So I had a crappy day. A really crappy day; boss all up in my shit at work, wife – well, we won’t even get into that, and the baby screaming all night. Toss in rush hour traffic and a transmission that’s three clicks from death and I was really looking forward to sitting outside, on one of the few remaining warm evenings, and smoking my cigar.

We all have our personal favorite cigar or cigars, you know, the ones we turn to time after time, the consistent ones. Well, I grabbed one of my favorites, a strong Dominican brand with a rich sun-grown wrapper, a torpedo. I religiously clipped the head and toasted the foot gently before lighting. And it was good. Well, actually, it was good for about the first inch, and then it went all different ways of crazy. One side took off on a burn that threatened to cut the cigar in half. Canoeing is not a strong enough description of what this cigar was doing, the burn bordered on a wildfire. So much for my old “standby.”

Now I’d been thinking about that cigar the majority of the day so its failure was a real let down. But, as I reminded myself, cigars are after all handmade and even the very best have an occasional “oops.” So, rather than get upset, I made my way back to my humidor to pick a new stick. Rather than risk another let down, I decided to smoke a cigar I knew, positively, without a doubt, would not let me down.

On top of one of my humidors I keep my “expensive” cigars. These are my $10 plus cigars that I keep for special occasions. These are cigars I would share with cigar smoking friends with good taste and an appreciation of an outstanding cigar. Since none of my cigar smoking friends have good taste, I usually end up smoking these cigars myself, and this was the perfect time to do just that. From the top of the tray, I selected an Ashton VSG Robusto, a cigar I had purchased as one of a pair back in April from a local shop for $11.50 each. Mike’s Cigars happens to sell this same cigar for $10.05 for the record. Live and learn I guess.

Anyway, the Virgin Sun Grown started off with a smooth smoke that has a sweet aroma to it. There was a bit of cinnamon on the finish from the start that continued through the whole smoke. This cigar also got the “it isn’t stinky” nod of approval from the wife, for what that adds. The burn of the Ashton VSG was straight for most of the smoke, going just slightly crooked near the middle, but not so bad that I had to touch it up.

The VSG builds in strength from what I would call medium bodied to full as you smoke and more than once brought a slight tear to my eye, something not many cigars can do. But the best thing about the VSG is the aromas. There’s a hops like aroma that is very pleasant accompanied by a little bit of earth. And the finish is fantastic, again with a bit of cinnamon.

So, long story Short, the Ashton VSG Robusto is a great cigar. Not the cheapest stick on the market, but for the right occasion, more than worth the 10 bucks. Grab a couple, stuff them into your humi and hang on to them until you need them, they’ll wait.

Oliva, a name within cigar culture which echoes prestige, diversity and complexity across an extensive range of cigars of all shapes and sizes. The Gilberto Oliva Reserva by Oliva cigars caught my eye immediately as I glanced over the selection I had received from Mike’s and I’m thrilled to say that it is not the first cigar by Oliva I have had the pleasure of smoking. I’m very familiar with their G series which is packed to the brim with bold dark coffee, deep earthy notes and a scrumptious leathery cream with intriguing nutty nuances. I naturally hope that my experience with the Gilberto Reserva, would be just as blissful and interesting as my experience with the G series. It did not fail.

Specs:

Made By: Oliva Cigar Co.
Country: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Indonesian Sumatra
Binder: Ecuadorian
Filler: Nicaraguan
Factory: Tabacalera Oliva de Nicaragua S.A.
Strength: Medium to Full
Ring Gauge: 50″
Vitola: Robusto
Time: 1hr 45min

First Impressions

An incredibly oily toffee wrapper, crisp and seamless single cap and one prominent vein. Overall a very beautifully presented and fragrant cigar. Upon nosing, a slight sweetness came to light, a honey like sweetness with a fresh fragrant floral profile. The Gilberto is a densely packed cigar. It was heavy and firm to the touch with just the right amount of give when rolling between thumb and finger. Pre-light aroma revealed a mild cedar followed by a sweet floral texture. It reminded me of raw sugar-snap peas that sweet but fragrant (here comes that level of intrigue and diversity I experienced with the G Series).

First Third

First third opened up with a wave of complex flavors. Powerful earthy spices and a bold pepper zing complimented with copious plumes of bold fragrant smoke. A definite 10 for combustion and flavor from the get. The Gilberto Reserva left a honey like sweetness on the palate to finish the wave of flavor, which I found quite unusual given it was very dark and bold. Nonetheless, the honey was incredibly pleasant which developed into a bold spice and cream with some bold, dark and rich earthy overtones. It reminded me of my encounter with the Series G by Oliva cigars. This flavor profile lasted for the remainder of the 1^st and I had to pace myself to stop the smoke from overheating. However, the retro-hale revealed a really tasty leather and cream with a mild cedar tone in the background, thoroughly enjoyable.

Second Third

The second third changed significantly in flavor, which I should have expected. Oliva has a tendency to flip the flavor profile of their cigars with such accuracy. It leaves the smoker baffled at how they manage to do it so coherently and with such a contrast in flavor. Sweet honey and light floral overtones with fresh nuances of cut grass replaced the spicy earthy tones from the previous third. The honey was increasingly heightened and more dominant however still accompanied by a light spice more cinnamon. Similar to that of a home baked crumble, just like my grandmother used to bake.

Last Third

The final third of the Gilberto Reserva returned to its former profile, however the strength knocked me completely. The intensity of the flavors even more so. Straight spice and dark earthy cocoa, the retro-hale provided a more complex version of the flavors, showing a bitter sweet coffee nuance followed by fresh vanilla pod. The complexity and diverse profile of notes at this stage really hit me and only emphasized my opinion of Oliva cigars.  I ended the cigar with roughly over an inch left, however this was only due the strength of the cigar.

Conclusion

Overall a thoroughly enjoyable experience. One which encapsulates the level of care and quality which goes into the cigars that Oliva produce. The burn was fantastic, remained razor sharp and held on for over an inch. Combustion was perfect from the first light and I didn’t feel I had to be overly attentive towards keeping the burn sharp as it did a splendid job on its own. The Oliva Gilberto Reserva really impressed me, it was punchy with flavors and strength, It knocked me for ten (pun intended) and really showed consistency throughout which given the mass production of cigars in the current climate, is hard to find. Id dare say I’m even more of a fan of Oliva than before.

Hope you enjoyed the review and Happy Herfing

The Cigar Library.

Twenty-five years after releasing it’s first line of highly-appreciated cigars, La Gloria Cubana is adding a new blend to its portfolio which is definitely set to entice aficionados across the globe.

This is the first La Gloria Cubana cigar Ernesto Perez-Carrillo has blended in a decade, all the while using proprietary tobaccos from his collection. A truly enticing medium-to-full bodied blend that utilizes top quality fillers from Nicaragua and an oily Ecuador
Sumatra wrapper.

La Gloria Cubana Colección Reserva debuted at IPCPR 2017. Ernesto said, “La Gloria Cubana Colección Reserva is based on a blend I created in the 1980s, after I took over our Little Havana factory from my father. I am very proud of this cigar because it complements the other blends in the line and has a taste profile that will appeal to people who have smoked La Gloria since the brand first hit it big in the 1990s.”

Specs:

Made By: General Cigars Co.
Country: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Factory: Tabacalera La Alianza
Strength: Medium
Ring Gauge: 54
Size: Torpedo
Time: 2 hours

First Impression

As with anything, first impressions count and The La Gloria Cubana Colección Reserva did not fail to impress. Upon removing the La Gloria from the humidity-bag I had received it in, I knew it was special. The buttery soft milk chocolate wrapper, minimal veins and pungent honey and cedar aroma is definite sign that this will be a treat. This is a dense and heavy cigar with an impeccably triple cap. It’s tightly packed to the brim with fresh pungent leaf which only emphasized the previous aroma.

The cigar is all pulled together and represented by two beautifully presented bands. The gold insignia of the “La Gloria Cubana” house and the bold burgundy personalized band of “Ernesto Perez Carrillo” simply beautiful, which gave a whiff of debonair about it.

Upon nosing the foot of the cigar, I noticed some dark cocoa nuances which were very pleasant indeed. I hadn’t tried this brand before, so this was certainly a pleasant encounter so far. As I said above, the perfectly rolled triple pointed cap was perfect. With a swift and slightly angular clip of my Colibri Monza guillotine cutter, came away like a dream.

First Third

The first third couldn’t have started any better. Dense rich white plumes of fragrant smoke and a razor sharp burn to compliment, which thrills me. Flavor wise, a very dominant and heavy cedar followed by a freshly baked dough which had a sweet aroma, imagine walking past a baker shop in the early morning.  These flavors developed into a rich leather with a significant pepper blow towards the end of the first third, however the cigar began to develop a very interesting buttery and creamy smoothness too it. All very enjoyable and not overwhelming for the palate.

Second Third

The second third is where the La Gloria became very interesting. The leather I noticed in the previous third was still present, but now it was accompanied by a seriously rich dark cocoa with a cedar washing over the tongue to finish. I felt that as the Colección Reserva developed, it showed particular traits of a desert cigar. At least one enjoyed with a liquor coffee. Something bold and rich to accompany the complexity of this little gem. Towards the middle of the second-third the doughy texture I encountered in the first third came back but this time had a saltier nuance. More pretzel like and this developed into a really beautiful rich cream with a leathery profile and more of that deep rich cocoa flavor from earlier.

Last Third

The final third was bold to say the least, it was straight up cedar and a powerful pepper blast. It’s incredibly long lasting and rounded off by more sweet bitter cocoa. The burn held up, razor sharp and not once did I have any issues. As for the smoke, still going dense and rich which left a beautiful fragrant haze in the air. I ended the cigar with around an inch left as I had a meeting to head too. If not for that I would have gladly smoked it down until my fingertips burnt.

Final Result

The La Gloria Cubana Colección Reserva seriously impressed me, I am typically not accustomed to smoking anything other than Cuban brands, however this Dominican beauty has really opened up my eyes to the world of non-Cuban cigars and provided enough of an enjoyable experience as to why I should smoke more of them. The construction was flawless and the burn razor sharp (as I keep saying, it really did impress me). The smoke remained cool and consistent throughout the two hours, which can be difficult to find with some cigars.

I have had both burn and combustion issues with a number of Cuban cigars I’ve smoked, however for the Colección Reserva I placed down for a good 15 minutes overall whilst sending a couple of emails and making a phone call. After picking it back up to take another puff, it was as if I hadn’t placed it down at all. Consistent is a perfect word I would use to describe this cigar.

Recommendation

Flavor wise, this cigar is something-of an after dinner treat. Smoke this cigar alongside either a liquor coffee as I mentioned before, or even a good malt. Those nuances of fresh dough, both sweet and salty along with the rich and deep creamy leather and cocoa flavors really did knock me for ten. It’s a solid and slow burner at an impressive two hours. Now that may vary to other cigar smokers, but I typically take my time with most of my smokes. I did place it down once or twice so the smoke time may be have been a little less than the two hour mark. I’m happy to say that the La Gloria Cubana Colección Reserva, by Ernesto Perez Carrillo will definitely be having a place in my humidor and has been nothing short of a blissful and stress free smoking experience.

Happy Herfing

The Cigar Library.

Altadis USA has been assertive lately on extending their brand portfolio of cigars. Collaborating with notable cigar blenders like Rafael Nodal of Aging Room, and in turn handling distribution for Aging Room, and they also work with Pete Johnson of Tatuaje to name a few. Now they have partnered with AJ Fernandez to create Gispert Intenso cigar. AJ Fernandez has already collaborated with Altadis USA with H. Upmann, Monte by Montecristo and with Altadis’ sister company Santa Clara with Romeo Y Julieta and Montecristo crafted by AJ Fernandez. Let’s take a closer look into the Gispert Intenso.

The word intenso means “intense” in Spanish. It’s a profile update from Altadis’ original Gispert line which is milder and uses a Connecticut wrapper. Altadis’ Grupo de Maestros and AJ Fernandez chose a Connecticut broadleaf wrapper, Nicaraguan Criollo ’98 binder and an assortment of fillers including Nicaragua Criollo ’98 & Piloto Cubano from the Dominican Republic.

Specs:

Made By: Altadis USA
Country: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Nicaraguan Criollo 98
Filler: Dominican Republic & Nicaraguan
Factory: Altadis’s Flor de Copan factory in Honduras
Strength: Medium to Full
Ring Gauge: 52
Length: 6 1/8
Time: 1 hour, 50min

Pre-Light

First thing you’ll notice about this box-pressed cigar is the dark, matte, toothy wrapper that is impressively constructed with minimal veins apparent. If you look closer at the wrapper, you’ll notice tiny, sugar-life crystals on the leaf. Along with the color of the wrapper, you’ll notice a beautiful copper & black Gispert band. It has intricate floral and lines around it while in the center, you see the words “Gispert Intenso Nicaragua Est. 1940.” It’s a firm cigar with an alluring espresso, leather, and oak scent.

First Third

As soon as you light this cigar up, I receive a wave of peppery, nutty notes on my palette with roasted espresso flavors. The cigar has an excellent construction and burns even. As I retrohale, I get notes of black pepper with an underline of cedar and white pepper. The Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper adds a nice balance of pepper with sweet notes. As I’m finishing the first third, the spicy notes tone down and notes of espresso and nutty begin to develop while still being a hearty smoke.

Second Third

The Intenso continues with it’s full-bodied experience with pepper and espresso notes yet it’s smooth on the palette. Addition note of dark cocoa, dry fruit, coffee beans, come into fruition. The burn is not the best but it’s not a noticeable problem that effects the experience. The Intenso remains consistent with richness, espresso, and oak flavors continue to develop with hints of metallic notes.

Last Third

The cigar is easily peaking on full-bodied smoke with a robust flavor of coffee, oak, earth, cinnamon, and leather taking the experience up a notch. The draw has been effortless even though I’ve had to do minor touch-up on the burn. Nonetheless, it still has a balance of nutmeg to provide a nice balance of spicy and sweet notes that were similar in the second-third. Although the nub doesn’t heat up to make it uncomfortable to smoke, I take a few puffs as the richness fades away.

Final Result

As much hype was surrounded with the collaboration of AJ Fernandez and Grupo de Maestro on a fairly unknown brand, it lives up to the hype. The smoking experience was enjoyable with a variety of flavors that made itself noticeable but not intrusive. Although I had some issues with the burn mid-way, there is a lot more positive sides to this cigar. Since this cigar is a hearty smoke, you’ll enjoy it most after a nice dinner with coffee. With a price of $6-7 a stick, the Gispert Intenso a solid smoke that won’t break your bank.