Before anyone gets up in arms, I’m not the type that always needs to have a burn-your-face-off experience. I like strong cigars, but medium to mild cigars from time to time, too. However, this is natural tobacco we’re talking about and I like the cigars I smoke to at least have a little kick, and if they’re not going to, have a hint of baking spices for that traditional flavor. This cigar has absolutely none of that and it leaves you wanting. I would describe it as flat. In fact, every time I smoked it I felt like I wasted my time and needed to light up something better.

That may not be how you feel, and that’s okay. Some people are after incredibly mild cigars and that’s their thing. But another aspect of this experience is that this is My Father, a brand well known for their peppery lineup. When I grab a My Father off the shelf I’m expecting some of that natural spice to shine through.

Storage and burn

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

There’s nothing inherently wrong with this cigar. It burned fine, it lit fine, it cut fine. I had no problems with the construction of the cigar, whatsoever. In fact, I’d go so far as to say it was certainly a premium-level experience on that front. It was also consistent all the way through, the flavors stayed prominent. That was true each time I smoked it.

As I usually do during testing I deployed a straight cut, V cut, and punch — I prefer straight. I’ve heard a couple of master blenders claim it’s the best way. Whether you believe that or not, you’ll figure out what you like with time and with enough cigars.

After resting in my humidor at 65 to 67 RH — house temps around 75 degrees Fahrenheit —  the cigar was just the right amount of sturdy. Not too spongy, but not too stiff. It smoked like a charm out in the Florida humidity, too. That’s worth noting as many cigars have the tendency to expand or crack when exposed to the higher outdoor humidity here or the high heat. It also smoked fairly well in Tennessee in the cold.

Flavors and experience

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

This is the Garcia family. The brands cigar lineup is very consistent with their flavor profiles and experience. The same flavors are here that many know and love, myself included. I tasted aged leather, wood (cedar), hay, earth, cream, sweetness, cocoa, and a subtle dried fruit. A few reviewers and retail site descriptions claim that cayenne pepper is evident but I’m telling you, if it’s there, it’s virtually undetectable. I did not smoke with a sinus infection. This was the first and only cigar I smoked on a fresh palate when I was testing and I had more than one across different days and sessions — cutting down the chances that I just got a bad batch.

I’ve been a fan of My Father cigars for a long time so this is not a new venture for me. I like The Judge, but my favorites are the My Father No. 1, Le Bijou, and the El Centurion. I could absolutely get down with a more mild cigar from the brand, with its flavors, but I need a little something more from new blends like this.

A bit off the mark

Most stores list this as a medium to full blend, which I noted below. I think that’s a bit off the mark, it’s much milder than that. I’d say medium at best, closer to mild. There isn’t much nicotine either. They’re likely getting that profile from the three primary tobaccos inside, the Honduran binder and filler and the Connecticut Broadleaf Rosado wrapper. It is a beautiful cigar to look at and the baby blue labels and ribbon add to that presentation. I will also say that it smells fantastic when lit and is very aromatic.

Sometimes, where you smoke and who you smoke with alter the experience. What’s interesting about this one is I also smoked one on a family trip to Tennessee, staying at a beautiful cabin in the mountains and in good company. It didn’t elevate the smoke.

My Father Blue: Closing statements

I am not a contrarian. I don’t give bad reviews or dislike things just to dislike them. Actually, I always try to give the benefit of the doubt in most situations. But this cigar is a perfect example of why I don’t give numeric scores. It’s not for me. But that doesn’t mean it’s a bad cigar and that’s not even an argument I’m trying to make. Not every cigar blend is for everyone. There is so much variety out there, you’re bound to come across something you don’t like, or hell, a lot of cigars you don’t like. I don’t like this one.

In my opinion, the flavors would be a delicious concoction if this Honduran beast had some more kick to it. They’re a solid blend of toasty, sweet, and relaxing, but by the time I burned through it all I never quite felt satisfied. I felt like I needed to light up another, just to get even a hint of that spicy flavoring I’m used to. That’s a big miss for me. Do I recommend this one? No. Would you like this one? I don’t know, it depends on your preferences. If you hate pepper, even just the flavor notes, then yes, this one is for you.

Briley specifics

• Recommended: No
• Would I smoke it again? No.
• Will I buy more? No.
• My preferred size: Toro (6 by 54)

My Father Blue specs

• Profile: Medium to Full-bodied
• Approximate smoking time: 1 to 1.5 hours
• Box count: 20
• MSRP: $240 or ~$12 per stick (Toro size)

If you like this, you might also like: La Aurora 120th Anniversary, Plasencia Cosecha 151, Plasencia Alma del Fuego, Aladino Corojo Lancero or any Aladino, really, Eiroa Dark, Illusione Epernay.

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.

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