30th May2011

Arturo Fuente Flor Fina 8-5-8 Claro

by GoodFellasCigars

Wrapper: Candela

Binder: Dominican

Filler: Dominican

Shape: Toro

Size: 6×47, 8-5-8

Country: Dominican Republic

If your looking for something a little different and cheaper than your normal smoke look no further. The Arturo Fuente Flor Fina has a unique green wrapper otherwise known as a candela wrapper. This is also a great smoke for someone that is kind of inexperienced because it is a very mild smoke with a very mild body too. The candela wrappers used to be more common in the cigar world but, these days they have taken more of a backseat. Don’t let that deter you from trying one of these because candela cigars bring a lot of different flavors to the playing field that one may have not experienced before. This cigar is triple capped with very good, firm construction. The pre-light flavors are of tobacco and a cool earth which gives a smooth draw aswell. The initial draw is smooth and creamy with a sweetness that is balanced with notes of floral. The first third has a greater strength of floral notes but, nothing that is overwhelming and creamy thick smoke that still remains. This cigar is also one of those you can set down for a while and pick back up and use very little puffs to get it going once again. Traveling through the second third I was able to pin down the sweetness which was a butterscotch. The second third brought in more flavors which were a light cedar and a crispy wheat. The burn line throughout all of this has remained even with no touch ups needed. As for the final third and the remainder of the finish the subtle floral notes in this cigar take center stage but, once again not in an overwhelming  sense. The Flor Fina didn’t disappoint at all. It’s a great stick for the one that enjoys a very mild smoke or one that wants to experience something a little different from the norm.

18th Mar2011

Macanudo Crü Royale

by GoodFellasCigars

Wrapper: Ecuadoran Habano

Filler: Brazilian Mata Fina, Nicaraguan and Dominican Viso longfiller

Binder: La Vega Especiale (Dominican Republic)

Country: Dominican Republic

To start off this was a well priced and excellent cigar all the way through, most likely due to the fact it was crafted by the legendary Benji Menedez. The same man who created the Limited Partagas Benji Master Series. This smoke uses an Ecuadorian wrapper that encloses a Dominican binder, Brazilian, Nicaraguan, and Dominican filler that makes an enjoyable medium-bodied smoke.  The Crü had thick veins and a soft pack that produced a lot of smoke. The initial draw was smooth and had thick creamy, nutty smoke with flavors of rich earth. The first third had a caramelized, creamy, sweet tobacco flavor with a perfect mix of earth and mixed nuts. The ash was white but, not to firm and the burn was slightly jagged that needed touch ups. The second third was for the most part was the same as the first third staying creamy and enjoyable with the burn getting a little better. As for the finish the burn evened out and the flavors weren’t overwhelming as in harsh until the absolute end. The caramelization went away and the earth toned down a bit with the nutty flavor remaining. This is a fairly new smoke by Macanudo that didn’t disappoint and stayed very consistent even though the burn was a bit jagged but, don’t let that turn you away this smoke is very recommended.