The Kristoff lines have been on my list of cigars that I've been constantly meaning to try. Thanks to the generous guys over at Exclusive Cigars I got a great selection of samples to try. Daniel tried the Kristoff Criollo awhile back so I'm thought I'd smoke the maduro first.]]> Company: Exclusive Cigar
Line: Kristoff Maduro
Vitola: Churchill 7 X 50
Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Brazilian Maduro
Binder: Orlor Dominican and Cuban Seed
Filler: Orlor Dominican, Cuban Seed, Nicaraguan
Flavor: Medium-Full
Strength: Medium
Price: $107.00 (Box of 20)

The Kristoff lines have been on my list of cigars that I’ve been constantly meaning to try. Thanks to the generous guys over at Exclusive Cigars I got a great selection of samples to try. Daniel tried the Kristoff Criollo awhile back so I’m thought I’d smoke the maduro first.

I’m trying something a bit different since I’ve been under the gun at work. So I’d like know what you think. Basically I’m putting less fluff on the details of the cigar and giving you what I took for notes and my thoughts. Less filler more content?  Or does that only work for beer?

Construction: Heavy for its size, dark and imposing. It looks like a full-bodied smoke should. Has a pigtail cap and unfinished foot.

Burn: Ash held on very well; almost need a hacksaw to remove it. Burn was extremely good.

Flavor: Wood and Dark Chocolate dominate the overall flavor profile. Just enough spice to make it interesting. After the 1/3 I picked up some coffee and maybe a little dark cherry or similar berry flavor. The smoke is very chewy and satisfying with a nice lingering finish.

Verdict: I really enjoyed the smoke, kind of reminded me of a cross between a Punch Maduro and CAO Brazilia. They are in the sweet spot in my price range where I wouldn’t hesitate to pick up a box, and if you are worried about getting a box I’d at least suggest getting a 5-Pack. These cigars are available at Fullers Pullers. Exclusive doesn’t allow many online vendors to carry their cigars, but Joe has them.

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Los Blancos was one of the companies I was making a point to speak with while at the IPCPR Trade Show in Las Vegas. It took me until the end of the show to finally get a minute to speak with David Blanco. Unfortunately we didn't get much time to talk, but I did get a few cigars to try. ]]> Company: Los Blancos
Line: Maduro
Vitola: Robusto 5 X 52
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Nicaragua
Flavor: Medium
Strength: Mild-Medium
Price: $5.00 to $6.00 Each

Los Blancos was one of the companies I was making a point to speak with while at the IPCPR Trade Show in Las Vegas. It took me until the end of the show to finally get a minute to speak with David Blanco. Unfortunately we didn’t get much time to talk, but I did get a few cigars to try.

Nice looking, nearly black maduro wrapper. Its looks remind me of the Partagas Black Label a bit. The cigar is very firm, but has a really nice draw on it. No complaints on the burn either, even for the most part and the ash held on well.

Definitely picked up some cocoa flavors and a definite woodiness throughout the smoke the balanced these flavors out nicely with a smooth and creamy feel to the smoke. I really liked this combination and it was a nice change of pace from what I’ve been smoking lately. The cocoa flavors were those of straight cocoa, not something sweet (eat a bit of cocoa powder you’ll see what I mean). I also picked up some black pepper steadily increased, but never overpowered.

Verdict: A very good reasonably priced cigar. I’ll put it down as one I’ll buy a box of when I get a chance. Looking forward to trying a few more cigars from Los Blancos, the Criollo is up next.

Sponsored By: Cigarmony.com Get 5% Off Your Order By Using The Promo Code “CJ2008″

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I hadn't heard of La Caya cigars prior to the Trade Show in Vegas. They've been around since 1997, but are now doing a big push to expand. You'll probably see their ads start popping up in your favorite cigar magazine in the next few months. I spoke with Jose from La Caya, and after telling him the type of cigar I enjoyed he immediately asked me to try the Brazil. ]]> Company: La Caya Cigars
Line: Brazil
Vitola: Robusto 5 X 54
Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Brazilian Arapiraca
Binder: Criollo 98
Filler: Piloto Cubano, Nicaraguan, Dominican
Flavor: Medium
Strength: Medium
Price: Around $5.00 Each

I hadn’t heard of La Caya cigars prior to the Trade Show in Vegas. They’ve been around since 1997, but are now doing a big push to expand. You’ll probably see their ads start popping up in your favorite cigar magazine in the next few months. I spoke with Jose from La Caya, and after telling him the type of cigar I enjoyed he immediately asked me to try the Brazil.

Construction: The La Caya Brazil’s wrapper is a bit rougher looking than many, but still attractive. But this isn’t out of the ordinary as most cigars with a Brazilian wrapper have a bit more tooth and larger veins. The cigar was firm, but still had an easy draw to it.

Burn: The burn was even, I don’t think I ever had to really touch this cigar up. My only concern is the ash tends to be a bit loose, more than once I ended up with ash some place besides the ashtray.

Flavor: Smooth and creamy bittersweet chocolate was the predominate base in the La Brazil. A little spice picked up as the cigar heated up but always just a compliment to the heavy cocoa flavor.

Verdict: While still a bit hard to find, the price is right and a fantastic smoke for the money. Very smooth smoke that I think almost anyone could pick up and enjoy.

Sponsored By: Cigarmony.com Get 5% Off Your Order By Using The Promo Code “CJ2008″

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This is one of the samples I picked up while at the IPCPR. Unfortunately I only had one to smoke, so I had to be right on the first time I lit up, and hope the cigar had no issues. This cigar will be available in October 2008.]]> Company: General Cigar
Line: Cohiba Puro Dominicana
Vitola: Robusto 5.5 X 50
Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Dominican Republic
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic
Flavor: Full
Strength: Full
Price: $382.00 (Box of 25)

This is one of the samples I picked up while at the IPCPR. Unfortunately I only had one to smoke, so I had to be right on the first time I lit up, and hope the cigar had no issues. This cigar will be available in October 2008.

At this price point I got what I’d expect, very well constructed and attractive cigar. The cigar burned extremely well and had a nice white ash on it. The ash held on tight, only coming off when tapped firmly.

Flavor: I’ve been smoking more than usual lately so I’ve been having some trouble really picking up on the nuances in milder cigars. The Cohiba Puro Dominicana is a bold in your face cigar, no nuance here. The base was a heavy oak flavor with just a bit of coffee thrown in. On top of that you had a fairly complex mix of spices; I was able to pick out some definite sweeter notes along a good bit of pepper. It did have some smoothness that kept the spices from getting to harsh, but still not something you want to exhale out your nose too often.

Verdict: While at this price point you won’t seeing me pick up a box. I still pick up one when I’m looking to spend some extra money on myself.

Sponsored By: Fuller’s Pullers Boutique and Name Brand Cigars.

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