Perdomo Lot 23 - Maduro

Size: 5.7" x 54 Belicoso
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Body: N/A
Strength: N/A


When I found this cigar I was quickly taken away by the dark oily wrapper to a field of tobacco in a little corner of Nicaragua. This is a gorgeous stick, take a close look at it and you too will be transported to another world. The cigar is solid and firm, I was impressed at how solid this stick was, I am used to most cigars having a bit of spring when the cigar is pinched, but not this one. It refused to budge. This cigar smells strongly of anise, I was surprised because though I have been told of this smell I have not experienced it myself, the next thing I knew I had an urge to drink a root beer with this cigar as I smoked it. Have you ever seen a maduro cigar this good looking?

As I approached the time to cut and light this beauty, that is when I was graced with a new cigar experience. I touched the cigar to my lips and tongue to moisten the wrapper cap before cutting, the wrapper flavors were mild and a bit sticky. Sticky? Yep, I looked at the cap and touched it with my left index finger and to my surprise, this premium quality smoke enjoyed by so many left two nice brown spots. I did not have my digital camera available so I used my phone's camera.






I did not expect to see the color on the wrapper transfered onto my finger, what is up with that!?! I was so upset to see this that I returned the cigar to its cellophane and put it back in my humidor. This cigar seems to have a "Madu-O-Matic" wrapper, I cannot comment if all these Lot 23 maduros use fake maduro wrappers, I only purchased one cigar, I guess I need to order more to find out. Well, I may order more. What a shame...

CAO Italia Gondola

Size: 6.25x54
Wrapper: Honduras
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Italy, Nicaragua, Peru
Body: Medium-Full
Strength: Mild-Medium


Another CAO, they are producing so many different cigars it is hard to keep up, they spend so much on packaging, they are trying to up the market and seek out new smokers. So what does that do to quality of the cigars and even the complexity of the blends? I cannot answer that without being questioned myself, they are a brand that certainly is under scrutiny about their
marketing. Either way I am willing to try any cigar that looks good to me and this one looks good to me.

The wrapper on this vitola is dark and veiny with the scent of cocoa coming off of it. The cigar is firm with no soft spots. The wrapper was tasteless, the draw was firm, but the tobaccos inside gave a bit of cocoa before lighting. Upon ignition the smoke was chewy, which I noted was like pasta noodles that are not fully cooked. The smoke texture was smooth with a short finish, it left me wanting more. The flavors were fruity with a sweetness in the depth of the smoke and a woodiness texture overall.

The ash burn solid, it was bright white with blotches. The burn was perfect throughout the entire cigar. As I smoked into the body I picked up a grain like flavor and texture, a lot like wheat and the smoke was not as chewy as it started out as. The cigar gave me a mild cocoa taste and subtleties of honey. It was a slow smoking cigar, which I enjoy as I want my cigars to last long, have a lot of flavor, and be worth the money. There was a nice toasty finish with a touch of coffee on the end.

I was surprised with all these flavors, yet as I reached the final third, that acrid taste I find common on CAO cigars reared it's nasty head and the smoke's finish was complexity of flavors, okay so maybe that was not as bad as I thought it would be when I first noticed the acrid flavor. I was set back as I did not expect this good of a cigar.

I was a bit bummed out to read that this cigar does not have a great amount of Italian tobacco in it. When reading about this cigar it gives the impression that this cigar is loaded with Italian tobacco, almost enough to be a puro, but nope, just 1/5 of it is Italian. I guess CAO's marketing hype struck again. I was too eager and trusting, but hey, it was a great cigar and I would not pass on another one.

Appearance 1- Average
Construction 3- Excellent
Burn 2- Perfect
Ash 1.5- Holds okay but falls easily
Flavor 3- Great smoke, lots of flavor, a staple in the humidor
Smoke Profile 2- Perfect, no harsh spots at all, smooth and nice
Aroma 2- Nice and not overpowering, Aromatic, enjoyable fragrance

=14.5 Points

Te-Amo - Anniversary Vintage '99

Size: 6x50 Toro
Wrapper: Mexico
Binder: Mexico
Filler: Dominican Republic, Mexico, Nicaragua
Body: Medium
Strength: Mild


These are good looking cigars, the wrapper is dark and even. The Vintage '99 is different then standard Te-Amo cigars, they are not a Mexican puro that Te-Amo normally produce. I have not had a regular Te-Amo, I guess that would be good to compare this Vintage '99 to the regular Mexican puro, either way I smoked this one anyway. I had this in my humidor for 3 weeks, just enough time to adjust to the surrounding climate before being put to the test.



The cigar was not all that firm, it was soft, when I gave the cigar a squeeze, it lacked some life. The wrapper had some spice to it's tobacco flavor and the draw was extremely loose. Lighting was easy, the soft tobacco did not argue and performed quickly.



This cigar did not impress me one bit. The flavors were basic tobacco. The smoke was a bit harsh, it got in the way of enjoying the smoke. When I would try to run through flavor to pick up the nuttiness and coffee that most cigars taste of, I would be bothered by the roughness in the smoke's texture.



The ash was gray and held to the cigar, the burn though was uneven through the whole smoke. One side would burn a little faster then the other, not wanting to cooperate. The flavors would vanish quickly and I would be left with a cotton-mouth flavor and texture. I was disappointed in the cigar. There is no need for me to recommend this cigar, there are far better cigars with vintage tobacco in them that taste and perform far better then these. The price was average, so one could easily get a better cigar for the same price.



Appearance 2- I Liked It
Construction 1- Could be Better
Burn 0- Is It Burning? With friends I laugh, in public I am embarrassed
Ash 1- Holds okay but falls easily
Flavor 1- The perfect "yard gar"
Smoke Profile 1- Smokeable, maybe a harsh spot or two, chalky
Aroma 2- Nice and not overpowering, Aromatic, enjoyable fragrance
=8 Points

Don Lino Africa - Kifaro

Size: 6.5x52 Kifaro (Torpedo)
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Africa, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Mexico
Body: Medium
Strength: Medium

I was looking at this cigar without the band before lighting up, I noticed how good it looks. This is a cigar that the roller was probably proud to create. the wrapper was perfect, the stick was straight, the roll was even, and the tapered head was flawless. This cigar was solid in looks and feel, it presents quality. Yet, after cutting the cap, I was working with a firm draw. I figured I can easily work with it considering how impressive the cigar was.

The pre-light draw flavors were basic tobacco without any spice. I was pleased to be given thick smoke when this was set to fire. It was nice to know that even with a firm draw the smoke would not be hindered, it probably would have been different with a loose draw, but that is the way it is.

I noticed that this cigar gives a lot of coffee and a sweet robust taste. All together, it is like an espresso, rich and solid flavors. I was downed by an acrid taste that perked its head once I reached the body of the smoke. It did not overpower the other flavors, at times it was not noticeable, but then at other times it was. Maybe with more age on the cigar will improve it's flavor.

The ash was spotted gray that did hold well onto the cigar, with an even burn to complement it all, that was until I moved further into the body of the cigar. The smoke continued with rich flavors and the smoke quality was creamy and smooth. When I reached into the last half of the cigar, I had trouble keeping the cigar lit, every time I turned away, the cigar would die out and I had to draw on the cigar more than I wanted to. This was causing the last 2 inches to burn hot. I continued to keep going and would purge every now and then to help keep the cigar cool, but to no avail I left it in the ashtray with one and a half inches left. I had one side burning faster then the other, either that or one side refused to burn for me.

This is a descent cigar, but it was not worth the price I paid. It is a boutique cigar, looks great, can taste great, but may not perform as it should. I would be interested in trying more at different sizes, so we will see if I end up revisiting this review. I can recommend it, just be aware it may not perform as it should.

Appearance 2- I Liked It
Construction 0- Terrible, A Tunneling Canoe's Nightmare Unraveling Before My Eyes
Burn 0- Is It Burning? With friends I laugh, in public I am embarrassed
Ash 1- Holds okay but falls easily
Flavor 2- Poker smoke, even flavor, not distracting, no thinking required to enjoy this one
Smoke Profile 2- Perfect, no harsh spots at all, smooth and nice
Aroma 2- Nice and not overpowering, Aromatic, enjoyable fragrance
=9 Points

Gurkha Beast

Size: 6.5 x 58
Wrapper: Costa Rican Maduro
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Dominican Republic, Honduras, and Columbia
Body: Full
Strength: Medium


This is a beautiful looking monster. The wrapper is clean and uniform, with light veins surrounding this big gauge stick. This guy has been in my humidor for two months now and I could not wait any longer the light it up.

I am iffy about Gurkha's, I have had some that were okay, and some that were great. In a way they are similar to CAO with their consumers. There are CAO fans that praise and love every cigar they come out with, and the there are those that do not like CAO at all, find all the flaws and chock CAO as a brand that puts more into their marketing than the cigars. I have had CAO's that were great and then had some with ever problem possible; plugs, uneven burn, bad taste, bad construction, you name it. Gurkha's, I think, are viewed the same way. In my case, I have yet to have a bad Gurkha, but I have had some I think were okay and not worth the price. Of course on that end, Gurkha does lead the way in hefty price tags, I like to buy them in samplers and discounts.

Back to the cigar.

The Beast I used for the review had a great easy draw, with good tobacco flavors before lighting. Once touched by the flame this beauty let out an impressive amount of smoke that was creamy and rich. I was surprised when the foot of the cigar split after it was lit about half an inch up the cigar, I am not sure if it was due the the heat or the amount of tobacco was just to much and the wrapper could not hold, but it happened. It did not split any further during the smoke, so it may have even been a bit over humidified or just a fluke.

The first flavors to emerge was a creamy cocoa with some bitterness and pepper. My taste buds enjoyed this start, it was like a dark chocolate flavor mocha. Creamy and smooth.

The ash was solid and white, the contrast of this dark colored cigar with such a white ash really complemented the looks and enjoyment. The burn was a bit uneven, never needing a touch up. It did even out with some moderate rotating.

The bitterness and pepper faded out through the body of the smoke, it returned during the last one and a half inches. In my notes I wrote down that this cigar is creamy over and over, kind of similar to a coffee that has so much creamer in it that it over powers the coffee.

I really enjoyed this cigar, the flavors were tasteful and consistent through out the whole stick. It did not go harsh and gave me copious amounts of thick smoke. The price tag on this cigar is large, if yo can find them at a bargain, then it is worth giving them a try. I have added this cigar to my list of favorites. This is a highly recommended cigar.

Appearance 2- I Liked It
Construction 3- Excellent
Burn 1.5- Even, No Touch up Needed
Ash 2- Wow
Flavor 4- Fantastic, flavor is awesome from the beginning to the end with no rough spots, highly recommended
Smoke Profile 2- Perfect, no harsh spots at all, smooth and nice
Aroma 2- Nice and not overpowering, Aromatic, enjoyable fragrance
=16.5 Points!!!

J. Fuego - Gran Reserve Corojo No. 1

Size: 5 x 50 Robusto
Wrapper: Sun Grown Corojo ("Criollo")
Binder: Proprietary
Filler: Nicaraguan, Honduran, Costa Rican
Body: Medium-Full
Strength: Medium

This cigar was new to me at the local B&M I travel, when they set these out in the walk-in humidor I was not to impressed as they were put on an island table and not stocked on a shelf. The presentation was not there, but when the box is open I found myself looking at a brand I have not known about and what looked to be beautiful cigars.

The wrappers were oily and brown with a red hue. Pricing was not too bad either, I did pay a bit more for it at a B&M, I enjoy a hunt and pick inside a stocked humidor, the aroma is always enticing.

The cigar was firm, with a nice squish to it, when squeezed it would rebound easily with out cracking, perfect storage temps and humidity, is there anything better? Well enjoying this cigar sure is. With a mild taste on the cap and a great draw of air after cutting this cigar lit up easily.

This cigar exploded in smoke and in flavor from the first draw! It was so intense I was set back by it. The amount of smoke was impressive and the flavors really threw my for a loop. There was so much going on instantly that I could not pick out a single flavor right away. I am just at the start and surprised, at that point a toasty charred like flavor came into the scene with power, it was not a bad charred touch, more like toasting a marshmellow, it is not right until it just starts to brown. This cigar is robust with with a bit of sweetness throughout.

Into the body a mild cocoa arose with a strong coffee. The smoke was really nice, it carried a buttery texture to it, smooth and easy to enjoy. There was a tangy impression on the tongue, not spice but more of a pepper taste. The aroma was good

The ash was gray, flaky and only held for about half an inch. I ash out around the time, but when ash does not hold and likes to flake away, it gets me a bit irritated to wonder if my jeans are going to have new holes in them or not.

Into the last third of the cigar this is when it really opened up. The flavors came alive creating a great flavor experience. These need devotion to smoke, with all the flavors and changes, one would miss out if they use this as a "yard gar".

For a young out of the box cigar, this little beauty has a whole lot of potential. I am keeping the others I purchased in my humidor for a year and will then lite them up to see how much improvement these have. It seems that these will really do great with time.

Appearance 2- I Liked It
Construction 2- Good
Burn 1.5- Even, No Touch up Needed
Ash 0-Flaky and loose, my lap is on fire
Flavor 3- Great smoke, lots of flavor, a staple in the humidor
Smoke Profile 1- Smokeable, maybe a harsh spot or two, but not distracting
Aroma 2- Nice and not overpowering, Aromatic, enjoyable fragrance

11.5 Points

Thanks for reading,

Now Go Get Some!!

17 Points

I am not too keen on most cigar rating systems, so I have decided to write up my own. The reason I did so was that I have read so many reviews that vary way too much. A cigar's appearance weighs heavily with a band on than they do with a band off, construction problems were overlooked by reviewers if they like the cigar knowing what it was before smoking. A tight draw may not cause too much irritation if the cigar is an Opus X, but if it is a Helix, the cigar is deemed of poor quality. Flavor is subjective, spice and pepper are good some days, acidic grass is not a favorite. Sometimes a nutty coffee is enjoyed and others a dark mocha is just what fits the bill. A rating system should be as basic as possible. I see no reason to rate a cigar 30 points on flavor instead of 28 points. It all seems to be to easy to confuse and too in the gray. So without wasting more time, this is what I will be using from this time forward with my cigar reviews.

Appearance- 2 Points Total
0- Fugly
1- Average
2- I Liked It

Construction- 3 Points Total
0- Terrible, A Tunneling Canoe's Nightmare Unraveling Before My Eyes
1- Not bad, Draw is tighter then I like?
2- Good, why does the cap look like a toupe?
3- Excellent

Burn- 2 Points Total
0-Is It Burning? With friends I laugh, in public I am embarrassed
1- Uneven, No Touch up Needed
2- Perfect

Ash- 2 Points Total
0- Flakey and loose, my lap is on fire
1- Holds okay but falls easily
2- Wow

Flavor- 4 Points Total
0- Terrible, chewing on a tree branch is needed to removed the taste of this cigar
1- The perfect "yard gar"
2- Poker smoke, even flavor, not distracting, no thinking required to enjoy this one
3- Great smoke, lots of flavor, a staple in the humidor
4- Fantastic, flavor is awesome from the beginning to the end with no rough spots, highly recommended

Smoke Profile- 2 points total
0- Terrible, harsh, dry, and painful
1- Smokeable, maybe a harsh spot or two, but not distracting
2- Perfect, no harsh spots at all, smooth and nice

Aroma- 2 Points Total
0- Car exhaust is more pleasing
1- Smells like nirvana, where is the toilet match?
2- Nice and not overpowering, Aromatic, enjoyable fragrance

17 Points.

That's right, 17. Simple and easy to rate with not a lot of room to sway between the system.