Rojas Cigar Specialist [Archive]

chain_gang

07-19-2021, 10:05 PM

Definitely can taste and sense the strength difference between the ligero and this viso; but this has much more flavor, yet still within the flavor spectrum of the ligero.

The #2 is a very nice smoke, in it's own right.

Notes coming up tomorrow along with a typed version.

Thanks, TJ. Very cool so far.
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SoCal gunner

07-20-2021, 12:16 AM

chain_gang

07-20-2021, 10:17 AM

For the record, the numbers I wrote on the sheet were in a clockwise order in order to identify and tag the cigars to the sheet and not a recommended order from Rojas.

I started in the Condega region, but wanted to go mild to strong via my understanding of primings, hence me starting with what's numbered as 3 on your sheet - the seco.

I have notes, but don't want to taint your experience. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210720/3894725686428b87746209162cbd9c4e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210720/f61195b175fab405f6a8e3913a3ffe01.jpg

Gotcha. I had to double check the viso and seco difference:
https://www.laaurora.com.do/the-tobacco-plant-what-are-the-best-leaves/?lang=en

Thought Rojas wanted the smoker to start with the ligero for the Condega region; and once finished with that region, go reverse to start with seco in the Esteli region.

Do you want to post notes, say a day after we've both have smoked the same cigar?

SoCal gunner

07-20-2021, 07:57 PM

Gotcha. I had to double check the viso and seco difference:
https://www.laaurora.com.do/the-tobacco-plant-what-are-the-best-leaves/?lang=en

Thought Rojas wanted the smoker to start with the ligero for the Condega region; and once finished with that region, go reverse to start with seco in the Esteli region.

Do you want to post notes, say a day after we've both have smoked the same cigar?I haven't seen any specific instructions on order, so who knows. If you go in my numbered order, you'll go strong to mild in one region, then mild to strong in the next.

I'll post notes, but I'll warn you now that most of mine will probably be one liners, if not one word I zero in on as flavor - lol.

chain_gang

07-20-2021, 09:00 PM

I haven't seen any specific instructions on order, so who knows. If you go in my numbered order, you'll go strong to mild in one region, then mild to strong in the next.

I'll post notes, but I'll warn you now that most of mine will probably be one liners, if not one word I zero in on as flavor - lol.

No warnings needed. I'm sure most laugh at my 'tasting notes' from my reviews. If you don't want to share - no biggie.

I can't remember how the mystery and final cigars are revealed or are they not gonna be? Don't really care if they are, but I would be interested in how close (or very far off) I am, if the blends are released.

SoCal gunner

07-20-2021, 09:11 PM

No warnings needed. I'm sure most laugh at my 'tasting notes' from my reviews. If you don't want to share - no biggie.

I can't remember how the mystery and final cigars are revealed or are they not gonna be? Don't really care if they are, but I would be interested in how close (or very far off) I am, if the blends are released.Great point- I've got to look into the reveal - without somehow ruining the surprise. There is a code on the box too, so I'll see if that factors in.

I wish I could detect more flavors, but one jumped out at me on the Condega Seco stick and I cant wait to see if you got the same thing.

chain_gang

07-20-2021, 09:15 PM

I wish I could detect more flavors, but one jumped out at me on the Condega Seco stick and I cant wait to see if you got the same thing.

Exactly why I waited.

chain_gang

07-20-2021, 09:23 PM

Toned down in intensity, but not from the jump. Almost thought the viso and seco were accidentally swapped or mislabed by me.

Bit more flavors than the viso, but some not from the wheel. Went bland in the 3/3, whereas the viso stayed very yummy throughout.

Notes coming soon.

Thanks again, TJ.
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chain_gang

07-21-2021, 07:28 PM

Another big thanks SoCal gunner .

Notes for Condega dropping when the Gun Man says 'shoot'.
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SoCal gunner

07-21-2021, 09:38 PM

Next up, Condega Region, Viso priming. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210722/bf1d92312fc8bbce5d50422584d1765c.jpg

SoCal gunner

07-22-2021, 10:50 PM

Closing out rhe Condega region with the Ligero. Will post notes after completion. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210723/905301bc16a546db17f2f853f3cacd9f.jpg

SoCal gunner

07-22-2021, 11:40 PM

Another big thanks SoCal gunner .

Notes for Condega dropping when the Gun Man says 'shoot'.

Shoot!

chain_gang

07-23-2021, 05:11 PM

Region: Condega
Seed: Criollo 98

Ligero
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210723/8ece1cd13d12de43839e7b1f1a49003e.jpg

Viso
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210723/6c25652895872907b6af5fb4f4e0a955.jpg

Seco
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210723/0558fa9398e1da85c7580fe772a9e3e3.jpg

SoCal gunner

07-23-2021, 10:20 PM

Region: Condega
Seed: Criollo 98

Seco
Cold Draw: Rye Bread. Note: Tight Draw
Notes of Cashews and weak ice tea - very smooth if not mild smoke with touch of white pepper.
Then a flavor hits my brain and I lock on to it: Sunflower Seeds - you know, just the hearts, none of the flavors on the shell.
Sunflower seed all the way, I cannot think of anything else to call it from here on out. Very mild smoke.

Viso
Cold Draw: Airy fruitcake - just the cake part,but with notable spice on the lips. And a smell of corrugated cardboard.
Pepper that intensified over the first inch. Strong enough that I double checked the box to make sure I didn't grab the Ligero.
Walnut skin comes through, but pepper remains. Not cayenne, but intense - like coarse ground peppercorn.

Ligero
Cold Draw: Rye bread again, but with pepper that hits the back of the throat.
Overall, this seems more like a blend of the Seco and Viso - In a blind test, I'd flip the Viso and Ligero.
Some Oak comes through, but black pepper is up front and now the Vitamin N strength is making itself known- Now I believe its Ligero.

chain_gang

07-24-2021, 08:15 AM

Looks like we both ballpark'd the same tastes across the board for Condega.

It's interesting you got sunflower seeds on the seco; where I got salty, and maybe almond if any nut.

I'm glad you suggested waiting on dropping the notes till we were both done, else I'd probably be influenced to say my salty nuts were sunflower seeds.

SoCal gunner

07-24-2021, 09:59 AM

chain_gang

07-24-2021, 10:17 AM

I'll have to grab the laptop so I can try to read your notes. I did notice your arrows on the wheel.I'll type it up soon for ya.

SoCal gunner

07-24-2021, 01:43 PM

I'll type it up soon for ya.Noticed you marked the Blonde Coffee and I too had that thought. But I've only tried blonde coffee once from Starbucks about a year ago so I wasn't sure if I should list it.

Pretty cool experience thus far, and the cigars are actually damn good for being little hits of 100% the same tobacco in binder, filler, and wrapper.

Going to finish off Esteli today.

SoCal gunner

07-24-2021, 01:44 PM

Esteli Viso Criollo98
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210724/7896db65f98afa1864f71b889f206bd2.jpg

chain_gang

07-24-2021, 02:51 PM

Head's up, SoCal gunner - only the binder and wrapper wanted to burn on the Esteli Ligero. Cut it back a couple times, and same thing throughout. Had to toss it. Hope yours smokes better. No notes - except it burns for shit!

SoCal gunner

07-24-2021, 04:57 PM

chain_gang

07-25-2021, 11:56 AM

Jalapa Seco today. Another casualty. Not sure what's going on here, but I'm taking a break from the remain three sticks that're part of the HTBACS.

Sorry, TJ. Gonna try some other sticks to see if it's a tuppie issue, but I don't believe it is. Keep on going.

Too mad to snap a pic. Draw seemed ok after the punch. After lighting, very little smoke. Used draw tool - got better. Had to cut the lit end back a bit. By the time it was going, it was bland like the other Secos. Very little notes.

chain_gang

07-27-2021, 06:11 PM

Should be able to pick this back up tonight or tomorrow, TJ.

SoCal gunner

07-27-2021, 11:23 PM

Should be able to pick this back up tonight or tomorrow, TJ.I have my Esteli notes and hope to pick back up Thursday

chain_gang

07-28-2021, 09:00 PM

I have my Esteli notes and hope to pick back up ThursdayShould be done with the 9 tasting sticks by tomorrow. May have to finish #10 on Friday ahead of you.

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SoCal gunner

07-28-2021, 09:37 PM

So from what I've seen, Rojas has been busy building a new factory and hasn't (to my knowledge) released an answer key to the mystery blend.

I think we should PM someone and have them post our guesses of the make up of the final cigar.

chain_gang

08-15-2021, 01:17 PM

SoCal gunner did you smoke #10 yet? Still wanna send our guesses to another Bum?

chain_gang

08-15-2021, 02:18 PM

Thanks again, TJ.

Dropping all my notes soon.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210815/8c4c1d6064568b24dee03b8bf248980f.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210815/1be35f46ea23fe9d53a429af2be424f8.jpg

SoCal gunner

08-15-2021, 06:20 PM

SoCal gunner did you smoke #10 yet? Still wanna send our guesses to another Bum?I've smoked the 9 region/ leaves, but not #10. I also have a couple "wrapper" cigars that came in the set (sorry, only got one of each of those) to smoke as well .

chain_gang

08-21-2021, 03:35 PM

Region: Esteli
Seed: Crillo 98

Seco
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210821/3a6dc5f0f4f78bde3b83d1a0c4a3447d.jpg

Viso

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210821/1c6de508e0ca149d400dbb874c601c34.jpg

Ligero

Had ignition issues with this one and had to toss.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210821/45d2745faf1d12ca5bc6d0f45b6253ee.jpg

chain_gang

08-21-2021, 03:41 PM

Thanks again, TJ!

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chain_gang

08-21-2021, 03:51 PM

Region: Jalapa
Seed: Criollo 98

Seco

Not really any notes. Another troublesome stick.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210821/663bd68ca4dceba49387224c076b6ed7.jpg

Viso

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210821/c49ae572fd1453b0461bf98a2a942a33.jpg

Ligero

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210821/09a3d863392b8cfd2f4deef1daa740c1.jpg

chain_gang

08-21-2021, 03:55 PM

TJ, could you post some good notes for the Esteli Ligero and Jalapa Seco - those were the sticks I had issues with.

Gonna send two guesses - first from only my notes, and the second with the help of your two from above.

Gonna send first guess to Tombstone

Second to Brimy

chain_gang

08-21-2021, 04:26 PM

SoCal gunner

Good luck. First guess was sent to Tombstone .

SoCal gunner

08-21-2021, 06:18 PM

Region: Esteli
Seed: Crillo 98
Seco

Cold Draw - So tight I could not discern any cold draw profile.
Early: vague nuttiness, some wood.
Hit w/ Draw Tool: Bam! SALTY! To the point it seems fake! Leather Peanut Shells.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210821/7385d71c2e99d11d7ac145e0da4632a3.jpg

Region: Esteli
Seed: Crillo 98
Viso

Cold Draw- Zucchini Bread
(Great draw, thankfully)
Salty, Peanuts, Oak, Tea.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210821/ba2b98f2c760b850fab05b843267b9d4.jpg

Region: Esteli
Seed: Crillo 98
Ligero

Cold Draw: Oyster Crackers
Flavor like the Char on a steak.
Salt, Oak, Hickory, Mild Pepper.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210821/fce7663600506a088866f160035a597b.jpg

SoCal gunner

08-21-2021, 06:24 PM

Region: Jalapa
Seed: Criollo 98
Seco

Perfect Draw
Woody, Grassy, Walnut w/subtle sweetness. Really enjoyed this one as is.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210821/59b2775d5f147bf650db9e3d8b4e3098.jpg

Region: Jalapa
Seed: Criollo 98
Viso

Cold Draw - woody, nutty, bread.
Woody, Leather, Salt, Walnut Shells, Mild Pepper
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210821/b726eb6f2befc1f1186659213e0783ac.jpg

Region: Jalapa
Seed: Criollo 98
Ligero

Cold Draw - Crackers and Pepper
Leather, Salt, Walnuts, Strong Flavors, High N content.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210821/f9c78fdce59160f0f40987cb39a5c977.jpg

SoCal gunner

08-21-2021, 06:30 PM

I cant make Matt's notes out on my phone but he clearly tastes more than I can.

I wish I did these all back-to-back - been a while since the start.
Edit: Sent

I'll send Ryan my guess when finished.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210821/2dcbc5334d86c1faa4d1d7c33126b913.jpg

Tombstone

08-21-2021, 07:17 PM

I am like the cryptkeeper of cigar secrets. I approve.

chain_gang

08-22-2021, 07:40 AM

Condega

Ligero

Prelight: ketchup twang, light tobacco, maybe almond. Initial puffs: lots of body, high strength, lots of pepper, clean tasting. Very intense afterwards - gotta sip it. Maybe a bit of lemon zest (1/3). powerhouse. Residual - clean, but pastey tobacco. Bland, yet clean and pure. This leaf provides robust body and pepper mostly. Possibly nore woody/tea near 3/3

Viso

Hickory-ish, maybe a bit peaty/campfire-ish, peppery and hint of cool-to-the-taste on initial puffs. Thick smoke and flavor. Nutty-ness is more paste-y. Intense but light pepper, ane nips nicely on the tongue. Decent intensity - not a powerhouse. Mineral Oil.

Seco

Strength similar to viso; peppery intensity may be less, but maybe more pepper (quantity); lots of leather; steak-ish; some kinda fruity-sweetness; salty; diluted tea; oak or cedar (still not sure on these); strength lessens as does pepper; maybe a step down in wood as progressing; maybe almond if any nuts; ash doesn't hold nearly as long as viso; more bland as progessing.

chain_gang

08-22-2021, 07:49 AM

Esteli

Seco

Initial Puffs: soft leather, very little intensity/strength; bit of graham cracker; bit of twang. Strength/intensity seems to have picked-up a lot after 3-4 puffs. Little pepper; bit of hear-spicy. Thought 'vinegar' couple puffs; later thought 'bit sour' - both faded. Approaching bland near 1/2. Maybe cream near 3/3. Acidic 3/3.

Viso

Initial Puffs: dryish; crackery; toasted cracker; darker pepper; not dark tasting; grainy residual; more intense body than seco; retrohale on the cusp of breathtaking; no sweetness; leather may be tucked away deeply (not indicating on wheel). More toasty cracker and dark pepper, yet profile isn't dark, though it's heavier than Condega.

Ligero

Prelight: Very spicy; twangy.

chain_gang

08-22-2021, 07:58 AM

Jalapa

Seco

Heavier flavor; coffee and nutty; darker than Esteli.

Viso

Seed-y, darkish bread, cardboard, pasta-y (dried), tad acidic, soft tobacco flavor; tad toasty; fresh tobacco residual; there's a certain moistness to the taste; some kinda campfire dark cure taste I've encountered before; not much pepper through the retrohale; lots of mineral-y earthness; bolder than Condega, maybe Esteli; entire mouth burn when smoke held; THICK near 1/2 (smoke & taste); jalapeno-like spice; green pepper somewhat fits. Definitely green pepper (thyme in 3/3).

Ligero

Initial Puffs: cereal grains (bread, wheat); heavy darker pepper; pumpernickel; dry; crackers. Not as strong as other ligeros, but maybe more flavor. Bit jalapeno-spice if smoke rests in mouth. Big strength pick-up 1-inch in; much heavier. Seedy rather than nutty. Maybe hickory and cinnamon. Espresso-y residual.

chain_gang

08-24-2021, 06:08 PM

Looks like we didn't sync up as much on the Esteli and Jalapa. Just goes to show on some sticks you'll have similar tastes; and with others - not so much.

How'd you like the mystery stick?

SoCal gunner

08-24-2021, 08:30 PM

Looks like we didn't sync up as much on the Esteli and Jalapa. Just goes to show on some sticks you'll have similar tastes; and with others - not so much.

How'd you like the mystery stick?I enjoyed it. I have one w/o wrapper and two wrapper only cigars for another dimension of testing. If anything, i learned how much blending has to do with it vs just a straight leaf.

SoCal gunner

08-27-2021, 11:06 PM

Tombstone

You can post me and Matt's guesses now.

Tombstone

08-28-2021, 07:53 AM

Tombstone

You can post me and Matt's guesses now.

For your viewing pleasure.

Congrats - you've been selected to hold this guess till TJ's done and the mystery stick is revealed by Rojas. First guess based on my notes.

Seco - Condega
Viso - Esteli
Ligero - Jalapa

- - - Updated - - -

@chain gang. TJs angelic words

First, I wish I smoked all these back-to back-to back for a clearer memory of the different regions/primings.

Second, I think human nature pushed me to pick one selection from each region.

With that said, I'd guess: Condega Seco, Esteli Viso, and Jalapa Ligero as the blend, in that order over thirds of the cigar.

- - - Updated - - -

I don't know if the guesses were correct but you have proved great minds think alike.

chain_gang

08-28-2021, 08:08 AM

For your viewing pleasure.

Congrats - you've been selected to hold this guess till TJ's done and the mystery stick is revealed by Rojas. First guess based on my notes.

Seco - Condega
Viso - Esteli
Ligero - Jalapa

- - - Updated - - -

@chain gang. TJs angelic words

First, I wish I smoked all these back-to back-to back for a clearer memory of the different regions/primings.

Second, I think human nature pushed me to pick one selection from each region.

With that said, I'd guess: Condega Seco, Esteli Viso, and Jalapa Ligero as the blend, in that order over thirds of the cigar.

- - - Updated - - -

I don't know if the guesses were correct but you have proved great minds think alike.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210828/351882ceacc01079f07946921756074a.gif

SoCal gunner

08-28-2021, 08:27 PM

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210828/351882ceacc01079f07946921756074a.gif

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210829/c3fecc371427668efe79f36696a43b20.jpg

chain_gang

08-29-2021, 01:04 PM

Mystery Blend

Ligero heavy; bit salty; pepper isn't heavy; pepper/spice is intense yet it seems to be more ligero strength-intensity rather than pepper.

Deep dish pizza - crust and pepperoni-ish

Ligero is strong but not from the strongest region

Hint crackers - end 1/3

Pepper not dark

2/3 lots of wood and pepper. Ligero still strong-ish.

3/3 lots of tea

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210829/19e1644bbf54ca90e540d1b1fde880a0.jpg