Blind Cigar Review: Royal Gold | Gold Strike Churchill

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Churchill
Length: 7″
Ring Gauge: 48
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Indonesian Sumatra
Binder: Besuki
Filler: Nicaraguan
Factory: NACSA
Blender: Carol Jean Llaneza
Number of reviewers: 5—–Robert (NavyPiper) Gregg (McGreggor57) Dave (mdwest) Brian (B-daddy) Emmett (rhetorik)
Price: $2.33
Age: 3 Months
Release Date: 2013
Contributed by: Royal Gold Cigars

Initial Impressions

Appearance: 86

“Appearance appears ‘fair’ at best. Color is medium brown, uniform in color. Numerous lumps/bumps as well as what seems to be prominent stems under wrapper. Cap is rough, not centered and is not round or smooth.” –Robert (NavyPiper)

Aroma: 89

“I get cedar and spice from the wrapper and dry wood from the foot. The pre-light draw is earthy.” –Emmett (rhetorik)

First Third

Flavor: 85
Strength: Mild-Medium
Body/Complexity: Light-Medium

“Quite an interesting start to this cigar. The initial flavors remind me of grass, damp wood and maybe even some algae. Think early morning at the lake. Behind those flavors are coffee and a slight char. Halfway through this third the vegetal profile is disappearing and some red pepper is creating some heat on the retro and palate. The coffee and char is still present.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

“Lots of earthy notes on the front during the first third with just a touch of sweetness on the finish. We’re off to a really nice start.” –Dave (mdwest)

Second Third

Flavor: 88
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Flavors are still very mild and not much change since the first third. A little wood and musty tobacco flavor. The finish is a little longer and slightly more pronounced in this third. It’s delivering that walnut shell flavor from the first third. Just not much going on at all. Funny though, I’m not minding smoking it this morning. Burn has been great and the ash holds a long time, so I’m just trying to enjoy it for what it is.” –Brian (B-daddy)

“To start this third, I’m really just getting some light wood flavor, none of the other flavor from the previous third carried over. I’m hoping something else happens or this is going to be a long next hour. Towards the end of the third, some spice has picked up, giving it some balance, but not enough of a change to keep it interesting.” –Emmett (rhetorik)

Final Third

Flavor: 87
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“The spice is really beginning to pick up during this final third. Cedar and grass are the dominant flavors. Baking spices are noticeable as well. The char that was keeping things balanced during the first 2/3’s has disappeared leaving a brighter profile.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

“Flavors ramp up a bit in the final third. Getting some more toasted wood and a touch of coffee. Also getting a little ashiness. Some pepper mixing with the metallic bitterness and wood on the finish. The finish is extending a little longer too. Smoke stays cool to the nub.” –Brian (B-daddy)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 91

“The draw was very slightly on the tight side, but not so much that it effected the performance of the stick in any way.” –Dave (mdwest)

Burn: 88

“Burn did pretty good. Got a little wavy at times, but seemed to straighten itself out. Was never razor sharp, but never needed a touchup.” –Robert (NavyPiper)

Construction: 88

“A few mushy spots along the length. Seams were tight and a double (?) cap seemed to be applied well. Overall, performed really well.” –Brian (B-daddy)

Overall Strength: Medium

Overall Body/Complexity: Medium
Overall Experience: 86

“Overall, I was rather disappointed with this cigar. Lack of flavor in the first third combined with the swings in strength and harshness in the last two thirds were rather annoying and frustrating. However, it did leave me continually guessing where we were going flavor and strength wise in the final two thirds. Probably would pass on another.” –Robert (NavyPiper)

“A bit of a final third let down. The first couple of thirds offered some wonderful flavors that kept me engaged but ended with a profile of flavors that are not ones I really enjoy. They are, however, probably in the wheelhouse of others. I wouldn’t hesitate to smoke this one again if offered, I just wouldn’t seek it out.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

“I’ll definitely be seeking a few more of these out after the reveal.” –Dave (mdwest)

“Although this cigar smoked well, I can’t really give it a pass for not having much flavor to speak of. I smoke to relax, but I still want some complexity and flavor. This stick just didn’t have it. The flavors it did have were not really to my preference either. I think the best thing I can say about this cigar is that it was inoccuous. No trouble to smoke, but not really worth the time. I’ll pass in favor of smoking something else.” –Brian (B-daddy)

“Overall not a cigar I enjoyed very much. It started out with some nice flavors, but most of them diminished throughout the cigar and eventually got replaced by bitterness. It was pretty boring most of the time and required attention to keep it going. Not something I would recommend.” –Emmett (rhetorik)