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.

The post My Father Blue review appeared first on The BS Lounge.

What I have heard is that it’s a spicy pepper bomb with a lot of mineral and chocolate flavors, and that sounds like it would delight my palate. Looking it up and down, it’s a pretty dark beauty with a toothy Mexican San Andrés wrapper atop an Ecuadorian Habano binder, holding in Nicaraguan long-fillers. I can already taste the spices writing all of that out.

The real character in this cigar, and most of Black Label’s lineup really, is the band. It’s dark, it’s gothic, it’s brooding, and badass. No skulls this time around, bummer, but it does have a signature cross atop a blackened heart with a slightly embossed design. Anyway, enough beating around the wrapper, let’s cut this bad boy and light up, shall we? Make sure you have a cold one set out, of course. Also, I use “fuck” a lot in this review. If you’re sensitive to bad words you should probably stop here.

Storage and burn

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

Yadda yadda, consistency is key, so I will repeat what I always do here. I keep my humidor’s relative humidity (RH) between 64 and 67, and the temps in my house stay around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, I always let my cigars rest. I grabbed a few Super Deluxe when I had the chance, and they sat around in my humidor for quite some time. I always like to pick the right moment to smoke something new, and I’ve been pretty busy typing like Kermit on international pet a typewriter day.

During testing I deployed my usual straight cut, V cut, and punch — but I prefer straight. I know some folks prefer other cuts, but I’ve talked to master blenders who recommend the guillotine method. Plus, I like the draw it provides.

Not quite spongy, not quite stiff, I clipped the back end of the Super Deluxe and it fell away like a charm. No mess, no residues, no flakes. I didn’t even have to nudge or tap the end to make sure loose bits were removed. That could be a testament to my cutting skills, my storage prowess, or just the cigar makers — they roll a tight wad. While puffing, there were no burn issues, no tunneling, no uneven lines, and certainly no need to relight, which I absolutely adore when that happens. No fuss, stress-free smokes, yes, please. To prove it wasn’t a fluke, I smoked several and each time I had the same experience. Take that as you will, there may be duds here and there, but I didn’t encounter one.

Flavors and experience

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

I’ve read comments complaining that cigar reviewers often list generic flavors. If that’s how you feel, frankly, you can fuck right off. It’s win or lose either way. Because then people will bitch that you’re making up shit if you explain nuanced flavors you taste and they didn’t. I’ve said time and time again that most people who can’t taste anything are either smoking too fast or storing their cigars wrong. Bad cigars happen, sure, but there are people out there that just cannot be pleased. I will never understand why someone who can kick back, relax and enjoy a cigar would spend most of their waking hours miserable, but hey, it’s a fucked up world out there, and I digress.

Dark chocolate is the prevailing aroma and flavor here. From the cold draw to the first light all the way down to a nub, that chocolate stays true all the way through. It’s fucking great. It wavers between dark chocolate, cocoa, milk chocolate, and some spaces between, and if you don’t know the difference between those flavors, go buy a bunch of plain chocolate bars with different types of chocolate and start sucking those bad boys like your ex wife’s toes.

More flavor notes

I also tasted baking spices, black pepper, earth notes like subtle hay, dried fruit, which I picked up as cherry, strong wood flavors like oak or cedar, honeyed mead, some musky notes, and cinnamon. Also, gods damn if I didn’t like that cream on the backend. It’s a fantastic blend. While a lot of those notes can be found elsewhere, that’s what makes cigars so interesting. Each one has a distinct profile and works the same experiences in different ways — like two strippers working the same pole, you never know what you’re going to get.

You might have another chocolatey beast like Boneshaker Full Body Cast, pretty much any Padron, or the Oliva Serie V, but again, it won’t be quite the same. And if you’re loudly screaming right now about not tasting any chocolate flavors in the cigars I just called out, you need to go clean your fucking palate with coconut or saltines.

Black Label Trading Company Super Deluxe 2025: Closing statements

The Super Deluxe 2025 is medium to full-bodied, closer to full, with a decent kick of pepper and baking spices. If you don’t like spicy meatballs, you might want to skip this one. The retrohale is incredible and the blend of flavors really tests your ability to pick out distinct notes. The trick is to pinpoint each one — I always like to write down what I’m tasting on a notepad while smoking and then cross-reference them later. Sometimes, you’ll get a flavor you can’t quite name, and then it will click later.

Do I recommend this one? Yes, I do. For whom? Anyone who likes peppery smokes, although if you like to burn your face off early in the morning, like my brother-in-law, you might find this one on the mild side. I enjoyed it, though.

Briley specifics

• Recommended: Yes
• Would I smoke it again? Yes.
• Will I buy more? Yes, I already have.
• My preferred size: Toro (6 by 50)

Super Deluxe specs

• Profile: Medium to Full-bodied
• Approximate smoking time: 1 to 1.5 hours
• Box count: 20
• MSRP: $260 or ~$13 per stick (Toro size)

If you like this, you might also like: Boneshaker Full Body Cast, Oliva Serie V or Melanio series, Aganorsa Rare Leaf Maduro, Black Label Trading Company Lawless, Black Label Trading Company Salvation, Black Works Studio The Hornet, My Father La Promesa, My Father The Judge, Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur Dark Knight, Herrera Esteli Norteno, Partagas Black Label, any Padron.

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 Black Label Trading Company Super Deluxe 2025 review appeared first on The BS Lounge.

Originally blended by Cuban legend and longtime master blender Arsenio Ramos for his own, personal enjoyment, the cigar features tobacco from Aganorsa seeds grown on the man’s favorite Aganorsa farms. Today, it’s reblended and packaged for everyone to enjoy, and enjoy it we shall. Sorry, the correct Aganorsa term is “validate.” We are going to validate the Arsenio.

Of course, that begs the question: What does this special smoke taste like? What does it smoke like? Is it really Cubanesque as promised? Pour yourself a nice tall glass of something cold and refreshing, cut the cap and light your stogie and let’s smoke this conversation out.

Storage and burn

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

Yackity yack, I’m going to share my cigar sack. Okay, really, I’m just sharing how I store my cigars, like I always do. That gives you a baseline to follow when and if you smoke the same thing.

I keep my humidor’s relative humidity (RH) between 64 and 67 and the temps in my house stay around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, I always let my cigars rest. The Aganorsa Leaf Arsenio had well over four weeks of rest before I lit one up. I know, I know, that’s a long time, but I’ve been in and out of my depression for a turn now, and sometimes, I just don’t feel like lighting one up. I want to make sure I can enjoy it when I do. The mental drop makes it hard to enjoy even some of the things you love at times.

During testing I deployed my usual straight cut, V cut, and punch — but I prefer straight. I know some folks prefer other cuts, but I’ve talked to several master blenders who recommend the guillotine method. Anyway, I like the draw it provides. But don’t get your whiskers wet just yet, I do try out several types of cuts each time I review a cigar.

The Arsenio cut with no problems, no mess, and lit just as easily. Most importantly, I had no burn issues, no tunneling, and it never went out on me. It held a pristine ash line all the way down. Those are all positives that carried over through several smoking sessions. Any good cigar experience is a good day in my book, and the Arsenio made many days better thus far, at least for me.

Flavors and experience

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

The Arsenio is sweet. It almost seems like it has a sweet cap, but don’t worry, sweet cap haters, there isn’t one. It is bursting with flavor, though, sweet and spicy, with a bright hue of notes. It’s bright enough and complex enough that I would classify this one as a dessert outright — not unlike my favorite Rare Leaf Reserve. It would be a phenomenal smoke after a big steak dinner or a delicious Southern barbecue.

Starting with the vibrant Corojo wrapper, that surrounds a Criollo ’98 dual binder, mixed with leaf from Esteli, and mixed fillers from Condega and Jalapa, Nicaragua. It looks fantastic with the labels on, and also with the labels off. But the bright blue of the secondary band on this thing is captivating. The intricate designs remind me of tribal art, or for some weird fucking reason, mermaids. I dunno, that’s what I’m getting.

But then I see Arsenio’s handsome profile on the primary band, happily blowing out a smoke ring, and I’m reminded this has nothing to do with manatees, mermaids, or sea monkeys.

Diving further in, you’ll taste molasses or caramelized sugar, dried fruit, vanilla, hay, floral notes, peppercorn and saltiness, especially in the last third. But if you can, try to imagine that sweet goodness existing with the rest of those flavors, never quite muted. Almost like a sweet cream poured atop the rest of the dessert. It’s delectable. Joyful. Triumphant.

It does, in that respect, have a very Cubanesque flavor profile. Although if you’re looking for that Cuban twang, you’re not going to get it here, sadly. You will get that Cuban flavor-changing experience, with incredibly diverse medleys waning and peaking in volume harmoniously. You could call it a symphony of flavor. I’d venture to guess you don’t have to be a cigar pro to have a good time with this one, either. But I will always, always recommend learning to retrohale, and I will die on that hill.

Aganorsa Leaf Arsenio: Closing statements

If you like a smooth, medium smoke with some sweetness, plenty of pepper — on the tongue, not spice — and a growing list of flavors to add to your experience journal, the Arsenio is one to try. It cuts well, lights well, and smokes well. It does have a Cubanesque flavor profile, though it’s still New World-esque in experience. As long as you don’t go in expecting it to be an authentic Cuban, you’ll be fine.

Do I recommend it? Yes. For pretty much everyone who smokes cigars, because I know most of you out there like a variety. Will I smoke it again? Yes, absolutely, and I already have.

If you’re looking for more cigars like it, you can stay in the Aganorsa family or branch out a little, but you have to know, this one is fairly unique. If you like the Arsenio, stock up on the Arsenio.

Briley specifics

• Recommended: Yes
• Would I smoke it again? Yes.
• Will I buy more? Yes, I already have.
• My preferred size: Corona (6 by 44)

Arsenio specs

• Profile: Medium-bodied
• Approximate smoking time: 1 to 1.5 hours
• Box count: 15
• MSRP: $255 or ~$17 per stick (Toro size)

If you like this, you might also like: Aganorsa Rare Leaf Reserve Corojo, Aganorsa Rare Leaf Fusion, Aganorsa Supreme Leaf (any size), Guardian of the Farm Cerberus, Crafted by JR Aganorsa, Alec Bradley Prensado, C.L.E. Corojo, Warped La Colmena.

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 Aganorsa Leaf Arsenio review appeared first on The BS Lounge.

It makes sense. Laranja essentially means “having the color of the orange fruit.” Moreover, the Brazilian wrapper on the cigar has a reddish, orange hue. It’s also a proprietary blend, meaning unique and procured by AJ Fernandez — the cigars are also rolled at the San Lotano AJ factory.

You’ll pick up lots of other flavors, thanks to the Nicaraguan tobacco inside, and we’ll explore those in a little more detail below. But if you’re looking for something that’s nearly pure citrus, with lots of sweetness, this is one you’ll want to try.

Is it good though, and did I enjoy it? Grab an ice-cold beverage, light one up with me and let’s smoke it out.

Storage and burn

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

I’ve had several of the Laranja, and I’ll have several more after this, as well. They cut well, they’re not too dry or messy, and they light well too with an even burn. I love it when those ash lines are nice and straight. During testing I deployed my usual straight cut, V cut, and punch — but as you all know I prefer straight.

If you’ve read my other reviews, you know the drill by now. If you haven’t, I keep my humidor’s relative humidity (RH) between 64 and 67 and the temps in my house stay around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. That informs you of the conditions they’re stored in and, hopefully, it will allow you to compare when you have your own experience.

I always let my cigars rest, too. The Espinosa Laranja had two to three weeks to rest in my preferred humidity conditions before I lit my first one up.

It’s rainy season down here in Florida, so it rains almost everyday around mid to late afternoon. When it does, it gets ridiculously humid. I try to avoid bringing cigars out to smoke until it cools off a little and some of the humidity evaporates. Usually, when I pop a cigar right out of my humidor and take it outside, I run into burn issues because they immediately soak up moisture and get a little too wet. I’m mentioning this because more than once I took the Laranja outside when it was extra humid and it did quite well. There was no cracking, no bubbling or expanding, and it burned great every time.

Sometimes, that’s just the luck of the draw, and you get a good batch. Others, it’s because the cigars are constructed and packed well, which I suspect is the key here.

Flavors and experience

The orange and citrus flavors kick in almost right away and stay with you all the way through. It’s remarkable, and delicious. It’s also one of the most unique cigars I’ve had in a while, in terms of the profile and blend. It doesn’t have a sweet cap, it’s not infused, and there is a subtle sweetness throughout, but this is a traditional cigar with Nicaraguan tobacco as well. Which means there’s plenty of baking spices, pepper and stronger notes with some kick. The retrohale is creamy, nutty, and citrusy, of course, with an excellent balance of bright, slightly acidic and salty punches.

I was able to pick up hazelnut, cedar and wood, earth, and, in addition to the peppery burn, a black pepper flavor that lends itself well to those radiant tones.

It’s rated as medium to full, but as someone who tends to smoke stronger stuff, I would personally rate this one closer to the medium range. It would make an excellent, early, first, or maybe second cigar in a lineup. Although I’d likely skew towards a brighter profile like this one for the next cigar I pick up, unless you’re going right to a Knuckle Sandwich or similar.

If you’re pairing, this one is going to mesh with a straight bourbon or whiskey. I wouldn’t spring for anything too fruity or sweet as it might overpower some of the notes in the cigar. I’d say the same if you’re grabbing a beer — nothing fruity or floral.

Espinosa Laranja Reserva review: Closing statements

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

I know it seems like I enjoy many, many cigars I smoke, and yes, that’s fair, but there are some I thoroughly enjoy more than others. The Espinosa Laranja Reserva belongs on that list. But it’s also important to point out that not everyone will find this cigar as pleasing. I know a handful of cigar enthusiasts who prefer to avoid citrusy notes. And again, this one is distinctly citrus flavored.

It has a permanent place in my humidor now that I’ve had a few, I can tell you that much.

Briley specifics

• Recommended: Yes
• Would I smoke it again? Yes.
• Will I buy more? Yes, I already have.
• My preferred size: Robusto Extra (5.5 by 54)

Espinosa Laranja specs

• Profile: Medium to full-bodied
• Approximate smoking time: 1 to 1.5 hours
• Box count: 20
• MSRP: $281 or ~$14 per stick (Robusto Extra size)

If you like this, you might also like: Trinidad Espiritu Series Number 1, Warped La Colmena, H Upmann by AJ Fernandez (turquoise band), Espinosa Crema, Drew Estate Florida Sun Grown (FSG), Liga Privada T52, Plasencia Alma Del Cielo, Casa Fernandez Miami.

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 Espinosa Laranja Reserva review appeared first on The BS Lounge.

Thanks to a virtual tasting with the La Aurora crew, I had the opportunity to pufferate on a Family Series Fuerte Sol — the latest cigar from the brand — along with a pour of the legendary E. León Jimenes 110 Aniversario Dominican rum. The cigar is delicious. The rum is tasty. There’s a lot to love about both and the pairing, especially since the flavors mesh well. They play off each other and bring out new, unique flavors as any good pairing should.

But here, now, we’re going to talk about the rum specifically. Why was the opportunity exciting? What is this rum and what makes it worthy of discussing? What kind of flavors did I experience or pick up? Pour yourself a cold glass, light one up if you do that, and let’s get to talking.

Exploring E. León Jimenes

E. León Jimenes 110 Aniversario is not new, it’s actually been around for a bit, bottled for the first time in 2013. Inside is a complex, dark, Dominican rum aged for 10 years. Originally crafted to mark the 110 year anniversary of La Aurora, the company’s cigar brand, this rum was part of a collaboration with Ron Barceló. Some of you might recognize that name.

La Aurora considers it one of its finest creations, precisely why we sipped on some alongside the Fuerte Sol. The goal of this particular spirit was to complement the brand’s cigars, bringing out the best in both premium products. In my opinion, it succeeds at doing that very thing. The caveat, of course, is that the darker and more robust flavors tend to pair best with a stronger medium to full-bodied cigar.

If you’re not familiar with the brand’s history, La Aurora was founded by Eduardo León Jimenes in Don Pedro, Guazumal in the province of Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, back in 1903. Over the next century, the León family grew its influence in the region, eventually forming the Leon Jimenes Group. Today, they make a variety of products, not just cigars under La Aurora, but also beer, liquor, coffee, and more.

Dominican rum, refined

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

• Profile: Dark and sweet
• Primary Flavors: Toffee, caramel, spices, and floral notes
• Best Prepared: Neat or on the rocks

For eight years, this blend is aged in American white oak casks, before being transferred for the last two years, and finished in virgin French oak casks (sherry). So, it’s aged a total of ten years, and only 3,000 bottles are produced each year.

Unlike most rums, which are dominated by sweet, bright flavors and undertones of spice, this rum is complex, exhilarating, and, dare I say, rewarding. Immediately, you’ll taste toffee, caramel, roasted almonds and nuttiness, and a creamy lingering sweetness, like molasses, but not quite as potent. It’s delicious, and on a clean palate it would be good enough, but when pairing with a cigar, like you’re meant to, everything is elevated.

Additional flavors include spices, coffee, wood or oak, cinnamon, floral notes, citrus, and even some vanilla. The nose is also fantastic. It’s thick, concentrated and aromatic even before you draw some into your mouth and across your tongue. As any taste-enthusiast knows, it’s also about slightly inhaling those flavors through your nose, what us cigar smokers refer to as retrohaling. You’re not actually inhaling in the traditional sense, more like pulling the scents through your nasal cavity and out of your nostrils. It’s the same technique tasters use with wine, whiskey, bourbon and other delicious mixtures — you’re meant to “nose” the glass first.

Wrapping up the tasting

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

This is not my first rodeo. I actually had some of the E. León Jimenes 110 Aniversario rum when I visited La Aurora in the Dominican Republic. One of the nights, after dinner, I was spoiled because the crew let me take the rest of the bottle back to my room. I enjoyed the evening with lit cigars, from La Aurora, of course, and the rum, and some absolutely phenomenal views. I assure you, I’m not just biased because of that history. This is delicious rum.

But after diving in with this pour, I was right back to that original experience, just in the comfort of my home. This rum is a delight and a stand out if you like these sorts of spirits. It’s actually not too expensive either, considering it’s aged 10 years. Most comparable brands would be asking upwards of $300 a bottle for something like this.

A guilty pleasure of mine is Kraken rum, which is pretty sweet. I know, I know, I’ll probably catch a lot of flak for saying that. But the point I’m making is that this Dominican rum is much smoother, with a similar profile, and also a sweetness that’s just right — not too sweet. It pairs exceptionally well with cigars, La Aurora’s or otherwise, and the bottles are relatively accessible price-wise, though you may have trouble finding them at your local liquor spot in some places. If you do find a bottle or two, don’t hesitate, give it a try.

MSRP: ~$125 per bottle

Recommended Buy: Yes, absolutely, if you like spiced or dark rum.

The post E. León Jimenes 110 Aniversario: Smoothing it out with rum appeared first on The BS Lounge.

JFR, if you didn’t know, stands for “Just for Retailers.” The goal of the brand was to be a retail-focused offering with premium quality tobacco, premium crafting, and all at an inexpensive price. When Aganorsa first hit the scene back in the day, most of its dealings were commercial. Hence, JFR.

Some love the brand, some hate it, I’ve seen a lot of speak on social media as you usually do, but as for myself, I’ve always been happy with it. I smoke the JFR Corojo all the time and it’s an excellent yard-gar.

But the JFR 20th is a little different. It’s celebrating the 20th anniversary of the brand, obviously, and it’s meant to be slightly more high-brow than usual offerings. Does it hold up? Is it a satisfying and delicious smoke? Am I happy with it? That’s precisely what we’re here to talk about.

Grab yourself a tall glass of something strong, or sweet, light up your choice of a stogie, and let’s smoke this thing out.

JFR 20th Anniversary — What is it?

As far as I know, the JFR 20th Anniversary is not a limited release. It is a regular production now, albeit new to Aganorsa’s lineup. It celebrates the twenty-year milestone of the JFR brand, as you’ve hopefully surmised at this point.

At the top, or head, you’ll notice a pigtail cap. That’s aligned with JFR’s core portfolio, including the Maduro, Connecticut and Corojo — pigtails up! It also has an unfinished foot, which means a leafy-like makeup as opposed to a smooth, sliced foot. It’s a nice little flair if you’re into that sort of thing. It doesn’t really affect the light or change the burn, it’s more of a novelty add.

The JFR 20th is medium to full-bodied and filled with Nicaraguan tobacco, something we’ve all come to know from both Aganorsa and JFR. The delectable San Andres wrapper shines here, both in appearance and the experience it offers. This cigar is packed with a peppery flavor. That said, it’s very much a flavor not a feeling, so you don’t have to worry about burning your face off if you retrohale.

The biggest difference here is that it’s available in boxes of 21, when the other JFR core lines come in boxes up to 50. That 50 count is one hell of a value.

Storage and burn

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

As always, I’ve had numerous cigars to balance out the review. They were stored in my humidor and allowed to rest, meaning I didn’t smoke them right away. 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.

Each one burned well, evenly, and with a relatively straight ash line. One of the evenings, which I’ll admit was windier than usual, the cigar had a little trouble keeping up and wouldn’t stay lit. The rest were fine, however. It didn’t affect the experience, or rather, the flavors, and I still enjoyed myself. There were no issues with tunneling, uneven burns or plugged draws.

When you’re talking about a more accessible stick like this, that’s very impressive to see. I would expect no less from Aganorsa, of course, but a lot of times there’s a quality tradeoff for going with something on the low-end of the pricing range. That’s not the case here and I’m very happy to report it as so. Not that this is a cheap cigar.

They cut well, too, using a straight cutter, V-cutter and punch. I didn’t notice any unraveling of tobacco at the head or much debris — meaning dry tobacco falling out after a cut.

Flavors and experience

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

I tend to like my cigars on the stronger side, with more pepper, more kick and a satisfying crescendo somewhere in the running time. I don’t care where. But if I get to the end of the cigar and it hasn’t kicked things up a notch, I usually feel let down, unless I’m specifically looking for something light and creamy. With the latter, I know what to grab and where to look for something like that.

What’s interesting about the JFR 20th is that the pepper is there, in full force, and it’s delicious. But it’s mostly flavor that you’ll pick up on your tongue. The retrohale does introduce some pepper, but again in flavor, not kick or spice. This is not a spice bomb that’s going to blow out your sinuses. For those of you out there who swear off pepper, you might still enjoy this one, so long as you’re okay with, again, the flavor.

It’s sweet, it’s salty, and it’s nuanced, just how I want my cigars to be. I picked up pepper off the cold draw and tasted pepper all the way through. I also recognized flavors like baking spices, cocoa, gingerbread, dough, and from the second-third on, kept getting strong cedar on every retrohale. These flavors are my jam, so, naturally, I enjoyed smoking this one.

It will pair well with sweet beverages, from Pepsi and soda to stronger offerings like bourbon. But actually, this one would go okay with scotch and more overpowering drinks. The pepper will definitely shine through, even with those smokey flavors.

JFR 20th Anniversary review: Closing statements

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

JFR has always been a go-to brand for me. I can’t speak for anyone else, though.

I have had some cigars from the brand burn wonky, but they usually even out over time. They’re versatile and they seem to hold up well in a variety of conditions, which is exactly why I use them as a yard-gar. The JFR 20th is a marked step-up from that.

Now, we’re still talking about a $10 to $12 stick here. For the money, I’d say it’s great value. There’s a lot of pepper flavor, some nuanced notes in there that keep the experience interesting, and it’s medium-to-full, which means, for me, it fits right into my evening line ups. This will certainly become a staple in my collection, as the core JFR lines have before it.

Would I recommend it? Yes, especially if you like what Aganorsa normally puts out. If you don’t like pepper at all, you might want to steer clear of this one. While it’s not the kind of pepper that burns your nose on a retrohale, it’s still a bold flavor that sticks around. I dig it, though.

Briley specifics

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

JFR 20th Anniversary specs

• Profile: Medium to full-bodied
• Approximate smoking time: 1 to 1.5 hours
• Box count: 21
• MSRP: $210 or ~$10 per stick (Super Toro size)

If you like this, you might also like: JFR Maduro, JFR Corojo, JFR Lunatic Torch, Guardian of the Farm Cerberus, Boneshaker Full Body Cast, Aganorsa Rear Leaf Reserve Maduro, Tatuaje Black Label, My Father La Flor De Las Antillas, Oliva Serie V, 601 La Bomba, LFD Double Ligero.

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 JFR 20th Anniversary review appeared first on The BS Lounge.

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.

Let’s back up a little, we’re getting ahead of ourselves here.

Made of extra-aged tobaccos, the Ultramar is handmade in Honduras at the Flor de Copan factory. What sets the Ultramar apart from the rest of the Carenas line is that the wrapper and binder are both from Nicaragua. What we don’t seem to know — and I couldn’t find this information anywhere else — is how “extra-aged” the leaves truly are. Especially in comparison to the regular Carenas line. Altadis doesn’t say.

But, at first glance, you can see the wrapper is darker, oilier, and — in my opinion — much more interesting than what’s surrounding the standard Carenas. Although, the labels are pretty much the same, minus the Ultramar secondary band below the primary.

Side note: I’ve never been one to care too much about bands except for maybe when they really stand out and look awesome.

Storage and burn

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

To be clear, I will only write a review after I have had several of a particular label. You can find the rest of the guidelines I aim to adhere to in my initial outline of The BS Lounge review formatting. In the case of the Ultramar, I’ve had a handful before the time of writing this.

In terms of overall burn and construction, they’re usually reliable. I did have some wonky burn issues with one, but it didn’t overshadow the experience. To me, that’s really all I care about. I’m not smoking to be presentable or to look suave. I usually smoke in the evening when I’m relaxing at home by myself. That should also provide some context for these reviews.

Both the regular Carenas line and the Carenas Ultramar don’t seem to be finicky 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.

They’re easy to cut, and I tried out several methods, including my favorite straight cut and a V cut. The cap doesn’t fall apart as long as they’re stored well. They also seem to light up easily enough, and aren’t prone to charring, which is always a positive.

Flavors and Experience

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

Something that I noted, and this carried over across several of my review smokes, is that the Carenas Ultramar starts out extremely light. The smoke is there, but it just doesn’t seem to have much flavor from the getgo. Fortunately, that doesn’t persist, but if you were to light one of these up and put it out within the first few minutes, you might think they never pick up from there. That’s a shame, because when those complex flavors do kick in, wow.

A solid blend of vanilla, rich and creamy caramel, molasses, and lots of sweetness stick around throughout the entire cigar. In fact, I would compare it [experientially] to the Warped La Colmena, with the Colmena retaining notes of honey throughout versus the complex sweetness. They aren’t the same in flavor profile, though, so just keep that in mind. But, if you like this, you’ll definitely like the Colmena.

Those flavors do stick around and provide an undertone, but I also picked up notes of toasted wood and cedar, earth, coffee, nuttiness, baking spices, and a subtle amount of pepper — though that really kicks in midway through the second third. Plus, once those flavors do ramp up, it’s consistent, even down to a nub. I wouldn’t call it a strong finish, as it doesn’t change much, but it’s certainly enjoyable.

I do find myself reminiscing on the flavors and the experience, which, to me, speaks volumes. If I’m thinking about a cigar for a while, after I’ve had one, with so many other options on the market — that’s a sign. It does have a Cuban-esque profile, if you’re into that sort of thing.

Saint Luis Rey Carenas Ultramar review: Closing Statements

This one gets a recommend from me, but only for a niche or specific group of smokers. There isn’t much pepper, isn’t much kick, so if you love a strong cigar and aren’t willing to venture out, this one may not be for you. Don’t get me wrong, it is flavorful and complex, but the medium-body doesn’t evolve much. It’s Cuban-esque, mellowish, and relaxing. If you want to kick back and enjoy some sweet, natural tobacco flavors, the Carenas Ultramar is a good choice.

I also enjoy the Saint Luis Rey Carenas.

Briley specifics

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

Saint Luis Rey Carenas Ultramar specs

• Profile: Medium to full-bodied
• Approximate smoking time: 1.5 hours
• Box count: 20
• MSRP: $211 or ~$11 per stick (Toro size)

If you like this, you might also like: Arturo Fuente Curly Head, Warped La Colmena, the standard Saint Luis Rey Carenas, Saint Luis Rey Reserva Especial Series, H Upmann by AJ Fernandez, H Upmann Hispaniola, Ramon Allones.

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 Saint Luis Rey Carenas Ultramar review appeared first on The BS Lounge.