Berger & Argenti Mooch

Berger & Argenti Mooch

The Berger & Argenti Mooch is a cigar that has been in my humidor for quite some time now, and I had just never had occasion to smoke it. I am not overly familiar with B&A cigars, and truthfully was just introduced to them by a brand rep less than a year ago who goes by the name Cigar Man Andy (look him up, you won’t be disappointed) I had smoked a few with him on occasion, and although good, the light hearted and pleasant company kept me from paying too much attention to my smoke, and this may be why I always thought of the Berger & Argenti sticks as good cigars, but not particular stand outs. The Mooch, however, has redefined my opinion of the brand.

Light in color, with a Connecticut shade wrapper, the long, lean Mooch was light and soft to the touch, giving, with hardly any oils. The pre light aroma was nuanced and delightful, with notes of cedar, caramel, heavy cream, and coffee.

The cigar lit up easily, with a light, easy draw that was open and smooth. There was an immediate wave of flavor, though layered, and subtle. The medium bodied smoke contained a complex taste of toasted sugar, cream, and toasted almonds, though without being nutty. This cigar was smooth and sweet, while mild and nuanced.  Far too complex to be a beginner’s smoke, despite its light and flavorful smoke, the intricacies would be lost on those not already accustomed to the leaf. Paired with a decent Chilean Carmenere, I was careful to keep the wine and the cigar separate, else the one influence the other. This is a smoke that will definitely have to find a place in my humidor, and would be a good way for intermediate or advanced smokers to refine and expand their palette.

Rocky Patel, The Edge, Maduro

 

Rocky Patel The Edge, maduro

Immediate impression was that this cigar had a great feel and texture. The gorgeous Maduro finish was almost black, and not without a certain shine to it. The prelight aroma was deep leather and hard oak. It opened with a good, heavy flavor. There was a high volume of smoke, with an immediate flavor of oiled leather and hard woods. Though it lit well at first, with a smooth, clear draw, there were some issues as it burned. I had some runs throughout the stick, and one side clearly burned more heavily. This cigar takes excellent marks for flavor and smoke, but poor marks on construction, at least on this one.

Oliva Serie V, 6 x 56 Torpedo

Oliva Serie V, 6 x 56 torpedo

The first time that I had an Oliva Serie V, it was right after they were released, and my cigar was lit by none other than Representative Jose Oliva… before the election, of course.  I make this statement in the interest of full disclosure, as hanging out with the guy who made your cigar will always influence the way you appreciate it. Add to that the fact that Jose is an intelligent, eloquent, and charismatic individual, and you can pretty much ensure that you’ll have a loyal fan for life. That is where I stand with Oliva Cigars and the Serie V in particular.

Oliva cigars are known for their consistency and excellent construction. No frills or extras, just high quality tobacco in a high quality cigar. The Serie V is no exception; an excellent smoke with a dark Nicaraguan wrapper – not quite a maduro – that is smooth and giving, with just a touch of oil. This particular cigar lit well, but was hard on the draw – a characteristic of a lot of torpedo shapes, as the taper at the tip sometimes closes the tobacco. There was the taste of soft leather that was far more subtle than I remember it. Smooth grain and cedar notes rounded out the flavor. The burn was slow and even – owing partially to the hard draw, but allowing the puro to be really savored. The smoke was thick and rich, with an excellent aroma of toasted almonds.

It is hard to find an unkind word to say about a cigar that I am so fond of, but I had trouble keeping this one lit. This goes back to the hard draw, and it was a bit annoying. Typing while I smoke doesn’t help, but no matter the cause, I absolutely hate relighting a cigar. I’m glad that this case wasn’t my first experience with an Oliva, because it may have kept me from enjoying so many in my time as a fan. It definitely will not affect my affection for the brand, and the Serie V is highly recommended.

La Aroma de Cuba - Edicion Especial Robusto

La Aroma De Cuba – Edicion Especial Robusto

I am a big fan of the Robusto size, and this one came highly recommended. The taught, smooth, natural wrapper was soft to the touch without any oils. There was a pre-light aroma of sweet spices and cured leather. The EE lit easily, with a good volume of sweet, smooth smoke.

The taste begins with a smooth, rich feel. There are opening notes of light cedar, caramel, and toasted almonds. This puro has an excellent semi-sweet flavor, with a bit more spice and taste of Cuban coffee, rather than the bitter chocolate that is usually found in “sweeter” cigars.

The EE has a soft, even burn, with good construction, and a sturdy, grey ash. I would pair it with sweeter spirits, like a bourbon or a chilled rum. This cigar made an impression on me, and is fairly priced (around $10 in California – less in Free America). With the robusto size and popular availability, this may become one of my go-to cigars. I am definitely a fan.

Room 101 La Serie C – Connecticut Shade Torpedo

Room 101 La Serie C – Connecticut Shade Torpedo

This was my Memorial Day cigar.  Room 101 is a brand that I have grown to enjoy quite a bit. Blended and rolled by Comacho, I chose a Room 101 Serie C for Memorial Day because it is owned by Matt Booth, a former Marine machine gunner, and currently a jewelry designer. I lit it up at Beach Cigar Lounge – a Veteran owned business here in Newport Beach, so all in all, it was quite appropriate for the occasion.

I want to preface this by saying that I have really enjoyed Room 101 cigars in the past. They are edgy, and full of flavor, with a bit of spice to the full, rich smoke. That being said, this was my first of the Serie C, and I was a bit disappointed. This Connecticut shade torpedo lit up well, and very quickly, but went out just as fast. This is not a damning characteristic right off the draw, as a wise man once told me “If your cigar goes out, it means you’re talking too much” However, this happened multiple times on the Serie C, despite near constant attention.

On the positive side, the Room 101 had a good draw with a high volume of rich smoke. It was light to medium bodied – not what I am used to with the 101’s – but with a kick there on the finish. The flavor was rather neutral, without much to speak of except a bit of soft wood. Overall, unremarkable.

I don’t make it a habit of judging a cigar off of just one smoke, but with so many other excellent choices out there, many even from Room 101, I may not want to spend money on this one again.

Ramon Allones Robusto

Ramon Allones Robusto

Due to the efforts of a good friend, I had the privilege of smoking a Ramon Allones Robusto last week. I am familiar with Cuban Cigars, but this will be the first review I have posted of a Cuban. I tend to stay away from these types of posts (unlike Cigar Aficionado) because I often feel it is rude to show off wares and products that are inaccessible to most. Something of a “Look what I have that you can't get” type of situation. That being said, these particular cigars were a gift, and out of professional courtesy, and due to requests for more reviews, I bring you: The Ramon Allones Robusto, Hecho a Mano en Habana, Cuba

Pre-light aroma of fine leather and spice. It has a good firm feel and slightly oily texture – which I like, though some may not. It lit easily, with a smooth, easy draw. There was a good volume of soft, velvety smoke right as it opened up. The first third of this puro was excellent, with floral notes and a sweet flavor of honey. This led to a more robust middle section where the stronger tastes of leather, oak, and bourbon. These flavors finished off the cigar, but became ever more pronounced as I continued to draw. The construction, as to be expected from a Cuban masterpiece, was excellent, while the burn was even and clean. The ash was stiff, white, and firm. Even the winds of Newport Harbor had a hard time blowing the cherry off this cigar.

The Ramon Allones was a real treat to smoke, and I am glad to have a few resting in my humidor for future consumption. I am most impressed, however, at the similarities and confidence in construction and flavor that have been exhibited by many of my favorite Honduran and Dominican brands. There are still subtle differences, of course, and half of the pleasure of partaking in a Cuban cigar is knowing that it is, indeed a Cuban, crafted by the undisputed master tobacconists of the world. The cigar industry, though, has evolved to the level that craftsmen, many of then trained in Cuba or from the Cuban tradition, are rising to the times, and the gap in quality and flavor between Cuban cigars, and those of the free world, is shrinking with every crop of tobacco grown.