Tag Archives: cigar-review

SIN COMPROMISO No. 4 – BY DUNBARTON TOBACCO AND TRUST

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If you’re like me, you’ve smoked a fair share of cigars. Some are good, some are forgettable, and then there are the ones that make you pause, the ones that demand your full attention. The Sin Compromiso by Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust, well, that’s one of the latter. And after four sticks from a box of thirteen, I can tell you this isn’t a fluke. This is the real deal.

Now, before we even light it, let’s talk about the presentation. Each cigar is gently soft pressed and sleeved in Spanish cedar. It’s a subtle touch, but it hints at the care that went into crafting these. You get the feeling you’re holding something special, and you are.

First Third: A Creamy Introduction

From the first puff, this cigar makes its intentions clear. The smoke is big and bountiful, coating the palate with a creamy texture that’s immediately inviting. Right on its heels come big, bold notes of cocoa, not a bitter chocolate, but a rich, almost decadent cocoa. Underneath it all, there’s a delicate hint of cedar, a nice little counterpoint to the richness. It’s a damn good start.

Second Third: Can’t Put It Down

As you move into the second third, the experience doesn’t just hold steady; it intensifies. Those initial flavors? They’re still there, but they’ve deepened, becoming even more pronounced. The creaminess, the cocoa, the cedar—it all just seems to meld together even better. This is where you find yourself completely engrossed. You don’t want to set it down. You don’t want to talk. You just want to keep smoking.

Last Third: The Grand Finale

And then comes the final third, and this is where the Sin Compromiso truly sets itself apart. It’s not just “more of the same”; it’s a culmination, an even more refined and satisfying experience. What truly astonishes me with this cigar is its construction. It burns flawlessly, producing a clean, even ash throughout. I’m talking about the cleanest cigar I’ve had to date. And that’s not hyperbole. Four cigars in, and every single one has performed identically, a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship.

The Perfect Pairing: Chocolate and Orange

Now, a great cigar often calls for a great pairing, and tonight, I hit a home run. I enjoyed this Sin Compromiso with a cup of Dreamer Tea from Bearded Man Provisions. If you’re not familiar with them, you should be. The Dreamer tea, with its blend of rich vanilla and sweet, crisp orange, proved to be the absolute perfect complement to the cigar’s dominant cocoa notes. It was a classic combination of chocolate and orange, elevated to another level. The flavors just danced together, enhancing both the tea and the cigar in a way that truly made the experience complete.

This isn’t just another cigar to add to the rotation. This is a cigar that has earned a permanent spot in my humidor. I’ll always keep a box of these on hand, though I probably won’t be sharing them unless it’s for the rarest of occasions. If you’re looking for a top-tier smoking experience, do yourself a favor and get your hands on a Sin Compromiso. And while you’re at it, grab some Dreamer tea from Bearded Man Provisions. You won’t regret it.

Bearded Man Provisions – website

CAVILIER GENEVE INNER CIRCLE

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Hey Folks! Let’s get into another one of these. This isn’t just any stick; this is another blind smoke we’ve got in from Standard and Twain. So, no preconceived notions, no fancy labels to distract us, just the pure experience. We’re going to break down the Cavalier Genève Inner Circle 6×52 Toro.

Construction and Components

First off, let’s lay out what this thing’s made of. You’ve got a Habano wrapper and binder, which is a solid foundation, known for its consistent burn and flavor delivery. For the filler, they’ve packed in a blend of Pennsylvania, Jalapa, Broadleaf, and Piloto. That’s a serious combination of tobaccos, suggesting a complex profile that’s designed to unfold as you smoke.

The Sensory Experience

First Third

When you light this cigar, the initial impression is surprisingly gentle. The draw is smooth, and the flavors come through with a notable lightness. You’ll pick up distinct notes of honey, a natural, mellow sweetness that’s not cloying. Alongside that, there’s a clear hint of graham cracker, providing a warm, biscuity undertone. This opening section is bright and inviting, setting a very agreeable tone.

Second Third

As you transition into the middle of the cigar, the profile begins to deepen. A clean earthiness emerges, reminiscent of rich soil, grounding the experience. This is subtly complemented by a mild, almost aromatic touch of hay, adding a fresh, botanical nuance. Then, a soft note of vanilla appears, introducing a creamy sweetness that harmonizes with the developing earthy tones. This segment demonstrates a well-balanced evolution of flavors.

Last Third

Moving into the final portion, the cigar takes on a more robust character. The flavors intensify, presenting a richer, darker profile. Prominent notes of molasses come forward, a deep, sticky sweetness that adds considerable body. This is quickly followed by a strong presence of coffee, akin to a full-bodied, dark roast. The conclusion is impactful and lingering, providing a powerful and satisfying finish.

Final Thoughts

The Cavalier Genève Inner Circle is a well-crafted cigar that delivers a clear and purposeful progression of flavors. It starts with an approachable lightness, transitions into a balanced mid-section with earthy and sweet elements, and concludes with a deep, rich intensity. This isn’t a cigar you just idly burn; it’s one you engage with, appreciating the nuances as they develop. If you’re looking for a smoke with depth and a distinct journey from start to finish, this one’s a strong contender.

CAMACHO CONNECTICUT

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You know, there are some moments in life that just call for a pause. Not a frantic scroll through your phone, not another email, but a genuine, honest-to-God halt. For me, that happens often because I just prefer life that way. But the times I enjoy things most are days like this day. My wife and I had friends over and with our family in the background, kids playing games, music, and a lot of laughter. It’s in those rich, easy lulls that one may start thinking about a good smoke.

I have a deep appreciation for anything well-crafted, from a meticulously curated art collection to a carefully crafted oatmeal stout. A cigar, when executed flawlessly, belongs in that same esteemed category. While some cigars might be seen as merely functional or utilitarian, they can also truly surprise you, offering a fascinating experience when paired thoughtfully. Sunday was precisely one of those days for me.

I landed on this specific cigar, a Camacho Connecticut, after some thought about what would best complement to my drink of the day: a “Perfectly Crafted Christmas Tree.” I still can’t quite explain it, but if this drink had a flavor, it would taste exactly like what the ideal Christmas Candle would smell like. I know, not what you expected me to say rolling into June in Texas, but that’s what my buddy brought over and it was magical like Old St. Nick himself.

We’ll dive deeper into that pairing soon, but first, back to the cigar. This particular stick, hailing from Honduras, is enveloped in a sturdy-looking Ecuadorian Connecticut leaf that promised a substantial smoke. Beneath that wrapper, a Corojo binder holds together a Dominican and Honduran filler blend, hinting at a balanced, medium-strength experience.

Lighting it up, the first draw was pure buttery goodness. There was a subtle sweetness, like dried fruit, but it was quickly overtaken by something woodsy – cedar, maybe a hint of oak. As I settled into the first third, a distinct creaminess emerged, smooth and mellow, followed by a surprising little kick of pepper. Now, I’ll admit, that pepper might have been influenced by my drink but it was there, nonetheless, adding a welcome layer to the initial profile. It wasn’t aggressive, mind you, but it had a presence. Moving into the second third, that creaminess really took center stage, becoming even more pronounced. By the final third, the cigar had truly opened up. It was as if all those flavors – the creamy notes, the wood, the earth, and that subtle pepper – intensified, coming together in a more robust and satisfying crescendo. It held its character right down to the nub, a testament to its good composition.

It paired well with the quiet (sometimes not so quiet) hum of the tree frogs. And speaking of pairing, this Camacho Connecticut was a great choice to go along with my drink: a concoction of 1.5 ounces of Cinnamon Whiskey by Tennessee Legend Distillery, a full can of Barq’s Root Beer, and 1.5 ounces of Jim Beam White Label. That blend, with its sweet spice and a solid bourbon backbone, mellowed with the creamy notes of the cigar just right, and likely amplified that initial peppery kick in the first third. It was a combination that just made sense, a natural fit for an outdoor evening.

This isn’t a cigar for fancy occasions or for impressing anyone. This is a cigar for reflection, for winding down, for appreciating the simple fact that you’re alive and breathing and the world is still turning. It’s a cigar for when you’ve earned a moment of family time and relaxation or around a campfire stargazing. At around $10 a stick, it’s a fair trade for that kind of quiet contemplation.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, and you happen to have a Camacho Connecticut handy, I’d say give it a light. You might just find it tastes exactly like what you needed.

UNDERCROWN MADURO BY DREW ESTATE

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You know, sometimes you come across something that’s built on the back of a legend, but it’s still got its own grit. Like a good, solid hunting knife that might not be a custom job, but it’ll hold an edge and get the work done. That’s kind of how I look at this Drew Estate Undercrown Maduro.

Drew Estate, they’re known for those infused sticks, the ones that smell like a dessert cart. But then they dropped the Liga Privada #9, and that thing was a beast – full-flavored, a real treat. The problem with those top-shelf items, though, is they are not always easy to come by, or easy on the wallet. So, what do you do? You get resourceful.

The Undercrown, from what I gather, was born out of that kind of thinking. The folks rolling the Liga Privada in the factory, they put their heads together and figured out how to use similar tobaccos – stuff that’s more readily available – to make something that hits a lot of the same notes, but without the sticker shock. It’s a notch down in strength from the #9, sure, but sometimes, you don’t need to be wrestling a grizzly bear; a good black bear will do just fine.

This particular stick, the Undercrown Maduro, comes out of Nicaragua, a country that knows a thing or two about growing good tobacco. For about $12, you’re getting a solid piece of work. The wrapper is an Otapan Negro Último Corte, which sounds like something you’d find deep in the jungle. The binder is a T52 Connecticut River Valley Stalk Cut & Cured Habano, and the filler is a blend of Brazilian Mata Fina & Nicaraguan Cuban Seed. That’s a serious mix of dirt and sun right there. And the overall composition? Is Good, Really Good.. The strength on this one sits right in the Med-Full range, which means it’s got some backbone but won’t knock you flat.

First Third: Out of the Gate

You light this thing up, and the first few draws give you a solid, familiar feeling. I got a real sense of oak notes, mixed in with some dark coffee and a rich, almost bitter chocolate. But then, something interesting started to peek through – a hint of dark cherry. I was sipping on a classic Coke with this, and I gotta tell ya, it almost gave it this whole cherry coke vibe. It wasn’t overpowering, just a nice little twist, like finding a patch of wild berries on a long walk. It felt natural, not forced.

Second Third: Settling In for the Long Haul

As you get into the middle, that strong dark coffee and chocolate really take center stage. It’s the kind of deep, robust flavor that sticks with you, like a good, strong brew on a cold morning. Every now and then, I’d catch a whisper of leather and it was never the star of the show.

Now, a word of advice here, and it’s a practical one: take your time with this cigar. If you get too eager, drawing too quickly, and it starts to burn hot, it can get a tad bitter. It’s like trying to rush a stalk; you gotta be patient, let things develop, or you’ll spook the whole show. Slow and steady wins the race with this one.

Last Third: Bringing It Home

The final third of this Undercrown stayed true to form. It was still very enjoyable, consistent with the rest of the smoke. It didn’t fall apart on me, didn’t get harsh or unpleasant, which is a real mark of good craftsmanship.

I usually run through at least three of any cigar before I put my thoughts down, just to make sure I’m not getting a fluke. And I can tell you, this Undercrown did not disappoint me in any of those experiences. It’s a very good maduro to keep on hand, a reliable tool in the kit. In fact, I’m genuinely elated to have two more sitting in my humidor right now. It’s the kind of smoke you can count on, and sometimes, that’s all you really need.

CAVALIER GENEVE TRES DELINCUENTES CONNECTICUT

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Alright, let’s talk about the Tres Delincuentes from Cavalier Geneve. I recently spent some time with this particular cigar, and I’ve got some thoughts. Hailing from Honduras, this Robusto (5×50) comes wrapped in a Connecticut Ecuador leaf, secured by a Habano Ecuador binder. The core is a blend of Habano Nicaraguan, Piloto Dominicano, and Habano Honduras.

At eleven dollars, it falls into a reasonable price point for a cigar of its size and stated components. Most places, you’ll find it under the $12 mark, and if you’re lucky, some spots might even have it for under $10. The wrapper, as advertised, is on the delicate side, requiring a careful hand. A few minor touch-ups were necessary during the burn, but nothing that detracted significantly from the experience.

Now, let’s break down the journey this cigar takes you on. The first third presented with clear notes of earth and a pleasant nuttiness, all underpinned by a subtle creaminess. As I moved into the second third, those initial flavors persisted, but a new guest arrived: a fleeting, almost ethereal hint of something very light, like citrus or perhaps a distant fruit. However, the most noticeable and welcome addition here was a distinct vanilla note, which really elevated the profile. By the last third, it became a harmonious combination of all the preceding elements, thankfully without that brief, almost-missed citrus note.

The profile itself leans toward mild to medium. This isn’t a cigar designed to overwhelm the palate, nor does it present an aggressive nicotine kick. Instead, it offers a nuanced progression of flavor that unfolds subtly. It’s the kind of smoke that complements reflection, perhaps after a day spent outdoors, or when you’re simply seeking a moment of quiet contemplation. While it won’t demand your full attention with bold assertions, its gentle complexity offers enough engagement to make it a worthwhile companion. All in all, this was a great cigar for the price range it’s in, delivering a consistent and enjoyable experience.

Now, it would be a miss not to tell you how I happened upon this particular cigar. Frankly, it wouldn’t have been on my radar, as I typically gravitate towards darker, more robust companions. This cigar was a happy surprise from my bi-monthly (they do offer monthly, but I prefer the bi-monthly) bundle of non-banded cigars from Standard + Twain. If you haven’t heard of this company, allow me to sing their praises and strongly encourage you to visit their website at www.standardandtwain.com and explore what they offer. (This is NOT a paid review.) Their story is a truly an engaging one, marked by a timeless commitment to cigars and a nod to the old paper written by the one and only Mark Twain. Like Twain, they (and I, for that matter) believe a good cigar shouldn’t be judged solely by its price, its band, or even its box. So, they remove the original band and replace it with a QR-coded blank band. You smoke it, take notes with the provided card, and form your own opinion before scanning the code to reveal its identity. I won’t tell you which month or specific number this cigar was, as I wouldn’t want to spoil the fun for anyone who might stumble upon this review and subscribe. I will certainly be reviewing more cigars from this subscription in the future, as I genuinely love this concept!

Finally, I can’t wrap this up without mentioning my pairing for this particular smoke (Again, not paid for this plug), because it was simply excellent! I brewed some Black Rifle Coffee at home specifically their Bourbon blend. I added a touch of Chobani Sweet Cream to it, and the combination with this cigar was truly amazing. I highly recommend both the coffee and the creamer I used; they are, without a doubt, the best I’ve had so far. If you made it thus far I appreciate you more than you know. If you enjoy the reviews please recommend it to a friend or two so we can grow this community together. If you have a particular cigar, accessory, or pairing you’d like to know more about, shoot me an email at buffalonickelcigarreview@gmail.com, and I’ll do my best to help out!

EL MAGO MIAMI ART DECO

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El Mago’s Miami Art Deco: No Frills, Just Flavor

This Miami Art Deco from El Mago is a damn solid stick. At 6×52, it’s got some heft to it. Wrapped in an Ecuadorian Habano that looks slick and feels good in the hand, smelling straight up like sweet tobacco – no fancy perfume here. Lit this bad boy up in my studio, where the air’s thick with good smoke.

First few puffs of this thing hit you with buttery bread – sounds soft, but it’s a real, honest flavor. Then you shoot that smoke back through your nose, and BAM! Spice. Not some delicate flower spice, but a good, solid kick that wakes your palate up.

Digging into the second third, things get a little earthier. You start tasting leather and wood, (slightly nutty) subtile but good. There’s a hint of creaminess hanging around, smoothing things out, but that spice from the start is still lurking in the background, keeping things interesting.

The final third is where this cigar shows its muscle. All those flavors get richer, bolder. That buttery bread, leather, wood, and spice all crank up a notch. It’s a full-on flavor bomb by the end.

This ain’t some flimsy cigar that falls apart on you. The construction is top-notch, and the draw is just right – not too tight, not too loose. Burned pretty darn even, only had to touch it up once.

If you’re a fan of Habano, this Miami Art Deco won’t let you down. It’s got the flavor you’re looking for, plain and simple.

Drank it with water this time, but I’m telling you, this thing would go down great with a sweet whiskey or bourbon. Scratch that – a dark rum would be the real play here. Something with some backbone to stand up to this cigar.

Heads up, greenhorns: If you’re new to this cigar thing, take it easy on the last third. This ain’t a beginner’s puff. It starts medium-full, but that end will sneak up on you with a good dose of strength.

Bottom line: The El Mago Miami Art Deco is a well-built, flavorful cigar that delivers. No fancy talk needed. It’s a damn good smoke.