Joya Cubana Gran Merito Robusto

Size: 5 x 52 Toro
Purchased: Fuller's Pullers Dogwatch Cigar Radio Selection
Time Smoked: 1545
Date: 03/15/2010
Last Meal Eaten: Lunch 1230

This was an unknown band to me, but was a surprise.

Pre-light there was a subtle barnyard smell and a coffee flavor on the cold draw. On lighting a dry nutty flavor rather quickly developed into a sweet cream, almost a mocha. By midpoint the flavor was a solid dark chocolate. The finish was the same dark chocolate with a hint of spice.

A very pleasant and enjoyable smoke, well worth the time. If you can find it, buy it.

Matasa 30th Anniversary Toro

Size: 6.5 x 52
Purchased: Fuller's Pullers
Price: Dogwatch Cigar Bundle
Time Smoked: 2000
Date: 03/01/2010
Last Meal Eaten: Supper 1925

I would have called this a perfecto, but the sheet from Joe said it was a toro, so I'll go with that.

Paper and pepper greeted me when I lit this cigar, which for me boded poorly as I hate the paper taste in cigars. Later on the paper was replaced by leather, so it didn't haunt me the entire cigar. As I smoked it, I noticed the presence of nicotine on my lips, but overall the cigar seemed very mild. There wasn't much to the finish.

This cigar must have been past its prime or in a down slope with the aging, because (I'm sorry to say) it was a poor showing. Matasa produces other cigars I've really enjoyed. If I can get my hands on another of these (unlikely), I'll have to try it again to see if this was just a one-off (which happens).

Ashton VSG Toro

Size: 6.25 x50
Purchased: Cigar Rights of America
Time Smoked: 1230
Date: 01/29/2010
Last Meal Eaten: Lunch 100

This stick from the Cigar Rights of America Sampler Pack #1 has a soft box press. It started with a sweet herbal flavor, strong on the vegetal. Shortly after the start, the flavor becomes creamy which stays until the midpoint when it becomes spicy. The finish was a clean pepper, bold but not too strong. An interesting cigar overall.