ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZAAABACADAEAFAGAHAIAJAKALAMAN
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TimestampReviewerCigar NumberAppearance [Score]Appearance NotesAroma [Score]Aroma Notes1/3 Flavor [Score]1/3 Strength1/3 Body/Complexity1/3 Notes2/3 Flavor [Score]2/3 Strength2/3 Body/Complexity2/3 Notes3/3 Flavor [Score]3/3 Strength3/3 Body/Complexity3/3 NotesDraw [Score]Draw NotesBurn [Score]Burn NotesConstruction ScoreConstruction NotesOverall Experience [Score]Overall NotesSmoking timeAppearanceAromafirst 1first 2second 1second 2final 1final 2drawburnconst
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7/12/2020 13:51:11Alan Eulogy)102592.5"The wrapper has a fudge brownie look to it. There's quite a few veins running the length of the wrapper and one that is rather gnarly to the touch. Still, it is pleasing to the eye. I like the mohawk shaped cap that's ridged to the touch and the seams are very tight. " -<strong>Alan </strong> (Eulogy)92.5"Baking spice, tobacco, and hay are both found on the foot and predraw. " -<strong>Alan </strong> (Eulogy)92.5Mild-MediumMedium"I'm hoping the draw eases up a little. At the moment it's tight as a drum and is difficult to keep smoking. There's a burnt coffee note that's at the forefront with some leather and a slight vegetal flavor at the end. " -<strong>Alan </strong> (Eulogy)92.5Mild-MediumMedium"The draw has reach an almost perfect level and the smoke output is reaching dumpster fire status. I'm finally getting a some baking spice and a touch of heat to liven up the experience. There's a bit of char, clove, leather, grain, and black coffee on the luxurious draw. The smoke is so thick it's almost a marshmallow feeling on the palate. " -<strong>Alan </strong> (Eulogy)92.5Mild-MediumMedium"Pretty similar to the previous third. The grain, coffee, clove, baking spice, leather, and tobacco notes are all still there. There's just a touch of heat but it's enough to keep it interesting. " -<strong>Alan </strong> (Eulogy)92.5"I'm thankful that the draw loosened up after about an inch. After that point, it was perfect from then on. " -<strong>Alan </strong> (Eulogy)97.5"Razor sharp from beginning to end. It was a bit surprising due to the amount of large and gnarly veins running the length of the wrapper. " -<strong>Alan </strong> (Eulogy)95"No soft spots prelight, the seams were tight, and the cap was well applied and certainly gave a bit of flair to the appearance. " -<strong>Alan </strong> (Eulogy)95"I enjoyed this a lot more than some of the ratings might suggest. The profile kept changing just enough to keep me engaged and the smoke output was amazing. There's not a lot of cigars that have a marshmallow mouth feel going for it. Something worth trying for the nonstandard flavor profile and wow factor of the appearance. " -<strong>Alan </strong> (Eulogy)120#NAME?#NAME?#NAME?#NAME?#NAME?#NAME?#NAME?#NAME?#NAME?#NAME?#NAME?
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7/14/2020 11:08:24Sean F. fullermaine)102595"Great dark coffee wrapper with a pigtail cap. Slightly veiny, but no problems as I light up." -<strong>Sean F. </strong> (fullermaine)95"Notes of chocolate right off the first puff. " -<strong>Sean F. </strong> (fullermaine)95MediumMedium"A few puffs in and notes of leather and earth come through. Absolutely perfect!" -<strong>Sean F. </strong> (fullermaine)95MediumMedium"Leather notes are still present. The leather notes are paired with a subtle hint of cherry and peanut." -<strong>Sean F. </strong> (fullermaine)95MediumMedium"Leather notes are still present. A nice hint of dark chocolate round out this stick." -<strong>Sean F. </strong> (fullermaine)100"Absolutely perfect draw. Small touch up is needed." -<strong>Sean F. </strong> (fullermaine)100"Perfect burn from beginning to end. Grayish-white ash hangs throughout." -<strong>Sean F. </strong> (fullermaine)95"I was quick to judge the veins in this cigar. No unraveling. Beautifully constructed. The maker took time to make this stick." -<strong>Sean F. </strong> (fullermaine)97.5"Never judge a wrapper by its color. I was expecting a extremely harsh taste. I was surprised that it was a medium to mild taste. Notes of leather throughout with a nice mix of earth, cherry, and chocolate. Grab a few for your humidor." -<strong>Sean F. </strong> (fullermaine)75#NAME?#NAME?#NAME?#NAME?#NAME?#NAME?#NAME?#NAME?#NAME?#NAME?#NAME?
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7/14/2020 14:25:11Matt Cade CADE)102597.5"Ok, I have to be honest here. For the first time in my storied career as a panelist for Blind Man’s Puff, I can tell immediately what tonight’s cigar is. It is the Year Of The Rat by Drew Estate. The “pescado” fish tail cap is a dead giveaway and that Liga 9 wrapper is... well, it’s simply one of a kind. Having said all of that, I’m prepared to look like a complete dumbass if this turns out to be something different. It’s ok, it won’t be the first time I fail in glorious fashion on the big stage. It happens at least every other week..." -<strong>Matt Cade </strong> (CADE)95"The dark, near black wrapper emits aromas of chocolate and a rich sweetness pours off the foot. I twist off the unique cap (no cutting required) and there’s that sweetness and dark chocolate as well on the cold draw." -<strong>Matt Cade </strong> (CADE)95MediumMedium"Black pepper on the nose and deep notes of dark chocolate and espresso on the draw are the first impressions upon torching the Year... the blind #1025 cigar. Thick white smoke pours from the foot and travels seductively up the body of the cigar, producing a solid white ash. There is also a bold earthiness present that melds expertly with the other flavors present." -<strong>Matt Cade </strong> (CADE)95MediumMedium"The ash has split in half down the middle like a hungry alligator’s mouth but in no way has that hindered the smoking experience whatsoever. Construction has been fantastic with a smooth effortless draw and a straight burn line. Those core flavors of coffee, chocolate, and earth remain steadfast throughout the second third with the potent nose spice on the retrohale never wavering. The ash drops right at the halfway point just as the peppery spice increases on the nose..." -<strong>Matt Cade </strong> (CADE)95MediumMedium-Full"Damn if that spicy retrohale doesn’t continue to ramp up throughout the final third of the Year Of The... I mean Blind Cigar #1025. The coffee presence on the draw becomes heavier as well and the earthiness grows thicker, meatier. For a small vitola, this cigar has some serious balls." -<strong>Matt Cade </strong> (CADE)95"An excellent draw throughout the smoking experience which is so damn impressive when you consider that the cap was twisted off by hand without the aid of a cutter." -<strong>Matt Cade </strong> (CADE)92.5"Straight burn line and no relights required throughout the smoking experience." -<strong>Matt Cade </strong> (CADE)95"This cigar’s construction was phenomenal. I personally love it when I can twist the expertly applied cap off and not have to utilize a tool to achieve a smooth, clear draw. Bravo! And with an impressive ash throughout and consistently straight burn lines, there’s absolutely zero issues of not with the Year Of The... sorry, Blind Cigar #1025." -<strong>Matt Cade </strong> (CADE)95"There’s a very good reason that I easily recognized tonight’s cigar well beyond its fish tail cap - I’ve smoked a ton of these beauties and I know them well. While highly limited, I hope all of you out there get to experience it sooner rather than later because it’s one of the finest cigars currently being made. And, if it in fact is NOT the Year Of The Rat, I will happily stick my rat tail between my legs and buy a box of whatever these wonderful cigars are..." -<strong>Matt Cade </strong> (CADE)55#NAME?#NAME?#NAME?#NAME?#NAME?#NAME?#NAME?#NAME?#NAME?#NAME?#NAME?
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7/18/2020 15:38:00Kevin A. Kevin A.)102590"This cigar is very rustic looking. The wrapper is a dark brown with a rugged leather look and a satiny sheen to it. There is mild discoloration in the wrapper, some mottling, and several prominent veins visible. The cap on this is unique, more of a fan tail than a pigtail. The cigar is firm but bit hard from foot to cap. " -<strong>Kevin A. </strong> (Kevin A.)92.5"The aroma coming from the foot of this cigar is very good. There is a sweetness that is similar to Nutella, cocoa powder, and a little bit of anise. This all has an underlying earthiness to it. It is very intriguing and has the mouth watering already before the prelight draw. The prelight draw gives off even more sweetness, with a good balance of sweet tobacco, cocoa, and coffee." -<strong>Kevin A. </strong> (Kevin A.)90Medium-StrongMedium-Full"Wow the first third starts of with a blast of pepper, the almost immediately tames down a little. There are strong notes of dark chocolate, sweet tobacco, and smoked almonds. The retrohale is predominantly red pepper, with a little bit of anise on the finish giving the nostrils a "zing factor". The smoke is pouring off of the foot of this cigar, and each draw allows this heavy smoke to envelope the palate. The amount of smoke is creating an overall creaminess to a sweet and peppery, earth cigar. " -<strong>Kevin A. </strong> (Kevin A.)90Medium-StrongMedium-Full"As this cigar progresses, the sweetness continues to balance out the pepper. Speaking of the pepper, it has now tamed to more of a black pepper, versus the hot red pepper in the first third. The creaminess still envelopes all of the flavors, including the pepper and anise in the retrohale, and makes for a very smooth, flavorful smoking experience. " -<strong>Kevin A. </strong> (Kevin A.)90Medium-StrongMedium-Full"As this cigar wraps up, the sweetness has faded almost completely into the background, with the earthy, peppery spicy note beginning to dominate. The creaminess of the blend has not left, and keeps everything smooth. With the amount of pepper this cigar is now putting out, there is no harshness to it at all. The blenders did a great job keeping the power in the profile while keeping the cigar pleasant to smoke and enjoyable! " -<strong>Kevin A. </strong> (Kevin A.)87.5"The draw was just a notch on the loose side for me, although it did allow me to get easily get a mouthful of this thick and creamy smoke" -<strong>Kevin A. </strong> (Kevin A.)95"This cigar burned like a champ. With the looser draw and the small ring gauge, I was worried that the cigar would heat up. It never did and burned straight and true" -<strong>Kevin A. </strong> (Kevin A.)95"Although the cigar has a "rugged" look, it is put together exceptionally well. I really like the cap on the cigar, it makes it unique. " -<strong>Kevin A. </strong> (Kevin A.)90"This is definitely a cigar I will want to have in the humidor! A perfect balance of sweet and savory! The smoking time is really good for such a small ring gauge, which is a good thing, as it really enhances the enjoyment. " -<strong>Kevin A. </strong> (Kevin A.)102#NAME?#NAME?#NAME?#NAME?#NAME?#NAME?#NAME?#NAME?#NAME?#NAME?#NAME?
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7/20/2020 18:43:42Kevin J. maninblack77)102592.5"This corona sized cigar has a wrapper that is dark as night with an oily sheen to it. Numerous bumps to it which doesn't really detract from the appearance too much. Nice fantail cap to it. " -<strong>Kevin J. </strong> (maninblack77)92.5"Really digging the chocolate and damp earth aromas from the foot and the wrapper. A slight sweetness also awakens my senses. Let's put a fire to this and see what it holds in store for us!" -<strong>Kevin J. </strong> (maninblack77)95Medium-StrongMedium"After toasting the foot completely, the first few puffs were definitely in my wheelhouse. Dark dark chocolate and roasted coffee mixed in with that damp earth to let me know this sucker has some kick to it. A slight bitterness was also there but luckily it went away fairly quickly . Great even burn. This thing smokes like a freight train. An over abundance of thick creamy smoke. Really digging it thus far. Let's see what else this thing holds in store. " -<strong>Kevin J. </strong> (maninblack77)95MediumMedium"The dark chocolate faded into a more milk chocolate flavor as we headed into the second third. A very earthy cigar as well with some oak and leather notes tossed in. Still smoking like a champ . Retro is a tad harsh but not overly overpowering. Flavors definitely work together in this to create a great experience so far. " -<strong>Kevin J. </strong> (maninblack77)92.5Medium-StrongMedium"As we head into the final third, I'm still getting the same earth and dark coffee/chocolate notes as the previous 2/3. That bitterness returned for a few puffs but didn't linger thankfully. The amount of smoke output definitely did a great job keeping the bugs away from me. The cigar finished strong. Each of the flavors were just what I expected from such a dark and decadent cigar. " -<strong>Kevin J. </strong> (maninblack77)100"Perfect easy draw. Zero issues. " -<strong>Kevin J. </strong> (maninblack77)100"Same as the draw, perfection. Zero touch ups. Straight as an arrow. " -<strong>Kevin J. </strong> (maninblack77)97.5"Construction wise, this thing was a winner. Burn, draw, smoke output and flavors all worked very well together. Very well done. " -<strong>Kevin J. </strong> (maninblack77)97.5"As noted in my tasting notes, each flavor was just as I expected . Dark chocolate and coffee with a slight earthiness all creating a notable smoking experience . I'd easily give this a 95. Great cigar that is box worthy for sure. " -<strong>Kevin J. </strong> (maninblack77)75#NAME?#NAME?#NAME?#NAME?#NAME?#NAME?#NAME?#NAME?#NAME?#NAME?#NAME?
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Real Average93.5093.5093.505.905.9093.505.505.9093.005.906.3095.0097.0095.5095.0085.40
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Standard Deviation2.851.372.241.670.892.241.410.892.091.671.105.303.261.123.0625.56
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Lower89.9491.7990.703.814.7890.703.734.7890.393.814.9388.3792.9394.1091.1753.45
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Upper97.0695.2196.307.997.0296.307.277.0295.617.997.67101.63101.0796.9098.83117.35
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Alan 92.592.592.5FALSE5.592.5FALSE5.592.5FALSE5.592.597.59595FALSE
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Sean F. 9595955.55.5955.55.5955.55.51001009597.575
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Matt Cade FALSE95955.55.5955.55.5955.57.595FALSE959555
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Kevin A. 9092.5FALSE7.5FALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSE7.57.5FALSE9595FALSE102
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Kevin J. 92.592.5957.55.5955.55.592.57.55.5100100FALSE97.575
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#VALUE!FALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSE
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#VALUE!FALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSE
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#VALUE!FALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSE
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#VALUE!FALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSE
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#VALUE!FALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSEFALSE
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Adjusted Average93949476946694769798959677
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Weight10510101010101025100
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Score9.254.689.449.449.389.699.819.5024.0695.24
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Overall Strength6.17
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Overall Body5.77
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Total Score95
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3.55.53.55.53.55.5
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5.55.55.55.55.55.5
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5.55.55.55.55.57.5
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7.57.57.57.57.57.5
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7.55.55.55.57.55.5
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<h3>Initial Impressions</h3>Blind Cigar Review: Drew Estate | Liga Privada Unico Serie Year of the Rat
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<h4>Appearance:<strong>93</strong></h4><h3>Cigar Info</h3>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">Vital Stats:</h3>
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#NAME?<p style="text-align: center;font-size: 130%; line-height: 140%;">Vitola: <strong>Corona Gorda</strong>
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<h4>Aroma:<strong>94</strong></h4>Length:<strong>5 1/2" </strong>
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#NAME?Ring Gauge:<strong>46</strong>
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<h3>First Third</h3>Country of Origin:<strong>Nicaragua</strong>
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<h4>Flavor:<strong>94</strong>Wrapper:<strong>USA Connecticut Broadleaf</strong>
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Strength:<strong>Medium-Strong</strong>Binder:<strong>Brazil</strong>
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Body/Complexity:<strong>Medium</strong></h4>Filler:<strong>Honduras & Nicaragua</strong>
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#NAME?Factory:<strong>La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate</strong>
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Blender:<strong>Willy Herrera</strong>
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#NAME?Number of reviewers: <strong>5</strong>- <strong>Alan </strong>(Eulogy)<strong>Sean F. </strong>(fullermaine)<strong>Matt Cade </strong>(CADE)<strong>Kevin A. </strong>(Kevin A.)<strong>Kevin J. </strong>(maninblack77)#VALUE!#VALUE!#VALUE!#VALUE!#VALUE!
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<h3>Second Third</h3>Price:<strong>$15.99</strong>
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<h4>Flavor:<strong>94</strong>Age:<strong>3 Months </strong>
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Strength:<strong>Medium</strong>Release Date:<strong>April 2020</strong>
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Body/Complexity:<strong>Medium</strong></h4>Contributed by:<strong>Drew Estate</strong></p>
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#NAME?
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<h3>Final Third</h3>
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<h4>Flavor:<strong>94</strong>
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Strength:<strong>Medium-Strong</strong>
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Body/Complexity:<strong>Medium-Full</strong></h4>
65
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66
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68
<h3>Overall Impressions<h3>
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<h4>Draw:<strong>97</strong></h4>
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#NAME?
71
<h4>Burn:<strong>98</strong></h4>
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#NAME?
73
<h4>Construction:<strong>95</strong></h4>
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#NAME?
75
<h4>Overall Strength:<strong>Medium-Strong</strong>
76
Overall Body/Complexity:<strong>Medium-Full</strong>
77
Experience Overall:<strong>96</strong></h4>
78
"I enjoyed this a lot more than some of the ratings might suggest. The profile kept changing just enough to keep me engaged and the smoke output was amazing. There's not a lot of cigars that have a marshmallow mouth feel going for it. Something worth trying for the nonstandard flavor profile and wow factor of the appearance. " -<strong>Alan </strong> (Eulogy)<br />
79
80
"Never judge a wrapper by its color. I was expecting a extremely harsh taste. I was surprised that it was a medium to mild taste. Notes of leather throughout with a nice mix of earth, cherry, and chocolate. Grab a few for your humidor." -<strong>Sean F. </strong> (fullermaine)<br />
81
82
"There’s a very good reason that I easily recognized tonight’s cigar well beyond its fish tail cap - I’ve smoked a ton of these beauties and I know them well. While highly limited, I hope all of you out there get to experience it sooner rather than later because it’s one of the finest cigars currently being made. And, if it in fact is NOT the Year Of The Rat, I will happily stick my rat tail between my legs and buy a box of whatever these wonderful cigars are..." -<strong>Matt Cade </strong> (CADE)<br />
83
84
"This is definitely a cigar I will want to have in the humidor! A perfect balance of sweet and savory! The smoking time is really good for such a small ring gauge, which is a good thing, as it really enhances the enjoyment. " -<strong>Kevin A. </strong> (Kevin A.)<br />
85
86
"As noted in my tasting notes, each flavor was just as I expected . Dark chocolate and coffee with a slight earthiness all creating a notable smoking experience . I'd easily give this a 95. Great cigar that is box worthy for sure. " -<strong>Kevin J. </strong> (maninblack77)
87
<h4>Smoking Time (in minutes):<strong>77</strong></h4>
88
Total Score:95
89
7/12/2020 13:51:11Alan (Eulogy)1025GreatThe wrapper has a fudge brownie look to it. There's quite a few veins running the length of the wrapper and one that is rather gnarly to the touch. Still, it is pleasing to the eye. I like the mohawk shaped cap that's ridged to the touch and the seams are very tight. GreatBaking spice, tobacco, and hay are both found on the foot and predraw. GreatMild-MediumMediumI'm hoping the draw eases up a little. At the moment it's tight as a drum and is difficult to keep smoking. There's a burnt coffee note that's at the forefront with some leather and a slight vegetal flavor at the end. GreatMild-MediumMediumThe draw has reach an almost perfect level and the smoke output is reaching dumpster fire status. I'm finally getting a some baking spice and a touch of heat to liven up the experience. There's a bit of char, clove, leather, grain, and black coffee on the luxurious draw. The smoke is so thick it's almost a marshmallow feeling on the palate. GreatMild-MediumMediumPretty similar to the previous third. The grain, coffee, clove, baking spice, leather, and tobacco notes are all still there. There's just a touch of heat but it's enough to keep it interesting. GreatI'm thankful that the draw loosened up after about an inch. After that point, it was perfect from then on. Close to PerfectRazor sharp from beginning to end. It was a bit surprising due to the amount of large and gnarly veins running the length of the wrapper. ExcellentNo soft spots prelight, the seams were tight, and the cap was well applied and certainly gave a bit of flair to the appearance. ExcellentI enjoyed this a lot more than some of the ratings might suggest. The profile kept changing just enough to keep me engaged and the smoke output was amazing. There's not a lot of cigars that have a marshmallow mouth feel going for it. Something worth trying for the nonstandard flavor profile and wow factor of the appearance. 120
90
7/14/2020 11:08:24Sean F. (fullermaine)1025ExcellentGreat dark coffee wrapper with a pigtail cap. Slightly veiny, but no problems as I light up.ExcellentNotes of chocolate right off the first puff. ExcellentMediumMediumA few puffs in and notes of leather and earth come through. Absolutely perfect!ExcellentMediumMediumLeather notes are still present. The leather notes are paired with a subtle hint of cherry and peanut.ExcellentMediumMediumLeather notes are still present. A nice hint of dark chocolate round out this stick.PerfectAbsolutely perfect draw. Small touch up is needed.PerfectPerfect burn from beginning to end. Grayish-white ash hangs throughout.ExcellentI was quick to judge the veins in this cigar. No unraveling. Beautifully constructed. The maker took time to make this stick.ExtraordinaryNever judge a wrapper by its color. I was expecting a extremely harsh taste. I was surprised that it was a medium to mild taste. Notes of leather throughout with a nice mix of earth, cherry, and chocolate. Grab a few for your humidor.75fullermaine
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7/14/2020 14:25:11Matt Cade (CADE)1025ExtraordinaryOk, I have to be honest here. For the first time in my storied career as a panelist for Blind Man’s Puff, I can tell immediately what tonight’s cigar is. It is the Year Of The Rat by Drew Estate. The “pescado” fish tail cap is a dead giveaway and that Liga 9 wrapper is... well, it’s simply one of a kind. Having said all of that, I’m prepared to look like a complete dumbass if this turns out to be something different. It’s ok, it won’t be the first time I fail in glorious fashion on the big stage. It happens at least every other week...ExcellentThe dark, near black wrapper emits aromas of chocolate and a rich sweetness pours off the foot. I twist off the unique cap (no cutting required) and there’s that sweetness and dark chocolate as well on the cold draw.ExcellentMediumMediumBlack pepper on the nose and deep notes of dark chocolate and espresso on the draw are the first impressions upon torching the Year... the blind #1025 cigar. Thick white smoke pours from the foot and travels seductively up the body of the cigar, producing a solid white ash. There is also a bold earthiness present that melds expertly with the other flavors present.ExcellentMediumMediumThe ash has split in half down the middle like a hungry alligator’s mouth but in no way has that hindered the smoking experience whatsoever. Construction has been fantastic with a smooth effortless draw and a straight burn line. Those core flavors of coffee, chocolate, and earth remain steadfast throughout the second third with the potent nose spice on the retrohale never wavering. The ash drops right at the halfway point just as the peppery spice increases on the nose...ExcellentMediumMedium-FullDamn if that spicy retrohale doesn’t continue to ramp up throughout the final third of the Year Of The... I mean Blind Cigar #1025. The coffee presence on the draw becomes heavier as well and the earthiness grows thicker, meatier. For a small vitola, this cigar has some serious balls.ExcellentAn excellent draw throughout the smoking experience which is so damn impressive when you consider that the cap was twisted off by hand without the aid of a cutter.GreatStraight burn line and no relights required throughout the smoking experience.ExcellentThis cigar’s construction was phenomenal. I personally love it when I can twist the expertly applied cap off and not have to utilize a tool to achieve a smooth, clear draw. Bravo! And with an impressive ash throughout and consistently straight burn lines, there’s absolutely zero issues of not with the Year Of The... sorry, Blind Cigar #1025.ExcellentThere’s a very good reason that I easily recognized tonight’s cigar well beyond its fish tail cap - I’ve smoked a ton of these beauties and I know them well. While highly limited, I hope all of you out there get to experience it sooner rather than later because it’s one of the finest cigars currently being made. And, if it in fact is NOT the Year Of The Rat, I will happily stick my rat tail between my legs and buy a box of whatever these wonderful cigars are...55CadeTNCC
92
7/18/2020 15:38:00Kevin A. (Kevin A.)1025Very GoodThis cigar is very rustic looking. The wrapper is a dark brown with a rugged leather look and a satiny sheen to it. There is mild discoloration in the wrapper, some mottling, and several prominent veins visible. The cap on this is unique, more of a fan tail than a pigtail. The cigar is firm but bit hard from foot to cap. GreatThe aroma coming from the foot of this cigar is very good. There is a sweetness that is similar to Nutella, cocoa powder, and a little bit of anise. This all has an underlying earthiness to it. It is very intriguing and has the mouth watering already before the prelight draw. The prelight draw gives off even more sweetness, with a good balance of sweet tobacco, cocoa, and coffee.Very GoodMedium-StrongMedium-FullWow the first third starts of with a blast of pepper, the almost immediately tames down a little. There are strong notes of dark chocolate, sweet tobacco, and smoked almonds. The retrohale is predominantly red pepper, with a little bit of anise on the finish giving the nostrils a "zing factor". The smoke is pouring off of the foot of this cigar, and each draw allows this heavy smoke to envelope the palate. The amount of smoke is creating an overall creaminess to a sweet and peppery, earth cigar. Very GoodMedium-StrongMedium-FullAs this cigar progresses, the sweetness continues to balance out the pepper. Speaking of the pepper, it has now tamed to more of a black pepper, versus the hot red pepper in the first third. The creaminess still envelopes all of the flavors, including the pepper and anise in the retrohale, and makes for a very smooth, flavorful smoking experience. Very GoodMedium-StrongMedium-FullAs this cigar wraps up, the sweetness has faded almost completely into the background, with the earthy, peppery spicy note beginning to dominate. The creaminess of the blend has not left, and keeps everything smooth. With the amount of pepper this cigar is now putting out, there is no harshness to it at all. The blenders did a great job keeping the power in the profile while keeping the cigar pleasant to smoke and enjoyable! GoodThe draw was just a notch on the loose side for me, although it did allow me to get easily get a mouthful of this thick and creamy smokeExcellentThis cigar burned like a champ. With the looser draw and the small ring gauge, I was worried that the cigar would heat up. It never did and burned straight and trueExcellentAlthough the cigar has a "rugged" look, it is put together exceptionally well. I really like the cap on the cigar, it makes it unique. Very GoodThis is definitely a cigar I will want to have in the humidor! A perfect balance of sweet and savory! The smoking time is really good for such a small ring gauge, which is a good thing, as it really enhances the enjoyment. 102
93
7/20/2020 18:43:42Kevin J. (maninblack77)1025GreatThis corona sized cigar has a wrapper that is dark as night with an oily sheen to it. Numerous bumps to it which doesn't really detract from the appearance too much. Nice fantail cap to it. GreatReally digging the chocolate and damp earth aromas from the foot and the wrapper. A slight sweetness also awakens my senses. Let's put a fire to this and see what it holds in store for us!ExcellentMedium-StrongMediumAfter toasting the foot completely, the first few puffs were definitely in my wheelhouse. Dark dark chocolate and roasted coffee mixed in with that damp earth to let me know this sucker has some kick to it. A slight bitterness was also there but luckily it went away fairly quickly . Great even burn. This thing smokes like a freight train. An over abundance of thick creamy smoke. Really digging it thus far. Let's see what else this thing holds in store. ExcellentMediumMediumThe dark chocolate faded into a more milk chocolate flavor as we headed into the second third. A very earthy cigar as well with some oak and leather notes tossed in. Still smoking like a champ . Retro is a tad harsh but not overly overpowering. Flavors definitely work together in this to create a great experience so far. GreatMedium-StrongMediumAs we head into the final third, I'm still getting the same earth and dark coffee/chocolate notes as the previous 2/3. That bitterness returned for a few puffs but didn't linger thankfully. The amount of smoke output definitely did a great job keeping the bugs away from me. The cigar finished strong. Each of the flavors were just what I expected from such a dark and decadent cigar. PerfectPerfect easy draw. Zero issues. PerfectSame as the draw, perfection. Zero touch ups. Straight as an arrow. Close to PerfectConstruction wise, this thing was a winner. Burn, draw, smoke output and flavors all worked very well together. Very well done. ExtraordinaryAs noted in my tasting notes, each flavor was just as I expected . Dark chocolate and coffee with a slight earthiness all creating a notable smoking experience . I'd easily give this a 95. Great cigar that is box worthy for sure. 75
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ReviewerAppearanceAroma1/32/33/3DrawBurnConstr.Overall
Experience
100
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