Today I would like to review one of my favorite cigars which has become a main staple in my humidor, the Calle Ocho. This cigar is quite affordable form Cigars International coming in six sizes from a Robusto for $32.99 up to the Presedente for $42.00. They come in bundles (mazos) of 20 and average $1.65 to $2.15 per stick.
Calle Ocho has a Nicaraguan blend with a Sumatra wrapper. It is decribed in its ad as boasting a nice tooth and sheen, as a medium-bodied Nicaraguan blend with an earthy profile, complemented by a natural sweetness, ample flavor but not overpowering.
The first thing I noticed was how nicely wrapped it was. Slightly shiny from it's natural oil, a good sign the tobacco was aged properly, with little veins throughout. The size I tested and normally buy was the Torpedo (6.5" X 52 ring guage). Tobacco at the foot smells sweet and pre light draw was perfect and also had a sweetness to the tongue.
Upon the light it had big toasted almond tastes to the palate. Different than the description but like I have said before, everyone has a different palate, therefore you might find it different even from me. To me while puffing, there was a surprisingly sweet taste with a bit of peppery spice.
Draw stayed decent, never firm, a bit less than medium draw, very slight effort. Ash was silvery white, which signifies alot of nitrogen in the growing soil. It doesn't produce a decent cone everytime, even blunt at times.
The strength of the cigar started off medium and then halfway through mellowed out more really nice. The smoke smells a little sweet, not like a Swisher Sweet, but more like Dominican cigars. Toasty notes with that peppery spice right to the end, very nice.
My Buzz Rating: 8 out of 10, Overall Rating: 4 out of 5.
Try some out. I think that the current "Brown Bag Sampler" for $20 from Cigars International usually contains one along with 9 other usually great Premium cigars.
Till next post........peace.
You are right on the button with this. I just finished one I received out of my "brown bag sampler". It was a very decent cigar. Mine did a fine job producing a cone. Very pleased with this little cigar
ReplyDeleteJim thanks for posting your opinion! I don't get many comments here on the blog but am pleased to see them when someone does! Lets me know someone is actually reading the posts. I agree with you on the Calle Ocho, very nice cigar at a cheap price. Thanks again and please comment again. Tell all your friends about the blog.
ReplyDeleteI just tried one tonight also from the brown bag sampler. Really enjoyed it. Will buy a bundle now.
ReplyDeleteWas just thinking the other day that I have to pick up another bundle of these myself! I might have to do a Reload review of this one complete with pictures. Thanks for commenting, I really appreciate it!
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