My guess is you’re wondering why I’m talking about this in a review intro.

Believe or not, there are a lot of cigars launched to market that were designed with those “look like cigar smokers” people in mind. I won’t name names, and I won’t shame any brands, but in my experience, that’s often what you see with collaborations. A not-so-big-on-cigars brand, or maybe even a celebrity, will partner with a cigar brand and they’ll pop out a limited edition stogie and everyone goes “oooo” and “ahhh” and then it eventually goes away and nobody really talks about it again. Not always, but usually, that’s because the cigar wasn’t very good.

I’m happy to report that’s not the case with the Montecristo Bardstown, at all. And also, that drives home the biggest point I’m trying to make, this is a cigar for genuine cigar lovers. Now, not everyone will like it and that’s okay. But it’s a great smoke, and that’s why we’re here to talk about it.

Pour yourself a tall glass, light one up and let’s smoke this thing out.

Montecristo Bardstown — What is it?

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

You already know Montecristo, so I don’t need to introduce you to the brand. But Bardstown is a whiskey and bourbon company — Bardstown Bourbon Company — based out of Kentucky. So, naturally, the Montecristo Bardstown cigar is a collaboration between two masters of their craft.

The limited edition cigar is a Nicaraguan puro, with a wrapper, binder, and fillers all from — you guessed it — Nicaragua. The wrapper is a toasty brown color and while it’s not too oily, it has an attractive sheen and gives off the smell of coffee and a subtle sweetness before it’s even lit.

Storage and burn

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

If you’ve read any of my other reviews, you’ll probably roll your eyes here — because you’ve heard it several times — but I like to share how I store my stuff. I keep my humidor’s relative humidity (RH) between 64 and 67 and the temps in my house stay around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. That will give you some idea as to the conditions they’re stored in and hopefully, it will allow you to compare if and when you have your own experience.

I always let my cigars rest and the Montecristo Bardstown had at least two weeks to rest at my preferred humidity conditions.

When I lit one up for the first time, it was actually during a podcast that I’m a co-host on. It cut easily, with no fussing, and lit easily as well. The burn stayed that way with an even ash-line the entire time. However, one thing to note, and this could be because I’m in hot, humid Florida and it’s summer right now, but the thin outer wrapper cracked and bubbled a little.

As you know, I smoke more than one before I write reviews and that problem persisted during other sessions. My podcast co-host also had this issue and mentioned it.

Personally, it’s not enough to make me stop smoking as long as the cigar isn’t completely falling apart. Moreover, if it tastes good, I’m always okay with putting up with some stogie tantrums in there, especially here in Florida. Still, it’s good for everyone reading to know these details so you can make an informed decision for yourself.

Flavors and experience

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

This is where things get interesting. Because I’ve poked through a few retail sites, and their descriptions, and I’ve seen “peppery spice” mentioned in a few places. I would not describe the cigar or its flavors as a peppery spice. In fact, there’s almost no “pepper” standout that I could taste, at least in comparison to stronger cigars with lots of peppery kick. There are, however, some notes of baking spices, even some subtle cayenne, in flavor but not heat.

This is not a strong cigar. It’s medium-bodied and the flavors, while toasty, are actually pretty light. There’s a lot of sweetness that sticks around, which is what makes this such an excellent pairing with Bardstown’s bourbon, were you to do that. And that’s precisely what these master crafters want you to do.

Flavors like toasted bread, dough, coffee, milk chocolate, sugar and sweetness, salt, earth, and some cream all came out to play during the smoke. I also tasted what I would describe as a delicious Nutella on toast flavor about mid-way through. Not just during the podcast, but also when I smoked it later.

Comparing the Montecristo Bardstown to my usual lineup of cigars, I would smoke this earlier in the day, maybe even in the morning with coffee, or, at the very least, first in my lineup if I’m having it in the evening. It never quite builds in pepper and strength to the level of a satisfying smoke if it was the only cigar I was smoking. As an opener, it will be fantastic.

If you tend to like your cigars lighter and stick to the mild to medium range, and don’t like a lot of pepper to hit your nose on a retrohale, you’ll enjoy this cigar.

Montecristo Bardstown review: Closing statements

All in, the Montecristo Bardstown is a truly limited edition, which means they probably won’t be sticking around for long. If you have the chance to try one, I say take it. It’s a great experience and the flavors and the pairings — if you decide to pair — would work out well. I’ll probably keep a few around for when I’m feeling froggy, but it’s not something I will be smoking on the regular, as in daily. Considering the limited availability, that makes a lot of sense, anyway.

Briley specifics

• Recommended: Yes
• Would I smoke it again? Yes.
• Will I buy more? Sparingly, if available.
• My preferred size: Toro

Montecristo Bardstown specs

• Profile: Medium-bodied
• Approximate smoking time: 1 to 1.5 hours
• Box count: 10
• MSRP: $180 or ~$18 per stick (Toro size)

If you like this, you might also like: Montecristo Crafted by AJ Fernandez, Romeo Y Julieta 150th Anniversary, La Aurora 120th Anniversary, Montecristo M, Ferio Tego Summa, San Cristobal Revelation, Arturo Fuente Hemingway, Perdomo 10th Anniversary Champagne, Aganorsa Supreme Leaf.

You’ll notice that my format is meant to be short and sweet, like this La Aurora Fuerte Sol review, or the previous Aganorsa Rare Leaf Maduro review. I don’t intend to keep up with the big leagues, I’m one guy. There won’t be any scores. However, I do want these reviews to be a resource for those looking for similar smokes or experiences.

The post Montecristo Bardstown Distiller’s Select review appeared first on The BS Lounge.

But it also makes sense to do a dedicated review on the numerous Fuerte Sol sticks I smoked. So, here we are. In the vein of my other reviews, this one will be relatively short and sweet with a focus on guidance. If you want to try this cigar, or something similar, I aim to provide you with an overview and some options. I want supportive more than competitive or score-based.

If you don’t already have something lit, light up, pour a glass, and let’s get smoky.

Storage and burn

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

While I don’t normally disclose how many I smoke, in this case I smoked three myself, spaced out over the course of a few weeks. I also gave a Fuerte Sol to my brother-in-law. All of them smoked well, with no burn issues, no tunneling or no concerns to speak of.

If you’ve read any of my other reviews, you’ll probably roll your eyes here — because you’ve heard it several times — but I like to share how I store my cigars. I keep my humidor’s relative humidity (RH) between 64 and 67 and the temps in my house stay around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. That will give you some idea as to the conditions they’re stored in and hopefully, it will allow you to compare if and when you have your own experience.

I always let my cigars rest and the Fuerte Sol had a chance to rest for a couple of weeks in the shortest span.

As an aside, I do have to say the bands on this cigar are incredible. The design is so so good with a La Aurora family creed etched on the secondary band and a marble-like finish to it, all wrapped in golds, browns, and tan shades. Sorry, had to let my inner fanboy out for a sec there, let’s get back to it.

In terms of construction, they cut well. I used straight cuts, V cuts, and a punch for good measure. Although, Ynoa would probably have my head, he likes straight cuts. I prefer straight cuts myself, but for a review it’s always good to try a few options.

There were no burn issues to speak of, as mentioned. I had a flawless ash line for each Fuerte Sol I burned through. Very few trimmings came loose after a cut, which means they’re not too dry, and the wrapper stayed intact — no rolling or peeling off — it also means I cut it good, and they were well-constructed.

Now, on to the flavors.

Flavors and experience

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

La Aurora has been around for over 100 years at this point. I mean, obviously with the 120th Anniversary cigar, which is absolutely phenomenal. You could argue two things knowing that information. The brand really knows what it’s doing because it’s been around forever. Alternatively, the brand has been doing the same thing forever with little deviation. In such a competitive market, with so many unique blends and experiences, that last bit won’t turn out well.

That’s why the La Aurora team is taking things in a different direction from its usual haunts, filling in the gaps in its portfolio. While the 120th was a slight move in the right direction, the Fuerte Sol is a much bigger step. It’s bold, full-bodied and way out of line with most of what they carry. That’s not to say they don’t have other full-bodied blends, but this one is nothing short of a standout.

Featuring a thick, beautiful Mexican San Andres wrapper, Nicaraguan binder, and mixed fillers from the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Pennsylvania it’s a notch up, pepper especially, from what La Aurora generally proffers.

Common flavors shared during the tasting, and in discussions with others, included cedar, wood, cocoa, baking spices, toasted marshmallow, caramel, and some subtle earth. I also, personally, tasted Anise and licorice undertones, but I was also sipping a Leon Jimenes 110 Aniversario Dominican rum with it, which is dark and super sweet. Some of those bolder baking spices toned down a little when I opted for a carbonated sweet beverage like Pepsi.

It’s a delectable treat, much like the La Aurora 120th Anniversary, but what I love about the Fuerte Sol is that I can place it pretty much anywhere in my lineup. Since it’s stronger and more full-bodied, I don’t have to smoke it first thing I can place it as a second or even third cigar in the evening, depending on what I have with it. That’s certainly not something I’ve come to expect from La Aurora, but it’s a welcome change. I hope they produce more blends like this.

La Aurora Fuerte Sol review: Closing statements

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

I enjoy most of what La Aurora puts out, and I have a history with the brand, so you’re probably expecting me to speak positively either way. But genuinely, the Fuerte Sol is a fantastic cigar, it’s flavorful, it’s bolder than the brand’s normal lineup, and the spices stick around — which is not something you generally get with Dominican tobacco or cigars. That’s not meant to be an insult. Dominican cigars tend to be milder and more relaxing, but it’s great to see blenders stepping out of that cliche.

Like the 120th Anniversary, the Fuerte Sol will maintain a residence in my humidor, but as long as it’s available, in much bigger quantities. I could see myself smoking this regularly, and by that I mean often. I’d be interested to see what the rest of you think.

Briley specifics

• Recommended: Yes
• Would I smoke it again? Yes, I already do.
• Will I buy more? Yes, I already have.
• My preferred size: Robusto

La Aurora Family Creed Fuerte Sol specs

• Profile: Full-bodied
• Approximate smoking time: 1 to 1.5 hours
• Box count: 20
• MSRP: $360 or ~$18 per stick (Toro size)

If you like this, you might also like: La Aurora 120th Anniversary, La Aurora ADN, La Aurora Hors D’age, Boneshaker Full Body Cast, Arturo Fuente Sun Grown, Casa Carrillo Pledge, Casa Carrillo Endure, H. Upmann Hispaniola, JR Cigars Revival 70s, La Gloria Cubana Serie R No. 6, Padron 1964 Anniversary Series.

You’ll notice that my format is meant to be short and sweet, like this Outcast Cigars review, or the previous Aganorsa Rare Leaf Maduro review. I don’t intend to keep up with the big leagues, I’m one guy. There won’t be any scores. However, I do want these reviews to be a resource for those looking for similar smokes or experiences.

The post La Aurora Family Creed Series Fuerte Sol review appeared first on The BS Lounge.

Even if you’re not a fan of sweet cigars normally, Outcast by Miami Cigar & Company may still be something you enjoy. It’s a smooth, relaxing and flavorful smoke that would be fantastic for those hot summer days outdoors. Yeah, I know, that’s like right now. But you get the point.

I generally consider myself to be an outcast. I tend to be a bit of a rebel, not self-titled, but I don’t go the same way the rest of the river is flowing. If I do, it’s because I’m doing my own thing, never quite aligned with anyone else. So, by all rights, this should be the cigar for me. A cigar for outcasts who are unique and unashamed of being themselves, named, well, on the nose, Outcast cigars.

Blend-wise, Outcast features a mouth-watering Brazilian Cubra wrapper, Ecuadorian Sumatra binder and fillers from the Dominican Republic. Strength is listed as mild to medium, but I’d put this closer to mild.

The brand says its cigars are “built for those who defy the norm and embrace the journey less traveled.” Whatever that means. There’s a pattern of brands claiming to be outside the “norm,” when it either doesn’t make sense or is too tough to gauge. Outcast also says it uses “rare and unconventional tobacco,” which, okay, fair. The Brazilian Cubra is not common.

Don’t take that as me knocking the brand or its cigars. But let’s get into how I enjoyed — or didn’t enjoy — my smoking sessions. Shall we?

Storage and burn

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

First, the storage and burn. While some would love to smoke their cigars right away, like right after unpacking them from a mail drop, I tend to let my cigars rest a week or more. That’s not to say I don’t stare at those cigars wanting. But I’ve learned my lesson about smoking them right away, especially something new I haven’t had before. More often than not, when I smoke too early, I run into issues with the burn or the experience and it’s because they either dried out while traveling or they’re not in my ideal condition(s).

I keep my humidor’s relative humidity (RH) between 64 and 67 and the temps in my house stay around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. That will give you some idea as to the conditions they’re stored in and hopefully, it will allow you to compare if and when you have your own experience. And that’s how my Outcast cigars were kept, at least here at home.

In terms of construction and burn, I had no problems with the several cigars I enjoyed. They cut straight through without much trimmings. The cap stayed intact with no need to slobber on the end or fiddle with the tobacco. Moreover, they all lit nicely without much fussing. They burned evenly, too. You’d be surprised how often that’s not the case. Or maybe you wouldn’t, I dunno.

Flavors and experience

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

Outcast says this is a “bold expression of individuality.” While I wouldn’t describe the flavors or experience as bold, I understand where they’re coming from. Immediately upon lighting you’re enveloped in rich cedar and wood flavors, with notes of hay, earth, and milk chocolate. There’s a sweetness that carries its way through the entire experience, just as I talked about in the intro. My guess is the Cubra and the Sumatra working together brings those sweet flavors into a more elevated blend. It does have a sweet cap.

If you’re looking for lots of pepper or a strong kick, it’s not here. It never quite reaches a crescendo of spice either. It stays pretty mild, yet flavorful, and has a very satisfying smoothness and consistency that drives the smoking experience.

If I knew what I was having going in, I probably would have reached for something else on the shelf. But that’s because, sometimes, I don’t always know what I want and I suspect it’s the same for many out there. Yeah, sure, sometimes I know exactly what to reach for, but not always. The Outcast fits right into that gap and I can categorically pick out where, at least for my own palate.

The aroma this cigar gives off, however, is incredible. It’s one that I know some would comment on, were they to smell it also, and it would be an excellent light somewhere more open, like the beach or even in a lounge. The only concern I have with lighting it up in a lounge is if there are lots of other smokers around you, and they have stronger stuff lit, it might overpower some of the flavors.

As a final note, I will say it’s complex enough to remain interesting all the way through and perfectly pairs with a sweet beverage like soda (Pepsi or Root Beer), tea or something heavier, like bourbon. I would stay away from scotch and more exonerated drinks, as those might seriously overpower the flavor notes here.

Outcast Cigars review: Closing statements

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

I like unique, interesting blends that do something a little different from everything else on the market. I don’t know that I would describe Outcast cigars as something that remarkably different, but the Cubra and Sumatra wrappers keep things bright, fun and savory. Would I recommend this cigar to others? Yes, but only if you like sweet or semi-sweet experiences. Not infused, mind you, but sweeter than your average stogie.

The flavors stay pretty consistent, and it doesn’t deviate much from cedar, chocolate, hay and earth flavors, but that’s okay. You know what you’re getting, there are no major surprises and there are no letdowns — once you know what you’re working with.

Briley specifics

• Recommended: Yes
• Would I smoke it again? Yes.
• Will I buy more? Yes, eventually.
• My preferred size: Toro

Outcast Cigars specs

• Profile: Mild to medium-bodied.
• Approximate smoking time: 45 minutes to an hour
• Box count: 10
• MSRP: $115 or ~$11.50 per stick (Toro size)

If you like this, you might also like: Warped La Colmena, Deadwood Leather Rose, Tabak Especial, La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor, New World Dorado by AJ Fernandez, Dunbarton Sobremesa Brulee, Trinidad Espiritu Series No. 3, Blackened Shade to Black by Drew Estate.

You’ll notice that my format is meant to be short and sweet, like this Carenas Ultramar review, or the previous Aganorsa Rare Leaf Maduro review. I don’t intend to keep up with the big leagues, I’m one guy. There won’t be any scores. However, I do want these reviews to be a resource for those looking for similar smokes or experiences.

The post Outcast Cigars review appeared first on The BS Lounge.