Eliu's Picks

Eliu
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TASTE:All
HOBBIES:MMA, Listening to music, Photography, Videography
STRENGTH:Medium to Full
Diamond Crown Julius Caeser Pyramid 61/2 * 52
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The Diamond Crown Julius Caesar Pyramid (6 1/2" x 52) offers a luxurious smoking experience with a smooth, medium-to-full-bodied profile. Its rich flavors of creamy leather, hints of spice, and subtle notes of cedar provide complexity and depth. The construction is flawless, with a perfect draw and even burn. A refined choice for those seeking sophistication and balance in a premium cigar. This is in my top 5 best cigars I've smoked. Picked on 01/22/2025
Davidoff Winston Churchill Late Hour Toro 6 * 54
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The Davidoff Winston Churchill Late Hour this is a premium cigar that is well worth its reputation. Appearance: Dark and Oily wrapper First Third: The draw is smooth and consistent, with a medium-to-full-bodied profile. There is a noticeable presence of spice, though it is well balanced by the sweetness of dried fruit and a slight hint of vanilla. As it progresses, the wood and coffee flavors become more pronounced, leading to a savory, satisfying experience. Second Third: In the second third, the cigar's flavors evolve into deeper, more complex layers. The spice intensifies slightly, but it remains harmonious with the earthy undertones. There is a growing presence of leather and toasted nuts, with the sweetness of dried fruits and cocoa continuing to develop. The smoke is creamy, and the aroma is fragrant, adding to the overall indulgent experience. Final Third: The final third brings a fuller, richer flavor profile, with the addition of some dark chocolate bitterness and an underlying earthy richness. The woodsy and leathery notes continue to dominate, while the subtle spice offers a pleasing finish. The cigar burns evenly throughout, maintaining a cool, smooth draw with no harshness. Final Thoughts: The Late Hour is an impressive offering from Davidoff, delivering a memorable, refined experience. It's a great choice for those who enjoy a cigar with both depth and balance, with flavors that evolve over time. The construction and burn quality are flawless, and the cigar’s smoothness is complemented by its rich, complex flavor profile. It's a perfect companion for a quiet evening or special occasion, and it certainly lives up to the legacy of Winston Churchill. Picked on 12/21/2024
Patoro VA XO Extra Salomones 7 * 58
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The Patoro VA XO Extra Salomones is a striking cigar with a sleek, smooth, and dark wrapper that is both rich in color and texture. The dark wrapper, often with a slightly oily sheen, complements its large, unique shape. The 7-inch length and 58-ring gauge make it a commanding presence, and the Salomones vitola—tapering at both ends—adds to the aesthetic allure and promises a refined smoking experience. The construction is flawless, with no soft spots and a well-packed filler. The cigar is firm to the touch but still pliable enough to ensure a smooth draw. The cap is expertly applied, which allows for easy clipping. Pre-Light & Cold Draw Upon cold drawing, there are initial notes of tobacco, wood, and hints of earthiness. There’s a slight sweetness too, making it intriguing before even lighting the cigar. The pre-light aroma reveals a combination of cedar, nuts, and subtle spices, which entices the senses. First Third After lighting, the Patoro VA XO Extra Salomones opens with a medium-bodied profile. Flavors of rich, aged tobacco lead the way, accompanied by hints of cedar and a slight nuttiness. There's a faint sweetness in the background, reminiscent of honey or brown sugar, which balances the savory notes well. The draw is smooth and consistent, producing ample smoke with every puff. The burn is even, and the ash holds firm, staying intact for a good length of time before gently falling off. Second Third As the cigar progresses into the second third, it becomes slightly more complex. The medium-bodied flavors evolve, and there's a shift towards a more peppery and leathery profile. There are still notes of wood, but now they're joined by an occasional touch of dark chocolate and roasted coffee. These flavors interweave well, providing an enjoyable depth that keeps the experience interesting. At this point, the body remains consistent, but the intensity builds ever so slightly, keeping the smoking experience full-bodied without becoming overw Picked on 12/01/2024
Padron 1926 Serie No. 9 Maduro 51/4 * 56
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The Padron 1926 Serie No. 9 Maduro is a standout in the world of premium cigars. With its robust 5¼ x 56 format, it offers a rich and complex smoking experience. The Maduro wrapper brings a deep, chocolatey sweetness that perfectly complements the cigar's earthy and spicy undertones. Upon lighting, expect a smooth draw that delivers notes of cocoa, coffee, and hints of dried fruit. The balance of flavors is impressive, evolving beautifully from start to finish. The construction is impeccable, with a firm ash and a consistent burn. This cigar is full-bodied but remains approachable, making it suitable for both seasoned smokers and those looking to explore deeper flavors. Overall, the Padron 1926 Serie No. 9 Maduro is a luxurious choice that embodies craftsmanship and depth, making it a must-try for enthusiasts. This is be far one of my favorite cigars. Picked on 10/21/2024
Plasencia Alma Fuerte Generacion V Salomon 7 * 58
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Plasencia Alma Fuerte Generacion V Salomon (7" x 58) Appearance and Construction: The Plasencia Alma Fuerte Generacion V Salomon boasts an impressive size, measuring 7 inches with a robust 58 ring gauge. Its dark, oily wrapper is beautifully textured, showcasing a few prominent veins that add character. The triple cap is flawlessly applied, and the overall construction feels solid and well-crafted, promising a satisfying smoking experience. Pre-Light: Upon cutting, the cold draw reveals a rich mix of cocoa and earthy notes, with a hint of spice that tantalizes the palate. The draw is slightly resistant, which is typical for larger ring gauges but still allows for an enjoyable pre-light experience. First Third: As the cigar is lit, it opens with a burst of rich, full-bodied flavors. Earthy notes dominate, accompanied by a velvety cocoa sweetness, plum or dried fruit and a subtle black pepper kick. The smoke is thick and creamy, filling the palate with each puff. There’s a nice balance of strength and complexity that sets the tone for an engaging smoke. Second Third: Moving into the second third, the profile deepens. The initial cocoa sweetness transitions to a more pronounced dark chocolate flavor, while the earthy undertones become more pronounced. Hints of cedar and a slight nuttiness emerge, adding layers to the experience. The strength builds, but it remains approachable, with the retrohale offering a delightful spice that enhances the overall profile. Final Third: In the final third, the Alma Fuerte Salomon hits its peak. The flavors intensify, showcasing a bold mix of dark chocolate, leather, and a robust peppery finish. The construction remains impeccable, with a perfect burn line and a steady draw. The smoke is cool and rich, allowing for a luxurious finish to the experience. Overall Impression: The Plasencia Alma Fuerte Generacion V Salomon is a powerhouse of flavor and strength, perfect for seasoned smokers looking for depth and complexity. Its we Picked on 10/01/2024
Espinosa Las 6 Provincias ZDT 61/2 * 48
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The Espinosa Las 6 Provincias ZDT is a compelling cigar that offers a sophisticated experience for cigar smokers. it provides a substantial smoking time and a well-balanced profile. The initial draw presents rich notes of leather and cocoa, complemented by a subtle peppery spice. As the cigar progresses, these flavors deepen, revealing hints of coffee and a touch of earthiness. The complexity of the flavor profile is well-matched by the cigar's construction, which boasts a smooth, firm draw and a well-constructed ash. The construction and burn are consistent throughout, with the cigar maintaining a steady, even burn line. The smoke is creamy and full-bodied, offering a satisfying, medium to full strength experience. Overall, the Espinosa Las 6 Provincias ZDT is a refined choice for those seeking a nuanced and engaging cigar, with its well-rounded flavors and excellent build quality. Picked on 08/30/2024
AJ Fernandez Dias de Gloria Brazil Gordo 61/2 * 60
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AJ Fernandez Dias de Gloria Brazil Gordo: Tasting Notes: Cocoa, espresso, and leather Appearance: The look of the cigar is a dark brown. Origins: the origins are from Brazil and Nicaragua. First Third: From the light I get hints of cocoa and espresso taste. The draw is excellent and it also gives a great amount of smoke off of every hit. The cigar hits the medium mark I’d say. Second third: About 30 minutes in I’m getting the same espresso notes with a kick of leather and some cocoa. Last Third: Going into the last third of the cigar. The cigar kept the cocoa/dark chocolate tasting notes throughout the entire smoke with a bit of espresso. This was a really unique cigar mixing Brazilian and Nicaraguan tobacco together and making an amazing smoke Overall a great smoke I would recommend to anyone that likes AJ Products. Amazing cigar! Picked on 07/12/2024
Jaime Garcia Reserva Especial Robusto 51/4 * 52
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Jaime Garcia Reserve Especial: Tasting Notes: Cocoa, espresso, nutty, and leather Appearance: The look of the cigar is a dark brown. Origins: the origins are from Nicaragua. First Third: From the light I get hints of cocoa, espresso and a slight bit of nutty taste. The draw is excellent and it also gives a great amount of smoke off of every hit. The cigar hits the medium mark I’d say. Second third: About 30 minutes in I’m getting the same espresso notes with a kick of leather and some cocoa. Last Third: Going into the last third of the cigar. The cigar kept the cocoa/dark chocolate tasting notes throughout the entire smoke with a bit of espresso. Overall a great smoke I would recommend to anyone that loves Connecticut Broadleaf. Amazing cigar! Picked on 06/11/2024
Rocky Patel The Edge Sumatra Torpedo 6 * 52
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Tasting Notes: leathery, woody, spice Appearance: The look of the cigar is a medium to dark brown wrap Origins: the origins are from Honduras. First Third: Straight from the light I get hints of leather, woody and a slight bit of pepper. The draw is excellent and it also gives a great amount of smoke off of every hit. The cigar hits the medium mark I’d say. Second third: About 30 minutes in I’m getting the same leather notes with a slight hint of pepper and some natural tobacco sweetness. Last Third: Going into the last third of the cigar. The cigar kept the woody tasting notes throughout the entire smoke. Overall a great smoke I would recommend to anyone that wants a consistent and good smoke. Picked on 04/16/2024
Macanudo Inspirado Red Robusto 5 * 50
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Tasting Notes: Bold cigar with leathery and cedar notes Appearance: The look of the cigar is a dark brown with a slight oily finish First Third: Straight from the light I get hints of ceder and earthy tobacco. The draw is excellent but not a thick flow of smoke. The cigar hits the medium mark I’d say. Second third: About 20 minutes in I’m getting the same cedar and leather notes with a slight hint of pepper. Burn is still perfect and has not had to be re-lit once yet. Last Third: Going into the last third of the cigar. The smoke production has gone from light smoke to heavy smoke. It’s kept its consistency through the smoke not a super complex cigar. It has kept the same tasting notes the entire time. Overall a great smoke I would recommend to anyone that wants a consistent and good smoke. Picked on 01/10/2024
Rocky Patel The Edge Maduro Toro 6 * 52
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Notes: Bold pepper/spice and cedar from the light of the cigar Appearance: The look of the cigar is a very dark oily look First Third: Upon lighting up I'm greeted by a mix of dried cedar and maduro sweetness with just a hint of pepper. The draw is excellent, and the cigar is pouring out a ton of dense smoke. The cigar hits the medium-full mark right out of the gate. Second third: About 40 minutes in I’m in the second third I’ve been hit with slight notes of coffee. The spice is still a prevalent flavor in this second third part of the smoke. The smoke is still very dense, and the burn is perfect. This is categorized as a medium body cigar BUT I would put this as a full body cigar. As someone that is a daily cigar smoker this one seems to be a heavy smoke. Last Third: At about 1 hour and 20-minute point I'm at the final third. Spice, espresso, and leather have taken off the flavor profile. The wrapper appearance has stood strong still dark and very oily. The high nicotine content is still present. The cigar begins to get hot and bitter with about an inch left of the smoke. So, I’ll be putting it out now. Total smoke time 2 hours and 10 minutes. Final thoughts, a very good thick smoke. This is cigar you have after a full meal and a smoke that would pair great with a Cabernet Sauvignon or a nice smooth Bourbon. Overall, a great smoke I would recommend to anyone that wants a bold smoke with tons of flavor. Picked on 11/10/2023
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