Although not overly complex, this cigar was more than what I expected. I have smoked a few RASS in the past and did not recall them being this good. Smooth, rich, creamy and very enjoyable sums up this cigar quite well. The appearance of the cigar on the pre-light may have led many aficionados to pass on this cigar (me included), but this is the perfect example of "don't judge a book by it's cover." I'll certainly be seeking more of these out.
This is such a handsome cigar, it was so well constructed. From the wrapper to the roll it was picture perfect. There were no soft spots, burn issues, and the draw was perfect. The ever changing profile kept me fully engaged. This is more of a medium flavor profile with a just slightly above mild strength. If I'm being very nitpicky I personally would have liked a slightly thicker smoke; but it was in no way thin or wispy. From a price stand point this is definitely more of a special occasion cigar but I would highly recommend one.
"Loved it, perfect way to wind down after a day of screaming kids and dealing with broken cars. I don't drink much so I compare flavors to what would pair well with my drink of choice which is coffee, and let me tell you, this was a perfect match. Only issue I had was, I wanted another. Great smoke, great experience." -Joseph S. (Bearded Bastard)
AllCorona GordaDunbarton Tobacco & TrustFeaturedHabanoNaturalNicaraguaQuick Cigar ReviewsRosadoSteveSteve Saka
·This cigar seemed to come with a lot of hype. Wow, did it deliver. From the subtle changes back and forth in the flavor profile to the smooth draw, this cigar just exceeded expectations in every aspect. I smoked the corona vitola and my only concern was that it did not last longer. Get these if you can. I know I will.
AlanAllBlind Cigar ReviewsConnecticut BroadleafCorona GordaDrew EstateFeaturedJonathan DrewKevin J.Liga PrivadaMaduroNicaraguaWilly Herrera
·"As noted in my tasting notes, each flavor was just as I expected . Dark chocolate and coffee with a slight earthiness all creating a notable smoking experience . I'd easily give this a 95. Great cigar that is box worthy for sure. " -Kevin J. (maninblack77)
AllBlind Cigar ReviewsConnecticut BroadleafDouble ToroDunbarton Tobacco & TrustFeaturedJamesKevin J.MaduroMatt H.NicaraguaSteve Saka
·"I thoroughly enjoyed this Cigar despite its large size. Sweet and lightly peppery with an abundance of smoke output. The only drawback was the aforementioned bitterness at the end. Be prepared to invest some time. This is one is slow burner. " -James H. (Keikan Jim)
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.
"Something about this cigar blend was a superstar for me. I often found myself smoking too fast because I was enjoying the blend so much. Leather was the star backbone of the blend from the first puff until the last. There was some great complexity first, with cedar sweetness and a slight white pepper on the retro. Then, some hazelnut and subtle baking spice notes as the blend progressed. I would smoke this again and look forward to discovering what it was." -Lauren S. (Lauren S.)
AllBlind Cigar ReviewsCraigDavidoffDominican RepublicFeaturedHabanoHendrik KelnerOscuroRobertSteveToroWes
·"This was one of those smokes that comes along every so often- actually it’s pretty rare for me anyway, that just captivates your senses. The ol’ “Calgon take me away” commercial ran through my mind as a comparison… It was a phenomenal smoke, one that I hope, hope, hope I get to experience again and again. I pray that this stogie is one that fits my meager stogie budget because I gotta have some more of these. It was a little over an hour of peace & serenity and I loved every minute of it!" -Robert (NavyPiper)
"The general consensus on this cigar is astoundingly good as it checked off almost all of boxes. The construction, burn, and draw were all perfect which made for an ideal smoking experience as I did not have to babysit or put any effort into smoking. The cigar absolutely shined throughout the first two-thirds with a cadence of flavors I've yet to experience together and was not only unique but most of all quite enjoyable. Had the final third not offered such an abrupt change in flavors I would have smoked this cigar down to a nub. Once its identity is revealed I will absolutely seek it out for another round. Should the ending be rewritten I could even see this cigar being a regular in my humidor." -Noah S. (Noah)