"When you get a cigar that offers a great balance of sweet and spice, it really brings a smile to your face. Honey graham cracker and white pepper really played off each other well. This is how this cigar went for me. I was quite pleased, and now have another example of a cigar I will definitely be interested in revisiting in the future." -Doug S. (Unpossible_1)
"This cigar was a tale of two halves. The first half had complexity while the second half was on the darker side with little change. I'm not sure if it was me or the blend but by the end, I was left with more questions about how good this cigar could really be. I will definitely revisit this cigar once I know what it is. " -Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)
"This was definitely on the milder side for someone like me who likes a stronger cigar, but the flavors really shined. Citrus, lemon zest, orange peel, leather, and Graham cracker all melded together to create a very enjoyable cigar. I would definitely try this again, especially when the weather warms up. Thanks for the experience!" -Kevin J. (maninblack77)
"I enjoyed the transition from a light sweet cedar start to more medium earth and leather to the slightly fuller smokey pepper ending. To me, this would be a great mid-morning cigar to get your taste buds kicked into gear. I couldn't ask for much more from the burn or the construction and will absolutely revisit this blend in the future." -Lauren S. (Lauren S.)"
"This was not initially a cigar I would pick out to smoke. The ring gauge was great but the length of the cigar was more than I usually like. The cigar proved to be a flavor bomb for me and along with a great appearance provided a very good smoking experience. The first two-thirds were fantastic and even though the last third dropped off a bit more than I would have preferred, I enjoyed the cigar overall. Take a couple of inches off and make this a shorter toro and I’m in over and over again. " -Diana (ArmyRN)
AllBlind Cigar ReviewsCubariquenoDouble ToroFeaturedHabanoHector Alfonso Sr.MaduroNicaraguaOscuroPCA
·"This was a much larger cigar than I normally like to smoke. However, I went into it very open-mindedly and found the flavor notes in the first third and partway through the second third to be very good with lots of spiciness. I liked the mix of earthiness mixed with the spice and was looking forward to how the cigar progressed. Withdraw problems leading to burn issues, I truly lost interest halfway through the second third. I muddled my way through the rest of the cigar hoping that that full flavor from the beginning of the cigar would re-emerge. I would try the cigar again, but it definitely would suit me in a smaller vitola." -Diana (ArmyRN)
"I enjoyed this cigar it kept giving me notes of sweet tobacco, coffee, German chocolate cake, and even some cream soda at the end. This cigar started out nice with the sweetness then let up and brought in the wood and earthy notes, but the sweetness never left and even returned at the end. I will let you know dear readers that this does require some time commitment. I wouldn't suggest you smoke this cigar in the elements unless it's a nice spring or fall day." -Mickey T. (irratebass)
I have always enjoyed the idea/premise of the chef's editions. Everyone loves a good cigar pairing be it a pairing with bourbon, whiskey, beer, or even my favorite. Coffee. One thing we do not get a chance to do is pair cigars with food as it's not easily done in today's world. I was excited to see the chef's for this year's edition as it has Masa Takayama on the panel who by all rights is very much a true cigar smoker. You can't google his name without stumbling across him with a cigar. I have had the pleasure of smoking the chef's editions the last few years and this hands down is the best yet.
"I liked it but it isn't something that I would reach for necessarily. The smoke output was great and the density was thick and creamy. I found the profile to be a bit too monotone for the length but if you're a fan of rich tobacco notes this would be a real winner for you. It is a very good cigar but just a bit out of my wheelhouse. " -Alan (Eulogy)
"I really enjoyed the rich flavors and following sweetness this cigar provided. The burn was dead on with an abundance of thick chewy smoke. Highly recommend it to those who enjoy and dark rich smoke. " -James H. (Keikan Jim)