DBL Torpedo Belicoso: Hand-rolled by Francisco Almonte!

The Royal Leaf had an amazing event with DBL cigars this past Saturday and I was privileged to be able to meet with Francisco Almonte and all the other great members of The Loyal Royal family! I bought some of his best cigars and along with them came some of his hand-rolled cigars. One of which I will be reviewing now and the other I will be letting mature in my humidor for a few months, so that’s another review you can look forward to! For now let’s take a look at this work of art that was rolled for me.

(Photo/Stephen Walters)

The Cigar

  • Wrapper – Sungrown Cameroon
  • Binder – Indonesian Sumatra
  • Filler – Dominican Piltoto Habano, Corojo 1899 – Indonesia
  • Vitola – Torpedo Belicoso
  • Size – 6 1/8 x 52
  • Strength – Light

Cold Draw/First Draw

On the cold draw I had a very juicy fruit notes that also had some tart notes along with them. On the first lit draw that I took those fruity notes rushed my palette for a very sweet taste.

(Photo/Connor Coles)

First Third 1.7/2

What I quickly realized is how different an experience you have with a freshly rolled cigar versus one that has been sitting in a humidor for awhile.

With the sun grown wrapper I was expecting those pepper and spice notes but I did not get them at all in this third.

I’m sure that with the one I am letting mature I will get those notes, but with this one I only got very sweet notes.

It is an enjoyable smoke that certainly throws you off from what you are used to.

Middle Third 1.8/2

As this cigar began to air out a bit I did start to pick up notes of spices in the latter portion of this third. The fruity taste began to dwindle and hints of earthy notes arose along the way. Very creamy taste along with it as well, can’t beat a hand rolled cigar!

End of Cigar 1.9/2

Towards the end that fruity taste began to come back and it was a juicy and creamy finish all the way to the nub!

Overall Thoughts

Smoking a freshly hand-rolled cigar was a new experience for me, bringing out a side in cigars that I was unfamiliar with. I am excited to smoke the other in a few months to truly witness the effects of aging one that I saw rolled right in front of me. I truly recommend trying this out yourself whenever Francisco is doing a hand-rolled event near you! That being said, you can also look forward to my reviews of his other cigars that I will be doing soon.

(Photo/Connor Coles)

Ratings

1/1 Pre-light

1/1 Construction/Apprearance

1/1 Overall Lighting/Burn Process

5.3/6 Smoking Experience

1/1 Personal Enjoyment/Value

9.3/10 Overall

~ Connor Coles

CAO Amazon Basin

A one of a kind cigar by General Cigars Corp that uses tobacco known as Braganca, that is grown in the Amazon Rainforest and harvested only once every three years! This is a cigar that is a huge hit amongst cigar smokers no matter what they normally smoke. I’ve smoked this cigar before and I can certainly say that its a huge hit for me as well. If you haven’t smoked one before you may be wondering why, so hopefully I can help you understand its appeal below!

(Photo/Connor Coles)

The Cigar

  • Origin – Nicaragua
  • Wrapper – Ecuadoran Sumatra
  • Binder – Nicaraguan
  • Filler – Dominican Republic, Colombian, Brazilian Braganca
  • Vitola – Toro
  • Size – 6 x 52
  • Strength – Medium-Full

Source: caocigars.com & holts.com

Cold Draw/First Draw

The cold draw gave me a juicy taste that was also present in the first draw, where I also tasted a bit of chocolate, a very smooth start to this cigar.

(Photo/Connor Coles)

First Third 2/2

The chocolate flavor kept up in this section at the start, but eventually changed to hints of espresso bean.

There was also the great taste of this tobacco that separates it from other cigars, it is truly a different taste that you could only experience by smoking it.

The cigar starts at a medium level, really allowing you to enjoy the flavors without a big kick, but you can still tell it is a strong bodied cigar.

Middle Third 2/2

This section continues the great evolution of this cigar. I began to have the stronger side of it show itself with black pepper and spice notes hitting your palette, but softly enough to not overwhelm it. The burn continued even, with no hotness on my tongue, a smooth experience.

(Photo/Connor Coles)

End of Cigar 1.9/2

This final third showed the true strength of the cigar as you reach its wrapped tobacco cord.

I did not have any real notes beside the strong, but enjoyable tobacco taste it presented.

The closer you get to the nub the stronger it gets, but you can enjoy it just the same.

Overall Thoughts

This is a fantastic cigar for any cigar lover to give a try. It has an easy draw throughout and your palette will love you for the taste that will hit it. Remember, they only come along once every three years, so be sure to get them when you can. If you give it a try be sure to let me know what your experience with it is like!

Ratings

1/1 – Pre-Light

1/1 – Construction/Appearance

1/1 – Overall Lighting/Burn Process

5.9/6 – Smoking Experience

1/1 – Personal Enjoyment/Value

9.9/10 Overall

~ Connor Coles

La Galera Maduro

While picking out some cigars at The Royal Leaf, I was talking with manager/friend James Appello and I saw his go to cigar in the humidor and decided I had to finally give one a try. This being the La Galera Maduro! I also bought some other goodies I’ll be doing a review on soon!

(Photo/Connor Coles)

The Cigar

  • Origin – Dominican Republic
  • Wrapper – San Andres
  • Binder – Dominican
  • Filler – Dominican
  • Vitola – Robusto
  • Size – 5×50
  • Strength – Medium-Full

Source: Cigar.com

Cold Draw/First Draw

The cold draw on this cigar gave me some fruity flavors, as cold draws often do. I then lit it up and man, that first draw hit me! Amazing tastes covered my taste buds as I got hints of that fruitiness and cocoa. I also could immediately identify what I would say is a dark maduro tobacco taste. Hopefully that makes sense to you.

First Third 2/2

This first third did not let me down! After getting the amazing first few draws it only got better. I got hints of chocolate in this section as well as that dark maduro tobacco taste. When I took sips of water or exhaled I was left with the taste of what oak wood smells like when burning.

(Photo/Connor Coles)

Middle Third 1.85/2

This section lost the chocolate and I was left with the dark maduro tobacco taste I’ve been mentioning. I got hints of the fruity flavor popping up every now and then as well. My burn and ash were very consistent, helping to make this a very enjoyable smoking experience.

End of Cigar 1.7/2

I had a great finish with this cigar as well, there was no harsh taste and I still had that burning oak wood pop up on my palette. It was very smooth all the way until the nub!

Overall Thoughts

I’m really glad that I gave this cigar a smoke, big thanks to James for helping me decide to give this one a try. This is definitely one I would keep as a regular in my humidor, it is always going to bring you a solid and enjoyable smoke. If you try one be sure to let me know what you think of yours, long ashes to you!

Ratings

1/1 Pre-light

1/1 Construction/Apprearance

1/1 Overall Lighting/Burn Process

5.55/6 Smoking Experience

1/1 Personal Enjoyment/Value

9.55/10 Overall

~ Connor Coles

My Investigation of the Protocol Cyber Crimes Unit!

Protocol has been a new brand of cigars that I’ve seen popping up at cigar shops in New Jersey, and when I stopped in at The Royal Leaf I decided it was about time I gave one of their cigars a try. The manager James Appello told me that I should try this one and I obliged! It was a great place to kick it back and review this cigar, I would definitely recommend grabbing a cigar and lighting up with the great people there like James and owner Dee!

(Photo/Connor Coles)

The Cigar

  • Origin – Nicaragua
  • Wrapper – Nicaraguan Rosado Habano
  • Binder – Nicaraguan
  • Filler – Nicaraguan
  • Vitola – Box-Pressed Churchill
  • Size – 6.5 x 48
  • Strength – Medium

Source: Cigar-Coop

Cold Draw/Before Lighting

On the cold draw I got very sweet and juicy flavors. I began to taste cranberry juice on the draw which was appealing.

First Third 1.8/2

That juice flavor continued in the first third after lighting it up at the beginning, but began to fade. What replaced it was the earthy flavor of Nicaraguan tobacco.

(Photo/Connor Coles)

Middle of Cigar 1.7/2

The flavor did not change much during this section, I picked up a couple notes of cocoa and it was a continued smooth taste through this section.

My only gripe was that it was having trouble staying lit, I had to relight it a couple times and it was hard to figure out the right pace to keep it lit.

End of Cigar 1.55/2

This last portion did not present any new notes, I continued to have that earthy taste, a little bit stronger than in the middle.

This could have been because it was burning a little hot due to having to relight it; I began to realize the biggest issue was the filler and binder burned quicker than the wrapper so I had a deep ash. This most likely caused the cigar to not stay lit.

Overall Thoughts

This is a cigar that I definitely want to buy again to try out again and see if I’m able to get more tastes out of it. For it’s price (listed as 10.50$ MSRP), it isn’t one you would regret buying, it’s definitely worth the smoke. Having to relight it could have taken away from the notes I would have tasted otherwise so when I pick up another I’ll be sure to update this review if I do. Let me know how your experience is with this cigar when you pick one up to smoke!

Ratings

1/1 Pre-light

1/1 Construction/Apprearance

0.9/1 Overall Lighting/Burn Process

5.05/6 Smoking Experience

1/1 Personal Enjoyment/Value

8.95/10 Overall

~ Connor Coles

CAO OSA Olach Lot 54

I took a trip to Lit Cigar Lounge to smoke this cigar blended by Rick Rodriguez of General Cigar that was sent to me to give a try. I was glad to finally give this one a smoke and see the flavors it had packed in it! It utilizes Rick’s beloved Connecticut broadleaf in a different way than the last two of his I’ve reviewed; instead of having it as the wrapper he uses it as the binder. I would learn what he had in store with this blend as I smoked through it as you’ll find out below!

(Photo/Connor Coles)

The Cigar

  • Origin – Honduras
  • Wrapper – Olancho San Agustin
  • Binder – Connecticut Broadleaf
  • Filler – Honduran, Nicaraguan
  • Vitola – Toro
  • Size – 6.0 x 54
  • Strength – Medium

Source: CigarsDaily

Cold Draw/First Draw

I took a cold draw before lighting and I was immediately hit with some very sweet and juicy flavors, most likely from the Connecticut broadleaf binder. Then I lit it up and took that first draw and I got tastes of Chocolate and spice that were enjoyable.

First Third 1.75/2

For this first third the flavors changed to an earthy and almost a wooden taste. I lost the chocolate but eventually got flavors of pepper and a nut taste, possibly what I’d identify as hazelnut. It was a very enjoyable start, but it didn’t exactly make my taste buds dance too much.

(Photo/Connor Coles)

Middle Third 1.9/2

That’s where this part began to confuse me, normally you enjoy the beginning and you like it a little less as you go along, but for me it began to get better the further down I got in the cigar.

I started to get tastes of nutmeg as this section started, and those earthy flavors I had before began to soften up.

The pepper/spicey taste began to give way and relax as well and help to just create an overall very smooth smoke.

End of Cigar 2/2

Oh boy did it get even better! I wish I could give this section some bonus points because this was one of the best finishes to a cigar that I’ve tasted. I began to get notes I’d have to describe as dark earthy, a good darkness that wasn’t bitter, but instead matching the softness of the draw and experience I had in this section. The pepper note I had in the middle also went away. This isn’t to say I don’t enjoy a good bit of pepper on my palette, but it took a backseat and let me experience others, which is why it softening was good for me.

Overall Thoughts

I had a great time smoking this cigar, the transition of flavors and overall smoke experience I had was surprising, but really made me love this cigar. The burn continued evenly and I never needed to relight the cigar. I smoked this one down to the nub too! That isn’t a common experience for me so that goes to show how good this cigar gets towards the end. It is definitely one that I would pick up again, (actually smoked another the next day), and I eagerly await buying some more. I would recommend giving this a try to figure out if you’re able to have this same journey that I did with this cigar. When you do, be sure to let me know what you think!

(Photo/Connor Coles)

Ratings:

1/1 Pre-light

1/1 Construction/Apprearance

1/1 Overall Lighting/Burn Process

5.65/6 Smoking Experience

1/1 Personal Enjoyment/Value

9.65/10 Overall

~ Connor Coles

Not so farewell?

This blog was created for a class I was taking at Rowan University this semester but it has turned into so much more. I’m going to be continuing to produce content for this website with no plans of ever stopping. I truly enjoy blogging in this fashion and having an outlet like this to talk about what I’m passionate about, cigars.

It was so great to make amazing new friends at the lounges I went to and will be sure to go back to. Taking this class turned my instagram “blog” into a true quality content producing account. I learned to do more than just post pictures with paragraph length captions, instead I now have the confidence and skills to conduct interviews, gather footage, explore the world of cigar lounges and so much more. While there were all these great rewards for taking this class, I also ran into some challenges. For me, it was hard to not put out all the content I gathered in every way I could! I struggled with my first interview especially, giving a lot of content when it may have been better to be more precise about what I wanted my audience to gain from it. Although, I feel like as I went along I was able to better control myself with this and have much more control on the quantity vs quality aspect of my posts. Hopefully in the three posts below, which I am most proud of, you can see the progress I made come to fruition!

1. Seeing what’s lit at Lit Cigar Lounge; With TV Star Artie Weiner!

2. Frank’s the Mann! : A talk with The Black Horse Cigar Shop owner Frank Mann

3. Becoming Royalty? – A stop in at The Royal Leaf Cigar Shop!

~ Connor Coles

Seeing what’s lit at Lit Cigar Lounge; With TV star Artie Weiner!

This past week I took a trip to Lit Cigar Lounge and King’s Club over in Sweedesboro and was able to get the full tour! I was able to find out everything there is to know about what Artie does at Lit; from his cigar selection, to his Covid cleaning, to his TV show??

An interesting character and a great lounge that you have to go to, with all the cigars you could ever want. You wouldn’t believe what they have going on, so be sure to check out the video below to get the full scoop!

Frank’s the Mann! : A talk with The Black Horse Cigar Shop owner Frank Mann

Seems like Smokey’s lighting up too! (Photo/Frank Mann)

Frank Mann has been an owner for just over a year at The Black Horse Cigar shop in Sicklerville New Jersey. I was able to sit down with him for hours and talk all things cigars as our conversation seemed to have no end.

He’s a retired businessman who has a plethora of experience so buying into a cigar lounge was a shoe in. The guy plays a perfect game of golf too, unbelievable!

We were able to discuss topics ranging from his passion with cigar smoking to what the shop is doing for you the customer. Along with the reasons why your ash should get in this shop and have a smoke!

Fellow owner Tony was also there managing the front while being sure to give his two cents. The owners could be likened to the Three Stooges as you’ll witness during this audio!

~ Connor Coles

Going Full Throttle!: CAO Flathead V660 Carb

On this strangely warm thanksgiving day I decided to try out another cigar that General Cigar sent me, the CAO Flathead V660 Carb. It’s another one blended by Ricky Rodriguez, and one that was certainly done well. Without front-selling too much, go ahead and check out my thoughts below! If you’ve smoked one before or are inspired to pick one up now, be sure to let me know what you think of yours.

(Photo/Connor Coles)

The Cigar

  • Origin – Nicaragua
  • Wrapper – Connecticut Broadleaf
  • Binder – Connecticut, Habano
  • Filler – Dominican, Nicaraguan
  • Vitola – Gordo
  • Size – 6.0 x 60
  • Strength – Full

Source: cigarsinternational.com

Before Lighting

This cigar had me fond of its name and look; as someone who works on cars it heightened my expectations as well by drawing on engine we see in classic hot rod fords. Notes of cocoa were present in the cold draw along with the fruity taste of the wrapper.

First Third 2/2

This cigar hit me immediately with the wow factor. I loved the notes I was getting and the draw was fantastic. The flavors I was hit with were earthy ones mixed with cocoa. Then, as I got further into this section of the cigar, I began to take notes of black pepper and what I would describe as dark roast coffee bean.

(Photo/Connor Coles)

Middle of Cigar 2/2

For this part of the cigar I continued to get the same notes as those in the first third, but the black pepper taste seemed to calm down a little.

The cocoa began to taste more like dark chocolate, which is very similar to me, but again I’d say became a bit calmer like the black pepper did.

The earthy notes still hit my palette and this stick continued to have a great burn and had no harsh taste, a pleasure to keep smoking.

End of Cigar 1.8/2

I began to lose some of the black pepper and cacao/dark chocolate notes that I had experienced earlier. The earthy notes began to take over, but they were very pleasurable. It was almost what I would describe as a dark earthy taste, a stronger earth note than before.

Overall Thoughts

I had a great time smoking this cigar, it was one I really didn’t want to end! I would definitely recommend that you smoke this cigar. As I was smoking it I actually sent a text to my friends telling them they gotta try it, and I hope you have the same reaction. This was a to the end type of cigar and then some. Although, I would warn it is a strong bodied cigar so be prepared for the extra kick this carburetor gives your engine!

(Photo/Connor Coles)

Ratings:

1/1 Pre-light

1/1 Construction/Apprearance

1/1 Overall Lighting/Burn Process

5.8/6 Smoking Experience

1/1 Personal Enjoyment/Value

9.8/10 Overall

~ Connor Coles

Taking a smoke session to review the CAO Session!

(Photo/Connor Coles)

While it was nice and pretty so see the picture on the Instagram with the whiskey and coffee, I want to make it clear that I did this review with a clean palette, absent of any influences. Ricky Rodriguez gave me the advice of smoking cigars blind, which would strengthen my sense of taste and smell since my sense of sight is weakened. Just me, a bottle of water and a place to jot my notes down with little to see besides that paper and my cigar which truly helped me to get the most out of this cigar. The cigar that I’m talking about is the CAO Session, a cigar blended by Ricky Rodriguez himself.

This was not my first time smoking this cigar, but it was the first time where I really experienced this cigar. Absent of anyone else, my normal cup of coffee, and whatever might inhibit me from learning what this cigar brings to the table for me. Hopefully you all can learn a little something from my experience and be sure to let me know about your experience with this cigar as well!

The Cigar

  • Origin – Dominican Republic
  • Wrapper – Connecticut Broadleaf
  • Binder – Dominican
  • Filler – Dominican, Nicaraguan
  • Vitola – Double Robusto.
  • Size – 5.25 x 54
  • Strength – Medium

Source: Cigar.com

Before lighting

Before I even cut this cigar I put it to my nose just to get this cigar into my senses and it had a pleasing smell. After cutting my cigar a dry inhale was in order to try and let the different notes hit my tongue. Although, the pre-draw was a little tight, the notes I got were very sweet, making me look forward to lighting this one up.

First Third 1.9/2

When I did light it up my first draw was packed with chocolate and earth notes. I found myself immediately having a good light with this cigar, no constantly using my lighter to try and keep a burn.

My exhale had enough clouds to make Seattle jealous too, it kept a good burn despite being a little uneven as seen above. Another thing I noticed was the fruity taste I got from the wrapper. It was an intriguing taste that I don’t see in many others’ reviews, so maybe it’s just me, but you won’t know unless you give it a try yourself.

(Photo/Connor Coles)

Middle of Cigar 1.85/2

When it got further into the cigar I began to taste a lot more earthy notes than I did before, losing the chocolate that hit me earlier. Towards the end of the middle I began to taste spice too. My draw was open and I did not have much difficulty drawing and the burn was pretty solid.

When I took breaks to sip some water I was hit with a fruity flavor on my tongue which took me off guard in a good way. While I was smoking I had my girlfriend come out to ask me something, and she told me that the air smelled fruity, most similar to cherries.

End of Cigar 1.4/2

For the final third of the cigar I didn’t experience much else besides the flavors I mentioned for the middle. I might have tasted some spice, but it burned a little hot for me towards the end so it wasn’t hitting my palette as much as it could have. It didn’t reach the nub for me, but it certainly had me taking off the band.

Overall Thoughts

I had a good experience with this cigar and would be one I’d be comfortable with handing out to my friends if they asked for one. It’s very affordable at 8-9$ in New Jersey so you’re not breaking the bank either. I’m sure if you pair it with some pieces of chocolate, a coffee, or a nice red wine you will be able to enhance the experience even more making that price a steal.

Although, the draw can be tight at times. My second smoke did not open up as much as my first, and it made it a little tough to get through the final third of the cigar. The flavors were still present though so I stuck with it. I’d advise everyone to give this cigar a shot nonetheless!

(Photo/Connor Coles)

Ratings:

1/1 – Pre-Light

1/1 – Construction/Appearance

0.8/1 – Overall Lighting/Burn Process

5.15/6 – Smoking Experience

1/1 – Personal Enjoyment/Value

8.95/10 – Overall

~Connor Coles