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All New Pipes
William B.
About Me:
After nearly 3 decades smoking a narrow range of cigars and tobaccos in a few pipes, I’m finally opening up to everything these hobbies have to offer
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Reviews
Rattray's - Red Rapparee 100g
Great medium English blend
I love the interplay of Latakia and the other Orientals in this blend. The ribbon cut comes at the perfect moisture level and it burns really well.
Newminster - No. 17 English Luxus
A little bland for my taste
I think I like my English blends with more Orientals, because this was a little flat and slightly sweet. It did burn nicely with no bite. I only bought 1 oz of it, and I enjoyed the last few bowls more than the first few, so much I just need to try some more
Peterson - Nightcap 50g
You have to try it
Classic latakia-heavy blend that seems to be the standard against which all other similar blends are judged. It is great, although not my absolute favorite blend of its type.
A&C Petersen - Escudo Navy Deluxe 50g
Just great
A classic for a reason. Great flavor, burns well, not much bite (for a VA). I bought several more tins, and can't wait to see how they age.
Oliva - Connecticut Reserve Toro
Good mild CT smoke
Exactly what you'd expect from a CT wrapper. Mild, but with some subtle complexity. Good burn and draw.
NUB - Cameroon 464 Torpedo
Hot and bitter
Cameroon wrappers have never been my favorite, but this was one of the few premium cigars I've had that I flat out didn't like. The Cameroon flavor was very forward and dominant, and I couldn't taste anything else. The draw was good, but it burned hot and turned bitter.
NUB - Connecticut 460
Great short mild smoke
Mild but still has some nice complexity. Fantasic burn/draw/construction. Perfect for a quicker smoke session.
Dapper - Desvalido Robusto
Great blend
Complex and rich without being too heavy. Some unique flavors that I can't identify but really enjoyed. Burn and draw were great. Definitely one I'd like to try again.
Hoyo de Monterrey - Excalibur Black Robusto
Coffee and dark chocolate
This had some decent darker flavor notes like coffee and dark chocolate, but it got too bitter for my taste after the first half inch or so. Burn was good, but the draw was a bit tight. I love the regular Excaliburs for a lighter smoke, but this blend didn't do much for me. Not bad, but not something I'll seek out again in the future.
Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust - StillWell Star Aromatic No. 1
Fine, but not really aromatic
This was a well-constructed cigar, but I didn't get any aromatic flavor from it other than the sweetened tip. The flavors were fairly typical for a medium-strength stick, and I didn't get any sense that the room note was different, either. Overall, it was a decent smoke, but not a $15 experience.
Cavalier - Black Series II Viso Jalapa Toro Gordo
Solid
Good med-full flavor, with a nice spicy tingle on the retrohale. I couldn't detect any particularly interesting flavor notes, still really enjoyable. Perfect draw, and the burn was pretty good even in windy conditions.
Lane Limited - BCA
Sweet and mellow
BCA is great for when I'm in the mood for something sweet. No tongue bite and great room note. Not too complex, but great for what it is.
Emilio - Suave Robusto
Great Medium Cigar
Smooth and creamy with a hint of nutiness. Outstanding burn and draw. Flavor is not quite full enough for me to give it 5 stars, but it's a great medium smoke.
Oliva - Serie G Cameroon Double Robusto
Great for sampling a Cameroon wrapper
The distinctive flavor of the Cameroon wrapper really shines through. The rest of the flavor profile is fairly unremarkable, but it allows you to focus on the contribution of the wrapper. I also think the fat robusto vitola makes this a good sampler: not too long, and the filler/binder to wrapper ratio means the wrapper isn't too powerful if you find Cameroon isn't your thing. Great burn and draw.
Aganorsa Leaf - Habano Short Churchill
Very Nicaraguan
Probably more than any other cigar I've tried so far, this embodied what I think of when talking about Nicaraguan spiciness. It was well-balanced and not overpowering, but it was the most prominent flavor note I could pick up. Other than that, it was good but fairly unremarkable - solid but not wonderful.
Crowned Heads - Mil Dias Magicos Edicion Limitada 2021
Outstanding shorter smoke
I got a lot of nutty flavor, with some decent spiciness on the retro. Great burn and draw. I smoked it all the way to a nub and didn't want it to end. Definitely will order some more.
Padron - Serie 1926 Natural #9
Creamy and refined
Very creamy, dense smoke. I can't describe the flavor very well. The variety and strength of flavor notes wasn't especially remarkable, but somehow the overall flavor seemed sharper and more pronounced. Burn, draw, and overall construction were flawless. Strong nic hit - I don't usually feel much effect from nicotine, even from strong cigars, but this one knocked me down. This was my 2nd stick from a Serie 1926 sampler box, and after the first (the #2), I wasn't sure I could appreciate what made it more expensive than a standard Padron. After this #9 I could definitely tell that it was a step above a normal premium cigar. I'm still not sure it's worth the extra money for me, but I get it now.
Captain Black - Dark 1.5oz
Sweet, but that's it
This was the only tobacco I had with me during a recent vacation, and while it's nice enough every once in a while, it got old over 12 days. It has a pleasant sweetness, and I like it a lot while driving or engaged in other activities, but it's kind of boring when simply relaxing with a pipe. I definitely prefer CB Royal or White, but this is far better than many OTC alternatives.
Ashton - Symmetry Prism
Good medium cigar
Interesting middle-of-the-road cigar. No standout flavor notes, but overall very enjoyable. Good burn and draw. A little pricey for me - there are less expensive cigars I like more.
Herrera Esteli - Miami Lonsdale
Creamy chocolate
Very smooth, creamy smoke. Chocolate notes with a fair bit of spice on the retro. Good burn and great draw. Overall very good but not stellar.
Cornell & Diehl - Jolly Old Saint Nicholas 2oz
Lightly aromatic, but I want more
I think I could never get quite the right circumstances to really enjoy this. Every once in a while with the right pipe and right cadence, I'd get the notes of orange and ginger, but mostly I got generic aromatic flavor. Nothing off-putting, but nothing special, either. The tobacco flavor is good, so if you want something lightly flavored with a good room note, this is great. But I guess I just want more "Christmas-ness" from a Christmas blend. Also was a touch bitey for me - not enough to cause a bite on its own, but enough to make my tounge feel worse if I'd already smoked some blends prone to bite that day.
Oliva - Connecticut Reserve Lonsdale
Smooth and creamy
Mild, but some interesting subtle spice and very creamy and smooth, with light body. I think it'd be a good intro to cigars. Construction was a little squishy. I've smoked a few of these in the robusto size, and I prefer that vitola, but this isn't bad at all. Good value.
Oliva - Serie V Belicoso
Solid
Good, typical flavor for a full-ish cigar. Nothing that stood out, but very enjoyable. Good construction.
Tatuaje - Havana VI Verocu Blue No. 2
Unique complexity
Great blend. Lots of flavors going on, but my palate isn't sophisticated enough to identify them. I just know I really like it. Very toothy wrapper. Perfect size for me. Perfect draw, although the burn was a bit uneven.
Blackbird - Unkind Robusto
Reminds me of coffee
I just smoked one of these after a heavy meal, and it hit all the right notes. Lots of dark sweetness, some fruity and tangy notes. Kind of like a nice coffee. Draw was great, but I was fighting an uneven burn through most of it.
RoMa Craft - CroMagnon Cranium
Rich and earthy
Lots of rich, dark flavors. A little molasses-like sweetness in the first inch, but it went away. Last 3rd got a bit bitter. Lots of tooth. A bit too heavy for me to be a regular smoke. Burn was pretty uneven, but draw was great.
Ashton - Aged Maduro #10
Outstanding
Fantastic balance and mix of flavors. Rich without being too heavy. Subtly sweet, woody, and a hint of an herbal quality complement the main earthy/leatherly flavor. Perfect burn and draw. I'll definitely pick up some more.
Arango - Balkan Supreme
Great Balkan
Smoky, slightly spicy, deep, and complex. Easy to prepare, pack, and light. Burns well but doesn't bite. Great value. I can't imagine anyone who likes Balkan blends wouldn't love this one.
Oliva - Serie V Melanio Robusto
Rich and smooth
Very good mix of rich flavors. Not the most complex cigar I've tried, but very smooth. Great burn, draw, and construction.
Aladino - Cameroon Robusto
Complex and creamy
Lots of interesting floral/herbal flavors. Nothing deep and rich, but lots of variation of lighter flavors. Very creamy after the first third. Flawless burn and draw. A great medium strength cigar.
Orlik - Golden Sliced 50g
Light, bright Virginia
This is one of the first Virginia blends I smoked and the first to really "speak" to me. Great subtle flavors that reward slow, gentle puffing. Satisfying without being overpowering. While I've since learned that my perfect Va/Per would have a bit more Perique, I have several tins of this stashed in the cellar, and I can't wait to see how it evolves with age.
Erinmore - Erinmore Flake 50g
Va + Bur + ?
The fruity topping is very powerful in the tin note, but equally hard to pin down. During the smoke, however, I barely noticed it. Instead it was just a great combo of Virginia and burley in roughly equal proportions. The flakes are beautifully cut in the tin, but pretty moist. I've only smoked one tin of it, and I'm still new to flakes, but I never quite figured out the perfect combination of drying time, pipe, pack, and cadence to keep this lit without getting too hot. The nic hit is noticeable but not overpowering. Overall, very enjoyable and I'm looking forward to opening the tin I have stashed in the cellar.
RoMa Craft - Aquitaine EMH
Earthy and complex
Lots of deep earthy flavors. Strong but well-balanced and not overpowering. Draw was perfect. Was a struggle to get it to burn evenly. Very good, but not a favorite.
La Gloria Cubana - Serie R #4 Maduro
Complex and spicy
Tasty with a lot of flavors and very spicy on the retro. I'm a huge fan of the natural Serie R, and I miss the sweetness of that Sumatra wrapper, but this is great for those who prefer the spiciness.
Ashtrays - Craftsman's Bench Cigar Ashtray - Boca Grande Natural
Double duty
I wholeheartedly agree with the previous reviewer that this is outstanding for use as a tray when rubbing out flakes or containing mess when transferring to jars. While mine has seen plenty of cigar ash, and it's perfectly good for that purpose, it's the dual functionality that sets this apart.
Home Fragrance - Smoke Odor Exterminator Candle Creamy Vanilla 13oz
It really does help
I like to burn this candle during every smoke in my home office, but sometimes I forget. When I go back into my office a couple hours after a smoke, I can definitely tell if I had the candle going or not, even if I blew it out soon after the smoke, and especially if I had smoked a cigar. It won't make your smoking room smell like it's not a smoking room, but it leaves the room with a pleasant (imo) tobacco smell instead of smelling like stale cigar or latakia.
La Aroma de Cuba - Original Immensa
Good deal
Complex flavor, if a little muted for my taste. Draw was perfect. Burn not so much, but it was probably my fault for a bad light and smoking too fast for about 20 minutes when I got distracted with something else. Overall I really enjoyed it and it's a great value at under $8 - I liked it more than some cigars I've had that were twice the price.
Lane Limited - 1-Q
Classic mild tobacco
Great room note. Easy to keep lit without getting tounge bite. It was my primary blend for years before switching to RLP-6 for a little fuller flavor.
Peterson - Royal Yacht 50g
Dark and rich
Royal Yacht was a wonderful deep sweetness. It feels almost like a rich, heavy desert. Pretty noticeable nic hit. I like it best as an evening smoke after a good meal.
Rocky Patel - Quarter Century Robusto
Delicious
Great full flavor without being overpowering. Outstanding burn and draw. A little more sweetness would make it 5 full stars for me, but I can't think of a dry cigar that I've liked more.
Captain Black - Royal 1.5oz
Good, simple aromatic
Tastes good and gets plenty of compliments from those around me. Burns well with no bite. Reasonable price. My favorite OTC blend of those I've tried so far.
Cornell & Diehl - Autumn Evening 2oz
Great aromatic
This is one of the few aromatic blends I've tried where the tin note comes through strongly in the taste of the smoke. The red Virginia is also very present, so it's not just the maple. If you like maple and are looking for a blend that pleases both the smoker and those around, it's hard to do better than Autumn Evening.
Partagas - 1845 Extra Fuerte Gigante
Great Flavor
I really enjoyed the complex mix of flavors. It seemed like every puff was a different combination, with different notes taking center stage. Draw was tight but still acceptable, and the burn was good.
Peterson - Early Morning Pipe 50g
Classic for a reason
Other reviewers have described this blend far better than I could, so I will just say that this is a great choice for those just starting to explore the variety of English blends. It's a reference point that many other English/Oriental blends are compared to, so knowing what you think of EMP will help you pick other tins. Personally, I love it and while it's not my absolute favorite blend of its type, it's right up there.
Peterson - My Mixture 965 50g
Quality tobacco, but not my favorite
It's a classic that I feel like you have to try if you're exploring the world of pipe tobacco - if only because so many blends are compared to it. This is a well-made, middle-of-the-road English blend. I like it, and every once in a while it hits the spot. But far more often I wish I had gone for something with lighter Latakia and more Oriental, like EMP, or else something more dark and rich like Nightcap.
Ashton - VSG Pegasus
Outstanding
Full, rich, complex flavor that developed throughout the smoke. Great burn and draw. One of those smokes that I didn't want to end. Definitely a cigar that I want to explore further.
Padron - Serie 1926 Natural #2 Belicoso
Excellent, but...
I may still be too new to cigars to really tell what sets this apart from a $10 stick. I really enjoyed it - great, smooth, complex flavor, and impeccable burn and draw. But did I really enjoy it 50% more than, say, a Padron 5000? I don't think I did.
La Gloria Cubana - Serie S Robusto Gordo
Interesting
I'm a huge fan of the Serie R, so I thought I'd give this a try. It's a very good, strong smoke with less sweetness and more spice than I get from the R. I still prefer the R, but will probably get a couple more of these for a change of pace.
Alec Bradley - Black Market Esteli Gordo
Very good, but...
I enjoyed the one I got from a sample pack. Good, complex flavor and solid construction. I'm glad I tried it, and I'd be happy to pick up more at the right price, but there wasn't anything outstanding about it to make want to seek them out in the future - I'd rather try something new and continue my quest for great smokes.
Camacho - Triple Maduro Robusto
Unique
Powerful flavor, but different from anything I've smoked before. Very toothy wrapper. Great draw and burn.
Punch - Signature Torpedo
Complex
I got a lot of different flavors throughout the smoke. My palate isn't good enough to really identify them, but they could change from puff to puff. Good draw and burn.
Rocky Patel - Vintage 1992 Robusto
Great
I definitely picked up the coffee notes mentioned in the description. Overall nice balance and great construction.
Padron - Natural 4000
Excellent
Deep, rich flavor. Great construction. It's hard to go wrong with a Padron.
Presbyterian - Presbyterian 50g
Great intro to English blends
I started pipe smoking with aromatics, and the first couple of times I dipped my toes into English blends (Nightcap & Magnum Opus), I wasn't a huge fan. In retrospect, it was too much Latakia, too soon. Then I tried Presbyterian and loved it. The Latakia here blends perfectly with the Orientals and Virginias, instead of being the most pronounced flavor. I've since revisited those first couple blends and several other bolder English mixtures, and now I can much better appreciate the Latakia. The stronger stuff is still not my preferred style, but I do really enjoy them when I'm in the right mood. But I could happily smoke Presbyterian all day every day. It's a favorite that I find myself reaching for several times a week.
Regius - Black Label Gran Toro
Nutty Goodness
Really enjoyable smoke. The flavor that stood out the most to me was roasted nuts. Also very creamy, especially in the 2nd half. Great burn and draw. I could see this becoming a new favorite.
Captain Black - Original 1.5oz
Good for on-the-go
I picked up a pouch at a local shop when I ran out of my usual RLP-6 on a trip. Very similar taste, but the CB has a harshness to it - maybe extra humectant? - and the cut is different. But still a very nice, mild aromatic and I found the pouch super convenient. So much so that I ordered more just to have a grab-and-go pouch around for when I need one.
RoMa Craft - Intemperance EC XVIII Brotherly Kindness
Nice creamy smoke
Good flavor for a milder cigar. Had some interesting toasty notes about halfway through. Draw was good, but the burn was super uneven. That may have been user error since my lighter was running out of fuel, but even several touch ups couldn’t get it straightened out. I have a few more in the humidor so I’ll update if it was just a one-off issue (Update: my others burned fine, but slightly uneven toward the end). Also, a minor annoyance, but the little band was tough to remove.
Oliva - Serie G Cameroon Toro
Good intro to stronger cigars
This is a good transition from milder cigars to the more full bodied sticks. I taste a lot of the flavor notes that are common in stronger cigars, but in a more subtle way.
My Father - The Judge Toro Fino BP
Not for me
I generally like full bodied cigars, but this one was dominated by a flavor (I think many refer to it as "earthy-ness"?) that was too powerful for my taste. I've liked that flavor note in other cigars when it's in the background, but with The Judge, it was front and center and basically all I could taste. Good quality construction, burn, and draw, but the flavor just doesn't appeal to me.
La Flor Dominicana - Ligero Cabinet L-400
Really good
Tasty, creamy smoke. Before lighting, the wrapper was really spicy, but didn't get much spice once lit. Good draw, and a nice slow burn.
Herrera Esteli - Habano Robusto Grande
Cedar & Leather...
...were the 2 notes that really stood out to me. Good complexity for a medium cigar. Great burn and draw.
Lane Limited - RLP-6
Great, easy-to-smoke aromatic
I smoked basically nothing but this for years. I've since branched out and have a cellar stocked with all different types and brands of tobacco, but RLP-6 is still my old reliable. It's in my pipe while working in the home office, driving, or pulling weeds. When I can't decide what to smoke, I reach for this. Easy to pack, stays lit, doesn't bite. Good flavor and doesn't scare away non-smokers. Couldn't ask for much more from a blend.
Oliva - Connecticut Reserve Robusto
Good value
If you're in the mood for a lighter smoke, this one is hard to beat for the price. Good draw and burn. A nice change of pace from the stronger stuff I normally prefer.
Oliva - Serie O Habano Robusto
Nice and smooth
Not a flavor bomb, but a good, smooth, reliable smoke. I like these when I'm working in the yard or talking with friends. Great to share with folks who don't smoke much. Really good value, especially when they're on sale.
La Gloria Cubana - Serie R #6 Natural
Big and tasty
When I want a big, bold smoke, this is my favorite. Lots of deep, rich flavors, plus a cocoa-like sweetness from the wrapper that I love. I make sure I always have a few of these stocked in my humidor.
Oliva - Master Blends 3 Liga Maestra Robusto
Pretty good
Decent amount of flavor and good construction. I got a few of these from Oliva sampler packs and they were pretty good for the $4 per stick price, but I wouldn't pay full price for them.
Oliva - Serie V Melanio Maduro Double Toro
Really tasty, but not quite up to expectations
I've read a lot of folks say they love the Serie V Melanio blend, so I wanted to see for myself. It is really good with a lot of flavor, but I don't quite get the hype. Might have to try a couple more or different vitolas to see if I find one that's the mind-blowing experience others have described.
Padron - 5000 Natural
Just right
I don't know what it is about Padrons, but they hit all the right notes for me. Had a lot of puffs that made me think "hmm, that's nice" to myself although I can't pinpoint what made me think that. The size is right in my Goldilocks zone: between robusto and toro in length, nice and fat without getting to 60 rg. Great burn and draw. Will definitely get more. Might even think about a box.
Cohiba - Blue Toro
Not bad, not great
This was a nice creamy smoke, but a little on the mild side for my taste. I'd never claim to have a sophisticated palate, but I didn't pick up any particular flavors. The draw was a little tighter than I like, but not an issue. The burn got uneven in the 2nd half, but not to a dramatic extent. I won't be getting more, but wouldn't turn it down if a friend offered me one.
Warped - Serie Gran Reserva 1988
Solid, but nothing special
I had a few puffs near the beginning with some deep earthy/leathery flavors, but mostly it was typical mid-strong flavor profile. Good burn throughout. The draw was a little tighter than I prefer, but not a problem. Nothing bad to say, but there wasn't anything to make me want to get more of these instead of trying something new.
Hoyo de Monterrey - Excalibur No. 3 English Claro
Classic
This was my first "real" cigar back in the mid 90s, and the only cigar I had a chance to smoke with my grandpa, so it has a special place in my heart. It's my go-to for a mild-medium smoke. Not super complex, but consistently good burn and draw
