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Cigar Reviews

Cigar of the Day: H. Upmann Classic

The H. Upmann brand has a long and storied history in the cigar industry, dating back to 1844 when it was founded by Hermann Upmann in Cuba. Today, the brand is owned by Altadis USA, and the H. Upmann Classic is one of the flagship cigars in their lineup.

The H. Upmann Classic is a medium-bodied cigar that features a beautiful Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper, which gives the cigar a smooth and creamy taste. The filler is a blend of premium tobaccos from the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua, which are aged for at least two years to ensure a consistent and flavorful smoking experience.

Upon lighting the H. Upmann Classic, you will immediately notice the smooth and easy draw, which allows you to take in the full flavor of the cigar without having to work too hard. The initial flavors are mellow and creamy, with notes of cedar, nuts, and a subtle sweetness. As you progress through the cigar, you may notice hints of spice and earthiness, as well as a slight nuttiness that lingers on the palate.

One of the most impressive things about the H. Upmann Classic is how well-balanced it is. The flavors are perfectly blended, creating a nuanced and complex smoking experience that is sure to please even the most discerning cigar aficionado. Despite its medium-bodied profile, the cigar never becomes too intense or overpowering, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced smokers alike.

The construction of the H. Upmann Classic is also top-notch. The ash holds firm throughout the smoking experience, and the burn is even and consistent. This is a testament to the skill and expertise of the rollers at H. Upmann, who have clearly taken great care in crafting each cigar.

Overall, the H. Upmann Classic is a classic cigar that lives up to its name. It’s a great choice for those who are looking for a smooth and creamy smoking experience that is well-balanced and nuanced. Whether you’re a seasoned cigar smoker or a novice looking to explore the world of premium cigars, the H. Upmann Classic is a cigar that is sure to please.

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Cigar Reviews

Tallchief Cigars #3 Cigar of the Year 2022: Undercrown 10

The Undercrown 10 cigar by Drew Estate is a true gem of a smoke. As a seasoned cigar aficionado, I was excited to try this new offering from one of my favorite brands, and I was not disappointed. The Undercrown 10 is a limited edition cigar that was released in 2020 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Undercrown line. This cigar features a stunning Mexican San Andres wrapper, a Connecticut River Valley Stalk Cut Habano binder, and a blend of Nicaraguan and Brazilian Mata Fina fillers. The end result is a complex and flavorful smoke that is sure to impress even the most discerning cigar connoisseur.

The first thing I noticed about the Undercrown 10 is its impeccable construction. The cigar is perfectly rolled and has a nice weight to it. The wrapper is smooth and oily to the touch, with a deep brown color and a slight sheen. The band is understated and elegant, featuring the classic Undercrown logo with the number 10 underneath it. It’s clear that a lot of attention to detail went into the design and presentation of this cigar.

Upon lighting the Undercrown 10, I was immediately struck by its bold and complex flavors. The first third of the cigar features a rich mix of dark chocolate, espresso, and black pepper, with a subtle sweetness that lingers on the tongue. The smoke is thick and creamy, with a perfect draw that allows for ample smoke production without being too loose. The burn is even and consistent, producing a solid ash that holds on for a good inch or two before falling off.

As I progressed into the second third of the cigar, the flavors began to evolve and deepen. The chocolate notes became more pronounced, with a hint of nuttiness and a touch of leather. The pepper mellowed out a bit, but still provided a nice kick on the retrohale. The sweetness remained present, but shifted from a subtle hint to a more prominent note that balanced out the richness of the other flavors.

In the final third of the cigar, the flavors continued to build in intensity. The chocolate became almost fudgy, with a distinct note of caramel and a touch of spice. The leather and nuttiness remained, providing a nice earthy undertone to the smoke. The sweetness remained present but became more of a background note, providing a subtle contrast to the other flavors. The smoke remained thick and creamy, with a perfect draw that allowed for ample smoke production without being too loose. The burn remained even and consistent, producing a solid ash that held on until the end of the cigar.

Overall, I was thoroughly impressed with the Undercrown 10 cigar by Drew Estate. This is a complex and flavorful smoke that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning cigar connoisseur. The construction is impeccable, the flavors are bold and complex, and the smoke production is ample and creamy. If you’re looking for a special cigar to celebrate a special occasion, or simply want to treat yourself to a top-quality smoke, I highly recommend the Undercrown 10. This limited edition cigar is sure to be a hit with cigar enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

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Cigar Reviews

Tallchief Cigars #2 Cigar of the Year 2022: Espinosa 601 Maduro

Our #2 Cigar of the Year for 2022 is the Espinosa 601 Maduro, a cigar we have been smoking for years now. While we continue to grow, learn and experience everything this hobby has to offer, this cigar has always offered a luxury experience every time you light it up.

The Espinosa 601 Blue label Maduro cigar is a true gem in the world of premium cigars. This full-bodied smoke boasts a dark and oily Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper that is visually impressive and hints at the bold flavors to come.

Upon lighting, the cigar delivers a rich and complex flavor profile that is sure to satisfy the most discerning smoker. The initial flavors are of dark chocolate, espresso, and black pepper, with a subtle sweetness that rounds out the overall experience. The smoke is thick and creamy, with a long finish that lingers pleasantly on the palate.

As the cigar progresses, the flavors deepen and become more complex, with notes of leather, cedar, and earthiness coming to the forefront. The burn is even and steady, and the ash is a beautiful light gray color that holds on well.

One of the standout features of the Espinosa 601 Blue label Maduro cigar is its impressive construction. The draw is easy and smooth, and the cigar holds its shape well, with no unraveling or flaking of the wrapper.

Overall, the Espinosa 601 Blue label Maduro cigar is a fantastic smoke that is sure to impress even the most discerning smoker. Its rich and complex flavor profile, impressive construction, and bold visual appearance make it a must-try for any serious cigar enthusiast. Whether enjoyed alone or with a glass of your favorite spirit, this cigar is an excellent choice for any occasion.

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Cigar Reviews

Tallchief Cigars #1 Cigar of the Year 2022: Rocky Patel Sixty

Our #1 Cigar of the Year for 2022 is the Rocky Patel Sixty. Read on below at what we thought about this cigar and what smokers can expect to experience when lighting up one of these fantastic sticks.

The Rocky Patel Sixty cigar is a robust and flavorful smoke that is sure to impress seasoned cigar enthusiasts. The first thing that strikes you about this cigar is its impressive size; at 6 inches long and 60 ring gauge, it is an imposing presence in the hand.

The cigar is well-constructed, with a smooth and oily wrapper that hints at the delicious flavors to come. The pre-light draw is easy and smooth, with a rich tobacco flavor and a subtle sweetness.

Once lit, the Rocky Patel Sixty delivers a rich and complex flavor profile that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate. The initial notes are of wood and spice, with a hint of leather and earthiness in the background. As the smoke progresses, the flavors deepen and become more pronounced, with a creamy sweetness that rounds out the overall experience.

The burn is even and steady, and the ash is a beautiful white color that holds on well. The smoke output is generous, and the aroma is rich and pleasant, with notes of wood and spice that linger long after the cigar has been extinguished.

Overall, the Rocky Patel Sixty is an outstanding cigar that delivers a rich and complex smoking experience. It is well worth the investment for any serious cigar aficionado, and is sure to impress even the most discerning palate.

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Cigar Reviews Uncategorized

Baccarat – The Game

  • Strength: 1 /  5
  • Size: 6 x 52
  • Origin: Honduras
  • Price (local): $4.50
  • Wrapper: Connecticut Shade

Now, a Baccarat is not something I’d ever smoke. But that is not because it’s a bad cigar. It’s important to identify that the Baccarat is not a traditional cigar: it has what is referred to as a sweet tip. Not overbearingly sweet like a Fat Bottom Betty, but there is some sugar you can taste. It’s also made with a very mild tobacco, so you get next to no harshness from the Honduran tobacco blend these are made with. I don’t have much time today, but if you are looking for a “starter” cigar as a newbie, this is 100% the place to start. It makes an excellent gift for someone looking to get into the hobby, and if you want something very unaggressive and harmless, then this is the cigar for you. It’s the most mild blend on the market, and it tastes sweet, so it’s good for after a heavy meal or after a few drinks. You will love this cigar if you have minimal experience smoking and don’t want to go straight for something that is just pure tobacco. Try this if you’re looking to get into the hobby, or buying some cigars for a night out and have a few non-smokers in tow. You’ll be glad you did.

Happy smoking! CB

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