Sunday, November 25, 2012

E.P. Carrillo Series "Cardinal 54" Natural Review

 
E.P. Carrillo Series "Cardinal 54" Natural - 6 X 54. Wrapper - Ecuadorian Sumatra, Binder - Nicaragua and filler - Nicaragua. Medium to full bodied.

Initial lighting taste - Cedar wood, spice and a touch of leather.

First third - A tasty blend of spice, citrus, leather and nuts.

Second third - Spicy citrus, leather and nuts. Very nice balance and smoothness.

Last third - Tangy spice, leather and nuts. Long, palate-coating finish of citrus spice and leather.

Construction - Beautiful reddish-brown wrapper with a nice silky sheen and a well constructed triple cap.

Burn - Uneven at times requiring a few touch-ups with the lighter. Ash was a light gray color that was somewhat flaky but did hold on.

Draw - Draw was very good allowing for a good amount of exhale smoke.

I loved this cigar - in fact, it might just be my favorite profile from the EPC Cigar Company. It had very nice complexity and balance and a fantastic flavor profile. I am a big fan in general of the Ecuadorian Sumatra which to me imparts a very enjoyable tangy, spicy citrus. These flavors were boldly present in this cigar, yet delivered in a smooth and balanced fashion. MSRP for this vitola is $8.25 which I feel is a good price point for the cigar experience it provides. Best enjoyed after a substantial meal as I find it medium to full in body - highly recommended.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Gurkha Ghost "Asura" Review

 
Gurkha Ghost "Asura" - 6 X 54. Wrapper - Brazilian Arapiraca Maduro, Binder - Dominican Criollo '98, Filler - Dominican Republic & Nicaragua. Medium - full bodied.

Initial lighting taste - Cedar and spice.

First third - Spice, Earthiness, cedar with emerging notes of cinnamon and citrus.

Second third - Spiciness continues along with the sweet Earth, citrus and cinnamon.

Last third - Spice, sweet Earthiness, tangy citrus and cinnamon. Long tasty finish of tangy spice and Earth coating the palate.

Construction - Attractive, dark-brown wrapper with minimal veins, a nice oily sheen and a well constructed cap.

Burn - Sharp burn with a dark gray colored ash that holds on for almost two inches.

Draw - Draw was just right producing plenty of smoke on the exhale.

Gurkha Cigars has really been coming out with some fantastic new cigar lines of late. I was very impressed with the complexity and flavor profile of this cigar. The balance was superb as well. The flavors seemed to wash over the palate in waves imparting their unique tastes. MSRP for this size is a very consumer friendly price of $7.00 - a perfect gift for the holiday season coming up - a definite recommend.