Davidoff Art Edition 2014 Review

Art Edition 2014
Made by: Davidoff
Country: Dominican Republic
Vitola: 5 9/10 by 54

Davidoff cigars have performed very nicely in the past reviews that I have conducted on the company. The most common issue that I have come across is wrapper problems, but as you move up in price the cigars tend to be flawless. That said, this limited production release should be just about the top level of that perfection. Lets see if it can hold up to that with a Davidoff Art Edition 2014 Review.

Prelight

Only one pronounced medium vein, all the rest are small. Visible seams, and there is a lot of tooth on the wrapper. Very cleanly constructed cap, with a good cut there shouldn’t be any issues. Strong white pepper coming off of the foot along with cedar and light cocoa. Very little loose tobacco on the cut, a good amount of resistance that is probably being added to due to the tapered foot. Cedar and white pepper are the main notes coming off the prelight draw, there is a light grass note underneath. Firm and consistent pack. Let’s get this lit up and see how it performs.

1/3

Medium smoke thickness and smoke production. A lemon citrus and cedar on the front with cashew and white pepper moving in on the finish. Very balanced. Mild to medium body at the moment and no strength yet. Extremely smooth and creamy once it opens up and gets into the first third. Cedar and that tangy citrus remain on the front but the cream from the thick smoke (smoke thickness has been rising) is bleeding into the full profile. Up to a medium body and low strength. The finish has picked up leather alongside the cashew and white pepper. Great complexity and transitioning very smoothly, great blending work. Wonderful burn line, really enjoyable cigar so far.

2/3

The front is cedar forward but the citrus is still underneath. Leather is up on the finish and the cashew dropped. The white pepper now includes a bit of red pepper as well. Good flavor shifts that aren’t drastic but they are complementary to the profile. Toward the end of the second third the pepper is dropping down allowing the cashew to return alongside the leather on the finish. The citrus note on the front has dropped but it’s more due to the fact the cream is way up mixing with the cedar. I do expect that enjoyable note to return if the cream falls. Medium body and low to medium strength seems to be where this cigar has settled. Great smoke production and thickness, good burn, and appropriate resistance on the draw. Very balanced, this is a well-made and winner of a cigar you certainly get right what you paid for. Plus the aesthetics of the second band of that is important to the smoker.

3/3

One thing to note is this is burning pretty quickly. I am into the last third and it has been 40 minutes. Only really expecting an hour or a bit more from this depending upon how enjoyable the nub is. Never mind it slowed down significantly and surprisingly. Cedar and cream continue to control the front. Leather and white pepper are back controlling the finish. Medium strength and body, good burn, not much in the way of changes toward the end here but it was an enjoyable cigar.

Smoke Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Conclusion: 90

Definitely something that can be used for celebrations or events without taking complete attention. Absolutely worth keeping a 5ver on hand,  because it’s a great cigar even at its price point. Smooth, balanced, and relaxing, that first third was the sweet spot in my opinion. Good job Davidoff.

Click on the picture to find this cigar at anthonyscigars.com

EPC Short Run 2016

Anthony’s Cigar Emporium is carrying this year’s EPC Short Run 2016 annual limited cigar.  For 2016, the E.P. Carillo short run will have a single size: a 6″ x 52 Toro (though the boxes posted on Ernesto Perez-Carillo say Robusto 6 x 52) .

The E.P. Carrillo Short Run series is an annual limited production line that uses different blends each year featuring very special, limited tobaccos. The E.P. Carrillo Short Run 2015 featured a Nicaraguan Criollo ’98 wrapper that was very dark and oily, grown in the Jalapa region with a Nicargauan Binder and a combo Nicaraguan-Dominican filler made in three sizes.

The EPC Short Run 2016 has an Ecaudorian Habano wrapper, and 100% Nicaraguan binder and filler blend that includes some Criollo ’98 from the growing region of Somoto, Nicaragua which is located about 32 miles north of Estelí on the Pan American highway. “A lot of people aren’t familiar with Somoto,” said Ernesto Perez-Carrillo to Cigar Insider. “The growing area isn’t that big, but I think the tobacco brings complexity to the blend.”

The EPC Short Run 2016 is made in a single 6″ x 52 Toro, though pictures of the boxes say Robusto 6 x 52. E.P. Carillo describes the cigar as a “medium/full bodied cigar at 3/4 strength with a full flavor profile that has spice, pepper, a bourbon wood undertone that rounds out with a light creaminess in the finish. This true small batch cigar has an easy draw and lots of smoke…”

The EPC Short Run 2016 is made at Ernesto Perez-Carillo’s own Tabacalera La Alianza factory in Santiago, D.R. Only 2,500, 10-count boxes of the Short Run 2016 will be released.  See the EPC Short Run 2016 at Anthony’s Cigar Emporium online store here. 

Click picture to browse the EPC Short Run 2016 at Anthony’s Cigar Emporium.

Band Redisigns of EPC Short Run.

Box Redesigns of the EPC Short Run.

Padron 1926 No 9 Natural Review

1926 No 9 Natural
Made by: Padron
Country: Nicaragua
Vitola: 5 1/4 by 56

Padron has a wonderful history as a company, and quite a loyal customer base. Previously I have reviewed a cigar from the thousand series, 1964 series, and now I have the pleasure to review a 1926. This is perhaps the most popular regular lines from Padron. Known to be fuller bodied and have quite a good amount of complexity, lets see if this cigar can hold up to that with a Padron 1926 No 9 Natural Review.

Prelight

Barely visible seams and medium sized veins. Simple looking double cap which is contradictory to the cigars reputation of prestige. But let’s see if the tobacco can justify the lacking aesthetics. Spongy pack to the cigar with a soft box press. The foot is giving off herbal note and leather. Very little tooth to the wrapper. Lots of loose tobacco to wipe away on the cut. No problems with the wrapper, no unraveling, extremely easy draw. Lots of red pepper on the wrapper and prelight draw. A slightly sweet herbal note with light leather behind and cayenne pepper lingering throughout.

1/3

Extremely unique draw, very open, I am really wanting more resistance but the cigar has great smoke thickness and production the way it is. Cedar and red pepper are very strong on the front. Heavy flavors this is a full bodied cigar with medium strength that I expect to rise. Bitter cashew and leather on the finish with the cayenne biting at the end to remind you that it is there. This is a very robust cigar, controlling and powerful. As the first third burns down the cedar develops and begins to include oak on the front. Red pepper is still holding throughout the entire profile. Pretty straight burn, not expecting touch ups. Leather and bitter cashew continue to hold the finish. The profile is holding consistent but increasing in complexity.

2/3

Very full cigar and strength is up to a medium to full. This is a bold power-house, I haven’t had something this bold in a while. That said you can’t compare this to a mild or a medium cigar at all. If you are hunting for a flavor explosion and a high strength cigar this is a no brainier. It does explain the loyalty many cigar smokers have to the 1926 line. The front is heavy mixed wood notes the finish has dropped slightly. But it still consists of the same notes in the finish, bitter cashew and light leather. Of course the red cayenne pepper is lingering throughout the profile and it’s becoming a defining based to the cigar. The power started to balance at the end of the second third. Full bodied and holding medium to full strength. The front has retreated now as the bitter cashew and light leather take over the profile. The red pepper remains throughout. Very simple yet distinct transitions, great flavors, allright complexity. This is a good cigar in the full category. I would suggest this with a heavy port wine after a big meal for the best enjoyment of this cigar.

3/3

Full bodied and almost full strength, but great profile. Not the most complex and no drastic transitions but a delicious cigar. The front has taken back control, heavy oak and cedar with the finish lower. Still holding the bitter cashew and leather notes though, as the red cayenne pepper stays as a base. The cigars main changes were what notes were dominating. It was either the front or the finish and both were delicious. Stable but not perfect burn all the way to the end, no touch-ups.

Smoke Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Conclusion: 89

Great cigar in the full category, wonderful profile. No major transitions and not crazy complexity. But great and distinct power shifts between the front and the finish. The red pepper base was a great note to have carry throughout the cigar. Great offering from Padron.

Click on the picture to find this cigar at anthonyscigars.com

Davidoff 2016 Golf Scorecard Edition – Just Arrived at Anthony’s Cigar Emporium!

Anthony’s Cigar Emporium, a Davidoff Appointed Merchant, has recently received these limited edition gems. Davidoff Limited Editions are generally more fuller bodied releases from Davidoff.   Davidoff limited releases are strictly limited to the amount of the finest vintage tobacco leaves that are in its superb and masterful limited edition blends.  The Davidoff 2016 Golf Scorecard Edition comes packaged in a 5-Pack with one cigar having a golden band (intended for the round’s winner).   Unlike the 2015 Golf Masters Edition that came in two sizes, the 2016 comes in only one size, a 6 x 55 Gran Toro that has a flawless Ecuadorian habano wrapper, Dominican piloto binder and Dominican San Vicente mejorado ligero and viso along with piloto visos hybrid/olor piloto seco.

From Davidoff:  “The front nine delivers oaky, coffee notes while the back nine comes home with sweet honey tones.” “When lighting it up, peppery notes are paired with an enjoyable creaminess, combined with flavours of hardwood, roasted coffee and salted nuts. The hardwood and the roasted notes are trading up in the second third with a beautiful added complexity deriving from the Dominican Mejorado tobaccos in the filler and the Piloto binder from the Martin Garcia zone. In the last third, aromas of a well brewed Darjeeling tea with a hint of honey are present, and the last puffs have a delightfully earthy character”.

Get your 5-Pack of  today of Davidoff 2016 Golf Scorecard Edition Gran Toros at Anthony’s Cigar Emporium and get Free Shipping by clicking on the pictures below.

Click Picture to Browse Davidoff Limited Editions available at Anthony’s Cigar Emporium.

Click Picture to Browse Davidoff Limited Editions available at Anthony’s Cigar Emporium.

Viaje Exclusivo Toro Review

Exclusivo
Made by: Viaje
Country: Nicaragua
Vitola: 6 by 50

Viaje is a company that hasn’t been given a lot of attention in my reviews. I do not have an opinion on whether they are generally better or worse that other cigars. Therefore, I am looking forward to seeing how this performs. I will get into the construction of the cigar in the prelight sections as usual, it is very well rolled though. You can tell that off the bat, lets see what it has to offer with a Viaje Exclusivo Toro Review.

Prelight

Small veins, almost no visible tooth, the cap is decently applied. Barely visible seams, this cigar is visually very different then the cigars recently reviewed. The foot is giving off very typical Nicaraguan notes, cocoa and white pepper. There is a bit of syrupy sweetness as an undertone. The prelight draw is consistent with the foot. Dry cocoa and white pepper, let’s see what this has to offer.

1/3

Great draw, took a second to get lit properly. Medium smoke production and medium smoke thickness. Cedar and dry cocoa on the front, those same notes carry through the center. A mixed black and white pepper controls the finish. Medium bodied and low to medium strength. The cigar is burning pretty quickly and the flavors aren’t changing much. This seems to be a cigar that offers more consistency versus complexity. In that regard it is doing its job and performing well in terms of construction.

2/3

Oak has replaced cedar and the dryness that the cocoa had at the start is gone. The pepper on the finish has come up including black, red, and white pepper in that order. Body is up to a medium to full and the strength is up to a medium. The burn line is going well and smoke production has increased, thickness is still about a medium though. The front and the finish are pretty balanced in power.

3/3

Cream entered the profile on the front alongside the oak in the last third. The cocoa note has fallen a bit but is still present. The mixed pepper has also retreated, both are a result of the body falling back to a medium as the strength holds at a medium. Not much complexity or transitions, but a decent consistent cigar.

Smoke Time: 55 minutes

Conclusion: 83

I must admit, I am a fan of the Nicaraguan cigars, however the profile does need some aspect of differentiation. This cigar didn’t really show much in the way of identifying itself against other Nicaraguan cigars.

Click on the picture to find this cigar at anthonyscigars.com

AVO Classic Covers Vol 2 Review

Classic Covers Vol 2
Made by: AVO
Country: Nicaragua, Mexico
Vitola: 6 by 54

The Classic Covers 2016 release, the Volume 3, was amazing and one of the best cigars I have had recently. The only thing that really comes to mind other then that is the Caldwell Eastern Standard Midnight Express. My interest in the Classic Covers series peeked after the Volume 3 so this week I will be doing the Volume 2. The wrapper of this cigar is very different the the Vol 3, I am not expecting the same experience at all but my hopes are still high. With that, lets see what this has to offer with a AVO Classic Covers Vol 2 Review.

Prelight

Medium sized veins, a good amount of tooth, the cigar has a thick rough wrapper. I am expecting highly developed sugars in the profile. That cap is really well done, covering more area then usually allowing for less attention needing to be paid when cutting this cigar. A bit of excess rollers glue, the foot is giving off an interesting combination of flavors. Sweet hay, elderflower, and an undertone of oak. That is a profile I have yet to come across. Let’s see if the prelight and overall cigar can actually present those notes. Firm and consistent pack, clean cut almost no loose tobacco. Sweet hay and oak are present on the prelight with a hint of leather. Hoping that odd elderflower note comes through, but it may have just been the foot.

1/3

The cigars reviewed lately have been doing really well, this lit wonderfully and evenly. The flavors went the other direction compared to what the foot was suggesting. Mixed woods notes (cedar forward and oak back) are on the front with heavy cream. The center is a bitter macadamia nut with a more subtle cashew and then leather takes over for the finish with a bit of black pepper. Interesting notes, not the best blend of flavors at this point, but definitely unique. Medium to full bodied and low strength. Good smoke production and great thickness. At the end of the first third the nuts in the center of the profile are coming up as the woodsy front falls. Leather and black pepper are holding the finish but white pepper is coming up slowly. Allright burn line, no touch ups have been needed but it may later.

2/3

Body has fallen a bit but only to a medium plus. The strength is at a low, the creamy smoke and the thick mouth feel is the best part of the profile currently. Cream and bitter macadamia nut control the front and this is the sweet spot if this cigar has one. The cream is carrying through the finish mixing with the leather. The pepper notes have dropped, and the mouth feel is as good as it can get. Very chewy smoke, great characteristic. Body has moved back up to a medium to full and the strength is up to a low to medium.

3/3

The body has held at a medium to full and the strength is up to a medium. This is a bit heavier than the Volume 3 but very enjoyable in a different way. The flavors have returned to a variation of the first third. Oak is on the front up above the nutty center which has fallen. Leather and black pepper remain on the finish. The cream has fallen as well. Good cigar, the wrapper definitely affected the profile heavily with all that tooth. Interesting that the foot’s notes on the prelight were different then how the cigar performed. The cigar did get quite hot at the nub.

Smoke Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes

Conclusion: 89

The Volume 3 absolutely has this cigar beat in my opinion. That is not to say this was a bad cigar, it just didn’t hold up to my expectations given the Volume 3. Ratio wise I would keep one of these for every two of the volume 3 release. Worth trying, and the construction of the Avo’s is always a masterpiece. If you’re looking for a solid medium to full the Vol 2 is the way to go, the Vol 3 is more of a medium but more complex.

Click on the picture to find this cigar at anthonyscigars.com

Don Pepin Garcia Original Exclusivos Review

Original Exclusivos
Made by: Don Pepin Garcia
Country: Nicaragua
Vitola: 9 1/5 by 48

The picture does this cigar justice, it is an absolute monster. Coming in at 9.2 by 48 this is guaranteed to be a long smoke. With that I am going to make a guess and say it lasts around 2 hours, but the smaller ring gauge may keep it to a more normalized time. The Cuban Classic was a good cigar that I reviewed a month or two back, this is another line by DPG (Don Pepin Garcia). I know for a fact the lancero version of this cigar is delicious. That has my hopes up for this, lets see what it has to offer with a Don Pepin Garcia Original Exclusivos Review.

Prelight

For its size, the construction of this cigar looks perfect. Visible seams, lots of tooth on the wrapper, small to medium veins. The veins may cause some burn issues. There are a couple of wrapper flaws but it’s hard to detract it for that due to its size. That’s a large surface area of beautiful wrapper. The foot is giving off more traditional notes nothing impressive. Dry cocoa, mixed pepper, and light cedar. Absolutely perfect cut, brushed off with my finger and there was no loose tobacco. The prelight draw shows a robust dark chocolate with a mixed black and white pepper. Little red pepper tingling is present on the tongue. Abnormal draw but I think that’s just due to the size. We’ll see, it feels like a tunneling issue 2/3 into the cigar. There is a soft spot right there as well. Let’s see what it has to offer.

1/3

Low smoke production at the start because it has so far to travel, it’s slightly frustrating. The thickness and production is growing slowly though. Easy and even light, again I am not worried about this cigars construction, it seems to be rolled very well with the exception of that soft spot. Cedar and dry cocoa on the front, cashew on the center, and white pepper on the finish. Mild to medium body right now with the smoke production low. Strength is non-existent, I hope smoke thickness and body rises to a medium at least. Hard draw simply due to the size. As I get into the first third dry cocoa is on the front then there is a light sour hay note alongside cashew. The finish is white and black mixed pepper. Into the first third means 2 inches in by the way. Not very unique flavors but the size of this is the impressive part. No burn issues, not razor sharp but it’s holding well. Compact ash, seems to be falling off in 1 1/2 inch chunks.  At the end of the first third the smoke production is increasing again up to a medium, body hit a medium as well. The cigar is being pretty consistent, dry cocoa maintains the front. Hay and cashew are on the center still, and the finish is still mixed pepper.

2/3

At the start of the second third, medium body and low strength. Dark chocolate has begun to take the spot where the dry cocoa was. Cashew is on the center still and the finish is the mixed pepper with a slight leather. Good burn still, smoke production and thickness are both at a medium as well. Dry cocoa is back on the front at the end of the second third, leather and mixed pepper control the center and finish of the profile at this time. Body is holding at a medium and strength is still at a low. This is really enjoyable as I reach the hour and a half mark. The burn line is still going well, the cigar passed the soft spot with no issue. No changes to the smoke production or thickness.

3/3

I can officially say I have reached the last third! This cigar is like a marathon, but the flavors are consistent and enjoyable. Dry cocoa remains on the front and leather and mixed pepper control the center and finish still. The draw is still above average resistance, medium bodied and medium smoke production. Low strength and medium smoke thickness. Good burn line still, this has been a long but good cigar. Forward the end of the second third the dry cocoa remains on the front with a sour hay. The center and finish maintain the leather and mixed pepper notes. Last flavor update at the nub after over 2 hours. Dry cocoa on the front and the mixed pepper is up on the center and finish. White pepper on the front and black on the backside.

Smoke Time: 2 hours ad 15 minutes

Conclusion: 85

This cigar is a novelty, at 9 inches this is for a long event or golf. I can’t think of an occasion for it personally but it is well built for its size and it is tasty. Absolutely worth having, but when to smoke it will depend on the person. It is a endeavor to sit down and smoke this cigar.

Click on the picture to find this cigar at anthonyscigars.com

The Angel’s Anvil 2016 TAA Exclusive – Arriving in approximately three weeks!

Anthony’s Cigar Emporium, a Tobacconists’ Association of America (TAA) Member, will be receiving an allotment of the very limited The Angel’s Anvil 2016 TAA Exclusive.  This year Crowned Heads is introducing a maduro Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper and a box pressed construction for its TAA Exclusive cigar.  Building upon the success of the last two year’s The Angel’s Anvil TAA Releases, Crowned Heads is re-releasing The Angel’s Anvil 2016 TAA Exclusive.  Crowned Heads has had great success and praise with its limited releases, like the Las Calaveras and The Angel’s Anvil.

The Angel’s Anvil 2016 TAA Exclusive is a 5 1/2 x 54 Toro, and box pressed (unlike previous year’s releases). The blend of The Angel’s Anvil TAA Exclusive 2016 has changed and uses a Connecticut Broadleaf maduro wrapper (instead of the previous Ecuadorian Habano wrapper) but still uses all-Nicaraguan binder and filler and is still made by Ernesto Perez Carrillo’s Tabacalera La Alianza in the Dominican Republic. Like the last two releases of The Angel’s Anvil TAA Exclusive, there will only be 1,000 boxes of 20 produced, so make sure you don’t miss out on a box.  You can pre-order at Anthony’s Cigar Emporium here.

Picture from Jon Huber’s Twitter. Click to browse at Anthony’s Cigar Emporium.

Gurkha Cellar Reserve 12 Year Platinum

Now available at Anthony’s Cigar Emporium, the Gurkha Cellar Reserve 12 Year Platinum is the first Nicaraguan blend from the Cellar Reserve Family of Cigars. This full flavor, medium body cigar has a lot of sweetness and nuttiness right off the start. The Ecuadorian Wrapper pairs perfectly with the Nicaraguan binder and fillers for an exquisite and complex smoke.  The Gurkha Cellar Reserve 12 Year Platinum showcases 12-year-old Nicaraguan fillers from the areas of Condega, Estelí and Jalapa, wrapped in an Ecuadorian oscuro leaf with a Nicaraguan binder. It is made at American Caribbean Tobacco S.A. in Estelí, Nicaragua.

From Gurkha: “Due to the enormous success we’ve had with the Cellar Reserve lines made in the Dominican Republic, we felt that it only makes sense to expand the flavor profiles by adding aged Nicaraguan tobaccos.”

The Gurkha Cellar Reserve 12 Year Platinum is now available at Anthony’s Cigar Emporium here.

Click picture to browse the available vitolas at Anthony’s Cigar Emporium.

Lost & Found Skin Suit Review

Lost & Found Skin Suit
Made by: Caldwell
Country: Dominican Republic
Vitola: 5 by 50

This like the International Date line was a release of 2400 cigars, and it is captioned as “Creamy, Smooth, Nutty.” We’ll see if the cigar holds true to that description, but this does seem like it will be similar to the International Date Line. If I had to guess, and with the descriptions being so similar from the company, I would say this is probably just the robusto size of the International Date Line. Perhaps I am wrong, but there is only one way to find out. Lets get this Lost & Found Skin Suit Review started.

Prelight

In comparison to the International Date Line, the construction on this looks a lot better from the get go. The wrapper looks nice and there are no issues with it. The cap is well applied but leaves room for improvement. This wrapper has mainly medium sized veins which is different then the other two cigars this week. The foot is giving off a floral note with macadamia nut underneath. The cut went smoothly with just a bit of loose tobacco needing to be wiped away. The prelight draw is showing similar flavors, that sweet floral note is intriguing and not what I was expecting, the undertones of macadamia nut are more complex then I was thinking as well. When the description said nutty I was expecting cashew and hay with light cream. I may have had the comparison of this to the International Date Line wrong. Its already starting off much more complex, lets see how it goes.

1/3

Firmer pack then the International Date Line, but a great draw. Slightly bitter mix of cocoa and macadamia nut on the front. Clean herbal cedar in the center with a light leather and red pepper finish. This has been the most balanced cigar this week. Tons of smoke about medium thickness. The burn line is going allright. There is a little sour note in the center that I called clean herbal cedar, I am working on a better description on it but that is the absolute best part of the profile. There is a bit of floral-ness to it and subtle white pepper giving it the clean character, but cashew and cedar seem to be its base. Very complex center, my advice would be to enjoy it and not pick it apart because it is tasty and deserves to just be enjoyed. At the end of the first third the slightly bitter macadamia nut is up on the front, the complex center is falling. And the finish is coming up with leather and a mix of red and black pepper.

2/3

Burn is the straightest out of the Lost and Found lines this week. Compact ash which seems to be a characteristic they all share.  The body is holding at a medium to full and the strength is at a low to medium. I believe the strength will reach a medium, but time will tell. Bitter macadamia nut and cashew hold the front the center is still faintly holding the floral/white pepper/cedar but the leather and mixed pepper finish is overpowering it. The smoke thickness is still a medium and the production is still high. Despite the description cream isn’t a big player in this profile yet. At the end of the second third light white and red pepper have worked their way into the front with the macadamia nut. The complex center is gone heavy leather replaces it and cream from the smoke is entering the profile on the finish as the smoke thickness is increasing.

3/3

Great smoke production and thick smoke. Medium to full body, low to medium strength. I am questioning if it will reach medium at this point (strength wise). Straight burn line, and no performance issues. This is a good cigar, wonderful transitions and good complexity. Light cocoa came back in with the macadamia nut on the front at the nub. The mixed pepper was staying in the center. And the finish is leather and cream. Wonderful cigar.

Smoke Time: 55 minutes

Conclusion: 90

I was enjoying this cigar and smoked it a bit quicker than usual. This is, in my opinion, the best of the three Lost and Found cigars this week. I was expecting the panda to have that title but this out performed it. This is a bundle buy, medium to full bodied and low to medium strength. Great flavors and overall very enjoyable.

Click on the picture to find this cigar at anthonyscigars.com