the burn corrected the ash fell off on it's own.  It held on for near two inches! The body is still medium-full and is starting to ramp up to a full.

Three inches down and some more flavors come in.  Its gone up to a full body.  The draw still has the pepper which has never backed off of its 8 out of 10 on the "zing" scale.  The coffee has left and so has the coco. They've been replaced by a toasty cinnamon flavor.  The finish continues with the toasty cinnamon, vanilla, and prune cedar note.  Again, the vanilla comes in and out between draws and is a nice compliment.  The burn went wavy again but like last time self corrected.  The draw has stayed very good throughout

With two inches left the pepper and a warm molasses flavor have taken over.  The cigar is starting to get mushy and warm and I sat it down for the last time at the 57 minute mark.  This cigar was very different from the other Crowned Heads brands.  This cigar is made by the Garcia's at the My Father Factory.  All other Crowned Heads products have been made by  The E.P Carrillo brand.  The difference in tobacco and flavors are well noted in this cigar.  It was different from what I have become accustomed to from them but still a very good cigar!

Price: $ 8.25

Appearance: 9/10

Draw: 20/20

Burn: 15/20

Flavor: 16/20

Complexity: 16/20

Burn Time: 9/10

Overall Score:  85 / Good Cigar 

Epicurean Gonzo Santeria Vintage 2009 Ruca

This evening we have the Epicurean Cigars, Gonzo Santeria Vintage 2009 in Ruca.  This cigar comes in at 5 X 42.  It has a pig tail cap, invisible seems and minimal veins.  Its slightly box pressed and has a oily wrapper.  At first light notes of coffee and black pepper are present on the draw.  The pepper isn't to powerful on the draw but through the nose on the "retro-hale" its very potent.  I would put it at a 7 out of 10 on the "zing" pepper scale.  The finish has earth and coco notes and is medium bodied.  The finish flavors fade fairly quickly.  The burn is razor sharp and the draw produces large amounts of smoke.

The second inch is producing more of the same flavors.  Lots of pepper and coffee on the draw and coco and earth notes on the finish.  The flavors are becoming more full bodied and are very delicious.  The burn is absolutely razor sharp and the draw continues to produce large amounts of smoke.  Very enjoyable so far.

Three inches down and the flavors start to change up a little bit.  On the draw the spice and  coffee remain.  On the finish the coco and earth notes are still present but a sweet leather starts to take over near the end of the finish.  The flavors are lasting on the palate all the way until the next draw now and are full in body.  Burn is still razor sharp and draw is excellent.

With two inches to go the flavors start to get warm and the cigar  is getting mushy.  I put it down for the last time at the 42 minute mark, which is a good amount of time for a small ring gauge cigar.  Overall, this was a very tasty smoke.  I highly recommend tracking some down.  I found some online at  the Cigar Federation Store.

Thanks to Gary Griffith for sending this in for review.  Check him out on twitter @EmilioCigars.  Or go to houseofemilio.com for more information on their other lines.

Price: $10.25
Appearance: 93
Draw: 95
Burn: 97
Flavor: 91
Complexity: 88
Burn Time: 87

Overall Score: 92

Quarterly Stock Inventory and Inspection

Today I had the time to take my cigars out of my humidors and inspect them for mold, bugs, or any other things that may need my attention.  Fortunately enough I had no issues.  I keep my cigars stored in three desktop humidors.  I keep the temperature anywhere from 65-72 in temperature and 65-70 percent humidity.  I only use Boveda Humidification Bags.  In the winter months I use the 69 percent bags and in the summer months I use the 65 percent bags.  I have found that these regulate the humidity perfectly.  I have also never had any mold or cracking when using Boveda.

I also take this time to make sure my hygrometer is working properly as well.  I do the salt test for 10 hours.  After the salt test I calibrate the humidity according to the results of the test.  For instructions on the salt test see Cigars International Salt Test for more information.

Enjoy your Holiday Weekend Everyone!

Pinar Del Rio Classico Exclusivo in Toro

Today we have the PDR Classico Exclusivo in Toro.  This light tan Connecticut wrapped cigar has a few visible seems and small visible veins.  It comes in at 6 X 52.  At first light the draw has some resistance to it.  Its not plugged but is tight.  At first light there is some spicy cedar notes on the draw with a creamy cedar and black pepper on the finish.  The smoke is quite creamy in the mouth, its leaving a oil slick on my lips as well. The black pepper is a 6 out of 10 on the pepper "zing" scale.  Its the flavor and the "zing" sensation.  It can be quite intense, especially through the nose on the retro-hail.  This was something I was not expecting a Connecticut wrapped cigar.  Usually I don't get black pepper and zing sensations from them.  The burn is wavy and his having some trouble catching up on the backside.  No touch up was required during the first inch.  The body is at a solid medium and I am quite surprised by the amount of flavors that it is giving off.

Two inches in and the draw has opened up slightly.  Its no producing adequate amounts of smoke on the draw.  The draw and finish has remained the exact same as the first inch.  The burn did require a touch up after the first ash fell off.  The burn is having trouble catching up to the other side after a few more draws after the touch up.  A few more puffs and a vanilla note comes in and out on the finish.  Its faint but present and is quite sweet on the palate.

Three and a half inches down and the cigar is getting warm and mushy.  Its still giving me the same draw and finish flavors.  It is also giving me the impression that its try to go out.  A couple more puffs and indeed it did go out on its own.  I did not give it a relight.  I sat it in the ashtray for the last time at the 45 minute mark.

Price: $4.75
Appearance: 89
Draw: 88
Burn: 86
Flavor: 88
Complexity: 80
Burn Time: 86

Overall Score: 86

Casa Magna Colorado Robusto

Tonight we have the Casa Magna Colorado Robusto.  This cigar is light brown and slightly red in appearance.  It also has a nice oily sheen to it. The cigar measures in at 5 1/2 X 52.  It has a few visible seems and small veins.  At first light the draw is fairly tight. I am met with rich notes of coffee, cedar, and a spicy flavor.  Its not a black pepper but it does have a little heat to it on the finish.  The finish flavors are the same as the draw, with the rich coffee, sweet cedar, and a spicy note at the end.  The burn is slightly wavy but is not an issue during the first inch.  Its at a solid medium in body and the flavors last throughout the finish into the next draw.

Two inches down and the cigar still has a tight draw.  I am having to give it double puffs to produce adequate smoke....  I gave it another clip off the head with my cutter.  Unfortunately, the extra cut did not improve the draw.  Upon further inspection there is a slight knot above the band point. Fortunately, the flavors are full in body and very tasty.  On the draw there is a nice sweet cedar, and rich coffee bean.  The finish is the spicy note, followed by a leather note and a tiny bit of vanilla.  The vanilla fades fairly quickly but is present. The leather is slightly sweet, and is rich and creamy.  There is a nice oily feel in my mouth and on my lips.  The burn is still wavy but not causing any trouble.  No touch ups are needed at this point.

With around three inches left, the body is still full. The cigar's draw flavors remain the same as the last update.  Now on the finish the spiciness and heat is turning up a notch.  After the heat and spice the vanilla comes in and is now lasting until the next draw.  Every few puffs the sweet creamy leather comes back into play giving the smoke some nice complexity.  A few more puffs and the coffee is back on the finish paring nicely with the in and out leather.  The burn remains wavy but not an issue. The draw has remained tight all the way through but has not made the cigar overly warm or mushy, which usually happens quicker with a tight draw.

With two inches to the cigar got very hot and mushy and I sat it down in the ashtray for the last time at the one hour and 15 minute mark.  I enjoyed this cigar and recommend it if you haven't tried it before!

Price: $6.50
Appearance: 94
Draw: 86
Burn: 88
Flavor: 95
Complexity: 95
Burn Time: 93

Overall Score: 92

If the draw Had been adequate, a higher score would be reflected.  I will definitely have this cigar again!

Emilio La Musa Melete in Toro

This afternoon we have the Emilio Cigars, La Musa Melete in Toro.  It has a light brown wrapper with a few veins and seems.  It comes in at 6 X 50.  At first light a spice note comes in on the draw with some sweet cedar.  The spice is at a 4 out of 10 on the "zing" scale.  Its more pepper flavor then the actual pepper sensation in the mouth.  The finish is a musty tobacco and cedar that is lasting on the palate until the next draw.  The draw is very good, giving off large amounts of smoke with a little resistance.  The burn line is almost razor sharp.  The body is at a mild to medium but is giving off lots of flavor.

Two inches down and the draw flavors transition a little bit.  Notes of sweet cedar, spice and leather are on the draw.  The finish is of spice, cedar and earth.  The body is at a medium.  No strength is present as of yet.  The draw has stayed good.  The burn line has gone wavy and is having trouble catching up on one side.  I am going to give it a little while to self correct before I give it a touch up.

With around three inches remaining the spice note is dominating the draw.  It does have a bit of cedar with it.  Slight hints of vanilla are on the finish with a fading sweet coffee and earth.  The coffee is the first note on the finish but fades away fast, leaving a vanilla and cedar.  The burn hasn't required a touch up but does stay uneven on one side, which was no big deal.  The body stayed at a medium and the draw stayed consistent throughout.

With around two inches to go the cigar got mushy and warm.  I sat it down in the ashtray for the last time at the one hour mark exactly.  Thanks to Gary Girffith(@Emiliocigars) for sending this in for review!

I have decided to add COMPLEXITY to the score notes at the bottom.  It will now be reflected on every review!

Price: $7.25
Appearance: 90
Draw: 95
Burn: 87
Flavor: 90
Complexity: 88
Burn Time: 88

Overall Score: 89

E.P. Carrillo Maduro Club 52

Tonight we have the E.P. Carrillo Maduro Club 52.  This cigar has a dark brown maduro wrapper. It comes in at 5 7/8 X 50. It has a few visible seems, and minimal veins.  Its very toothy and oily.  After first light, I am met with a black pepper  note and earth on the draw.  The finish is the same.  The pepper is at a 7-10 on the pepper "zing" scale.  The pepper is fairly intense and the smoke is at a medium to full in body.  The draw is perfect, not to open but not snug.  Its giving off large plumes of smoke that is very aromatic.  It smells of a sweet cedar.  The burn is razor sharp during the first inch and construction could not be better!

Two inches down, the draw and finish flavors remain the same but add in a leather on the finish.  The leather is sweet and is mixing well with the pepper and earth.  The flavors are mixing together well and are becoming quite intense and have moved to a solid full in body.  The flavors stay on the palate long after the finish and into the next draw.  A few puffs later and a sweetness has developed on the finish.  A few more puffs and the sweetness is mixing with the pepper, earth, and leather and develop into a coco note on the finish.  It stays into the next draw.  Its very tasty and enjoyable.  The draw has stayed the same.  The burn has gone a little wavy on one side, but straightened out quickly

Three and a half inches in, the the pepper and leather have become the main flavor on the draw.  The finish is all earth.  The sweetness and coco note have gone away.  Which is unfortunate, because I thoroughly enjoyed the flavor.  The burn has stayed a little wavy but catches up after a few draws.  The draw has remained ideal throughout.

Two inches left and the cigar starts to get mushy and warm.  The pepper flavor and "zing" have really come up and have gotten a little bitter.  I sat it down in the ashtray for the last time at the one hour and 4 minute mark. Overall, this was a tasty cigar with good complexity and flavor.  I highly recommend this cigar for the maduro lovers!


Price: $8.95

Appearance: 10/10

Draw: 20/20

Burn: 19/20

Flavor: 17/20

Complexity: 17/20

Burn Time: 10/10

Overall Score: 93 / Great Cigar

1502 Emerald in Toro

Tonight we have the 1502 Emerald in Toro.  Its a medium brown slightly box pressed cigar and comes in at 6 X 50.  It has a slightly closed foot, invisible seems, and minimum veins.  Its very soft to the touch and looks fantastic.  After lighting a creamy earth note comes in on the draw.  The finish is all black pepper.  Its at a 5-10 on the pepper "zing" scale.  The draw is good, giving off large amounts of smoke with a slight resistance.  The burn is slightly wavy, but no presenting any problems during the first inch.  The body is at a solid medium.

Two inches in, the ash drops off.  The creamy earth is still the only draw flavor and black pepper remain on the finish.  So far, there are not to many different flavors coming in.  The flavors that are there are rich and creamy.  The body is still at a medium.  The draw is still producing large amounts of smoke and the burn is wavy but still not an issue.  Some strength is starting to come into play.  Its medium, but is giving me a good head rush.

Three in 1/2 inches in, the cigar starts to transition a little bit.  The body has moved up to full.  The strength has stayed at a medium, but is kicking my butt a little.  I've got a nice buzz going.  The draw keeps the creamy earth, but adds in a sweet vanilla, and cedar.  The finish is the black pepper flavor  and "zing" sensation and  a slight coffee note.  The coffee fades away fairly quickly after a few seconds.  The burn has gone a little wonky but still does not need a touch up.

With around two inches left, the cigar gets warm and squishy.  The flavors have been washed out by a chard tobacco flavor on the draw and finish.  I sat the cigar down for the last time at the 1 hour 15 minute mark, with a good buzz going.

Again, another BIG thank you to Gary Griffith(@emiliocigar) for sending this and other fine cigars in for review!!!

Check out http://www.houseofemilio.com

Price: $7.00
Appearance: 93
Draw: 94
Burn: 87
Flavor: 89
Burn Time: 92

Overall Score: 91

E.P Carrillo Encantos

Today we have the E.P Carrillo Encantos.  E.P. Carrillo is one of my favorite cigar manufacturer's and is usually a delicious treat.  This sample comes in at 4.8 X 50.  It has invisible seems and a minimal veins.  It has a soft, slightly toothy, light brown wrapper.  At first light, I am met by cedar, earth, and black pepper notes on the draw.  The finish is all cedar.  The cedar is sweet and creamy and leaves a bit of a foamy feel in the mouth.  The black pepper is more flavor than a burning/tingling sensation.  Unfortunately, with this sample the draw is almost plugged.  I have to give it two to three draws to get adequate smoke output.  A little investigating reveals a large knot just under the band.  The cigar is at a medium body and is giving off good flavors for being so plugged on the draw.  I believe that if it wasn't so plugged more flavor would be present and the body may be medium-full.  The burn is slightly wavy but is not presenting any problems.

Two inches in and the flavors on the draw and finish remain the exact same.  The only difference is a slight leather on the finish.  The flavors are all still creamy and smooth.  I am left wanting more, however.  The draw has not improved and has started to make the cigar mushy.  The smoke is starting to get warm and slightly bitter.  The burn has stayed the same as the first update.

With around 3 inches left, I took a few more puffs and sat the cigar down for the last time at the 45 minute mark.  The cigar was completely mushy, bitter, and warm.  All the flavor had been washed out.  What was left was a warm nutty flavor that I found to be, well...disgusting.

Price: $7.95
Appearance: 93
Draw: 75
Burn: 88
Flavor: 86
Burn Time: 86

Overall Score: 85

I will revisit this cigar at a later date, the flavor was good, but the draw ruined the experience.

Emilio AF1 in Toro

Today we have the Emilio AF1.  This cigar has a dark brown oily maduro wrapper and comes in at 6 X 50.  It has a few veins and visible seems.  After first light a slight black pepper, earth, and sweet coco come on the draw.  The same flavor remain on the finish.  Its medium bodied and very tasty.  The pepper is fairly faint.  I give it a 3-10 on the pepper scale.  The draw is perfect, giving off excellent smoke out put with little resistance.  The burn and construction during the first inch is beyond perfect.  One of the better preforming cigars I have had in quite some time.

The second inch keeps up the good construction and perfect draw.  The draw and finish flavors remain the exact same with the edition of a creamy leather on the finish.  Every puff is producing large plumes of smoke.  So far this cigar is hitting my palate perfectly.  The sweet, creamy, smooth flavors are very nice and full flavored but medium bodied.

During the third inch the flavors start to come up in body.  Its now at a full.  The draw flavors are still the black pepper, earth and sweet coco.  The finish has the exact same flavors as the draw but still have a nice creamy leather.  A few more puffs and a molasses note is coming in on the finish and is dominating the other flavors.  Its sweet and creamy, leaving my mouth with a foamy feeling.  Its very good and quite pleasing.  The burn has gone a little uneven but is not an issue. The draw is still producing large smoke out put as it has all the way through.

With around two and a quarter inches left all the draw and finish flavors remain.  A nuttiness is starting to come in on the finish.  The nuttiness and leather are starting to dominate the finish flavors and the cigar is starting to get a little mushy and warm.  I sat the cigar down for the last time at the one hour and 10 minute mark.

Thanks again to Gary Griffith(@emiliocigar) for sending this cigar in for review!  Be on the look out for many other cigars up for review that Gary has sent in to StogieBink!

Price: $6.95
Appearance: 92
Draw: 96
Burn: 96
Flavor: 95
Burn Time: 92

Overall Score: 94