Reviewers Wanted For Our Two New Blends!

[JasonBCP]

Hello My Fellow Bums, we need your help.

We just launched our two new exclusive brand cigars for 2016 and we're looking for a few good bums to sample and evaluate them. If you're up for the challenge, leave a reply on this thread to throw your hat into the ring, and I'll select 3 reviewers randomly on Friday, 2.26. Each of the 3 chosen reviewers will then receive a package with 2 sample sticks of blend to test out. Reviewers can then report back and post their experiences with the new smokes here in a new thread on the Bum.

We just have a couple things that we ask of our Bum Reviewers:

1. We ask that you please format your findings in the traditional "3rds" style (1st 3rd, 2nd 3rd, last 3rd.)

2. We ask that you be thorough and report on all aspects of the smoking experience (burn, draw, flavor, strength, ash, etc.)


Here are links where you can check the blends out:

San Rafael - https://www.bestcigarprices.com/san-rafael-cigars/

Cirque - https://www.bestcigarprices.com/cirque-cigars/

If this sounds like something you'd be interested in trying, please leave a reply here. Thanks! :onthego:

[Usafvet509]

Amateur reviewer here. What the heck, Jason, I'm in.

[restomod]

Well if Trent is an amateur then I am an aspiring apprentice to an amateur but I would love to try.

[defetis]

I'd love to give it a go

[c.ortiz108]

I'll throw my hat into the ring. Been smoking more more pipes than cigars lately, but the weather's getting nicer....

[Bruck]

I can speak authoritatively on any subject :)

[Demuths1770]

toss my name into the ring too!! i have Tuesday and Wednesdays off and would love to do more cigar smoking and especially more cigar reviews as well. thanks for this opportunity Jason

[Cool Breeze]

Count me in.

[projectsunfire]

I will roll the dice too! Throw my name into the hat please

[Bernardini]

I'd like to be considered. Thanks for the opportunity

[Sir Lancerolot]

In, I am!

[Desertlifter]

Sounds like a gas - in!

[Upstatemax]

I'll put myself in for consideration!

Thanks for bringing this to the Bum! Awesome.

[Brent Strande]

Put me in the game coach, I'm ready to play!

I'm in!

[JasonBCP]

Thanks to all who volunteered their services. After seeing your enthusiasm to participate we've upped the number of reviewers to 4! And here are the chosen few:

1. Usafvet509

2. defetis

3. Cool Breeze

4. Upstatemax

Gentlemen, please PM me your shipping addresses so I can send out your samples. Again thanks to all who chimed in, if you were not selected, no worries - if this goes well we'll likely do it again soon. I'll post here again once the samples have shipped.

[Demuths1770]

Thanks to all who volunteered their services. After seeing your enthusiasm to participate we've upped the number of reviewers to 4! And here are the chosen few:

1. Usafvet509

2. defetis

3. Cool Breeze

4. Upstatemax

Gentlemen, please PM me your shipping addresses so I can send out your samples. Again thanks to all who chimed in, if you were not selected, no worries - if this goes well we'll likely do it again soon. I'll post here again once the samples have shipped.

congrats guys cant wait to read the reviews!!!!

[Old Smokey]

Looks like some excellent choices and I look forward to reading their opinions.

[projectsunfire]

congrats to the lucky winners

[Zeede]

Grats you guys!

[Usafvet509]

http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u428/usafvet509/20160229_120120_zpspbwiougv.jpg (http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/usafvet509/media/20160229_120120_zpspbwiougv.jpg.html)

That was fast, Jason!

[JasonBCP]

Okay, as of today all samples have been shipped out. As you can see above, our testers have already begun to receive their packages. Trent let me know that he'll be letting his sticks rest a week before reviewing, which is not a bad idea. These are fairly new, and a bit of rest after receiving may help them settle from the transit. All other testers can feel free to do so as well.

When you do get around to posting your review, let's start a new thread for them. Thanks again for everyone's participation!

[Upstatemax]

Okay, as of today all samples have been shipped out. As you can see above, our testers have already begun to receive their packages. Trent let me know that he'll be letting his sticks rest a week before reviewing, which is not a bad idea. These are fairly new, and a bit of rest after receiving may help them settle from the transit. All other testers can feel free to do so as well.

When you do get around to posting your review, let's start a new thread for them. Thanks again for everyone's participation!

Nice!

The resting issue was something I was about to PM you about.

If I'm also receiving two of each, I'll put one in the main humidor (67 RH) and one in the "dry box" (62 RH)

[JasonBCP]

Yes, it's two of each. The split test also sounds like a good idea, good thinking!

[defetis]

received mine yesterday, will also be waiting a week or so before I give them a shot.

[Lynn]

http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u428/usafvet509/20160229_120120_zpspbwiougv.jpg (http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/usafvet509/media/20160229_120120_zpspbwiougv.jpg.html)

That was fast, Jason!


like it was some insider tradin or somethin

[Cool Breeze]

Mine came today. Thanks a lot Jason.

I think I'll smoke one of each ROTT and then give the others a weeks rest or so and see what we get.

[JasonBCP]

Mine came today. Thanks a lot Jason.

I think I'll smoke one of each ROTT and then give the others a weeks rest or so and see what we get.

Sounds good, Breeze, Looking forward to hearing your take!

[Upstatemax]

I may not be able to review till the weekend.

I'm fighting a nasty Flu virus since Saturday and it has put my entire life on the sideline...

[defetis]

Today I smoked one of two San Rafael. I will smoke the other in a couple days and add to my review if I find any changes.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y172/defetis/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160309_145442151_HDR_zpsxaivciql.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/defetis/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160309_145442151_HDR_zpsxaivciql.jpg.html)

This robusto has a clean double cap. Fairly tight pack. On the cold draw I get a lot of tobacco, leather and a pinch of cream maybe

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y172/defetis/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160309_151328936_HDR_zpstklmieog.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/defetis/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160309_151328936_HDR_zpstklmieog.jpg.html)

About one third of the way in, this cigar is putting off an above average amount of smoke. Flavors are mostly tobacco and leather. Strength is about a medium. No complaints

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y172/defetis/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160309_152843098_HDR_zpsecwo1jla.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/defetis/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160309_152843098_HDR_zpsecwo1jla.jpg.html)

Half the way through. Not a lot to report in the way of changes. Sometimes that is a good thing. The draw is perfect, burn is also as good as it gets. Strength has stayed right around medium. The smoke output has died down a little and a faint creaminess comes through on the end of the draw.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y172/defetis/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160309_153118948_HDR_zpsqtyoc1uw.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/defetis/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160309_153118948_HDR_zpsqtyoc1uw.jpg.html)

Smoked it down as far as I had time for. No changes in the last third.


Overall I liked this cigar for an everyday smoke. This is one of those that you can smoke and not have to think about. I like that.

Thank you Jason!!

[JasonBCP]

Hey, thanks Defetis, nice job with the pics too. The San Rafael was intended, as you described, as a solid everyday cigar with better flavor than your average stick under $4.

[defetis]

Hey, thanks Defetis, nice job with the pics too. The San Rafael was intended, as you described, as a solid everyday cigar with better flavor than your average stick under $4.

I wasnt aware of the price point. In fact I make it a point when reviewing not to do any research. At $4 a stick these are a steal.

[JasonBCP]

Glad you enjoyed it! The 5x50 size that I sent you guys as the samples are actually just $3/stick.

[DogRockets]

I've not had the pleasure of trying these BCP cigars yet, but their house brand portfolio has been really good from my experience. Glad to see this first one scored well. I look forward to trying at some point in time.

[defetis]

Today I smoked the Cirque

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y172/defetis/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160310_125447668_zpsg4bokr4x.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/defetis/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160310_125447668_zpsg4bokr4x.jpg.html)

This is a lovely looking maduro coming in with a beautiful wrapper, clean double cap. Awesome pack with an easy cold draw of tobacco

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y172/defetis/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160310_131903540_zps2b8ajmuw.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/defetis/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160310_131903540_zps2b8ajmuw.jpg.html)

As i get into the first third I immediately note the awesome desert flavors that I love in a padron cigar. Its got a great balance of sweet to tobacco that I personally love!

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y172/defetis/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160310_133126715_zpstmfuswru.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/defetis/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160310_133126715_zpstmfuswru.jpg.html)

Half way through the love I have for this cigar continues. Its at a medium on strength and but the body of this cigar is amazing! At one point I swear I got chocolate cake. Whoever blended this cigar knew what they were doing and they deserve a standing O for the work here

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y172/defetis/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160310_133507395_HDR_zps7zjxuaeo.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/defetis/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160310_133507395_HDR_zps7zjxuaeo.jpg.html)

Not enough cigar makers do this ^ and i expect that to change immensely in the next year

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y172/defetis/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160310_134402018_zps2qv13rzc.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/defetis/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160310_134402018_zps2qv13rzc.jpg.html)

As i work into the final third I cannot be happier. Not going to lie i brought a 2012 Cohiba Siglo 2 with me just in case and at this point that cigar was an after thought. Every draw lasts longer and longer on the tongue and you cannot get enough.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y172/defetis/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160310_135334975_zpswrkvom9h.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/defetis/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160310_135334975_zpswrkvom9h.jpg.html)

If Jason's goal was to get the word out about this cigar than applause is deserved. Like before I have no idea what kind of price point were are looking at here. For comparison, this cigar is like a padron 1964, Oliva V melanio, Many Caldwell Cigars I've had with the complexity of something you would expect from My Father Cigars. I cannot praise this one enough as a winner. If the cost is less than $6/stick on this one, Jason hit me up on info for a box please immediately. Mic drop. Im out

[JasonBCP]

Wow! Thanks for the kind words, D. That's a ringing (or should I say Ringling) endorsement if I ever heard one! Awesome, glad you enjoyed it, and yes - that size (Strongman) comes out to be about $4.50/stick: https://www.bestcigarprices.com/cigar-directory/cirque-cigars/cirque-strongman-228991/

[Upstatemax]

Last night I smoked the Cirque. This is the one that I've had in the dry box.

Aroma off of the cigar is outstanding. Never smelled a cigar like this, sweet, sweet tobacco smell. Aroma was crisp and inviting.

First third was a very pleasant surprise. I got a lot of nutty and creamy flavors. Strength was low and flavor was high. Great way to get back into smoking after being forced into a break, thanks Flu...

This first third kept impressing. Loads of cream and nutty flavors swirling around with a bit of sweet chocolate coming in. No spice in the first third, cool easy draw. Re-reading my notes, I kept writing: "really, really nice".

Second third: Still a lot of cream, some of the nutty flavor has backed off and a slight spice has popped up in the after taste. More light chocolate has popped in, even a slight citrus flavor on occasion. End of the second third is starting to burn a bit hot, need to slow it down.

Final third: Cream is backing off and starting to get more of a bitter chocolate, sometimes an amaretto flavor slips in and fades quickly. starting to get too hot for my liking with about 1" left, so it's done for me. I'm not someone that usually nubs a cigar, I find they start to get too hot and bitter for me. This cigar lasted longer than usual for me.

Overall: I really, really liked this cigar. Lots of pleasurable nutty cream and chocolate flavors. Draw was near perfect, not too loose or tight. Razor sharp burn throughout entire cigar that required zero touchups or relights. VERY well constructed cigar. This cigar was not overly complex and did not offer a lot of flavor shifts. This is perfectly fine with me as I really enjoyed what flavors this cigar did present.

I would like to give a HUGE thanks to JasonBCP for sending this my way. Very unique and pleasurable cigar. Can't wait to try and review the others!

Sorry for no pics, I forgot to grab my phone...

[JasonBCP]

Last night I smoked the Cirque. This is the one that I've had in the dry box.

Aroma off of the cigar is outstanding. Never smelled a cigar like this, sweet, sweet tobacco smell. Aroma was crisp and inviting.

First third was a very pleasant surprise. I got a lot of nutty and creamy flavors. Strength was low and flavor was high. Great way to get back into smoking after being forced into a break, thanks Flu...

This first third kept impressing. Loads of cream and nutty flavors swirling around with a bit of sweet chocolate coming in. No spice in the first third, cool easy draw. Re-reading my notes, I kept writing: "really, really nice".

Second third: Still a lot of cream, some of the nutty flavor has backed off and a slight spice has popped up in the after taste. More light chocolate has popped in, even a slight citrus flavor on occasion. End of the second third is starting to burn a bit hot, need to slow it down.

Final third: Cream is backing off and starting to get more of a bitter chocolate, sometimes an amaretto flavor slips in and fades quickly. starting to get too hot for my liking with about 1" left, so it's done for me. I'm not someone that usually nubs a cigar, I find they start to get too hot and bitter for me. This cigar lasted longer than usual for me.

Overall: I really, really liked this cigar. Lots of pleasurable nutty cream and chocolate flavors. Draw was near perfect, not too loose or tight. Razor sharp burn throughout entire cigar that required zero touchups or relights. VERY well constructed cigar. This cigar was not overly complex and did not offer a lot of flavor shifts. This is perfectly fine with me as I really enjoyed what flavors this cigar did present.

I would like to give a HUGE thanks to JasonBCP for sending this my way. Very unique and pleasurable cigar. Can't wait to try and review the others!

Sorry for no pics, I forgot to grab my phone...

Thanks, Frank! Glad you enjoyed it. I'd be interested in hearing how the non-dry box stick compares in terms of flavor. Again, I appreciate you taking the time to review these.

[Upstatemax]

I smoked the dry boxed San Rafael today.

I hope you guys wanted an honest and forward review:

Aroma off this cigar is a heavy and excellent barnyard aroma. Very sweet and inviting. I did notice however that this cigar has a very disappointing flaw in its appearance, glue is all over the wrapper. I'll comment more on this later.

http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag160/franksa33/D88D3D2E-8529-401E-B224-394F70585C97_zpsxtvmwxsj.jpg

The wrapper has a nice tooth to it and pleasant "rough" feel to it. Seams appear tight and pack feels solid.

http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag160/franksa33/4C1CD20D-6268-412E-B9F3-17B275E93317_zpsivn2afix.jpg

First third: This cigar starts very well. Nice spice and black pepper heat mixed with a nutty and creamy flavor profile. So far this cigar is off to a great start. As I go through the first third the flavors shift around a bit to a dense woodsy and black coffee with that wonderful pepper and heat on the aftertaste that lingers for a good long time.

http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag160/franksa33/06408283-2662-416E-95D8-68568B19E93F_zpsyqd5frsh.jpg

Second third: This is where the cigar starts to turn south for me. Into the second third, pretty much all flavors fall off and I'm left with a dry, burnt tobacco, ash flavor. I wonder if I let it get too hot. I let it cool down and I slow my draw. Same flavors, pretty big let down. I power through and keep it going. nearing the end of the second third I start to develop a weird burn and it requires a touch up. No big deal, it happens to some of the best cigars I have ever smoked. Flavor remains an ashy let down. At about the end of the second third the ashy flavor starts to fade and it starts to get some of the creamy, nutty flavor back. Not a lot, but it's hidden in there...

Second third: It keeps a very slight creamy flavor, but overall bland profile. at about an inch it starts to get hot and happily let it go out.

After the Cirque, I might have had too high expectations of this cigar. It was a very confusing cigar for me. It started SOOO well! A lot of flavor and it looked like an awesome follow up to the Cirque. But the highlights of this cigar started and ended in the first third. After that it almost became a chore to smoke. Honestly, the ONLY reason I did not put it out halfway through the second third is because this cigar was sent for me to review. I felt obligated to keep it going.

I might be a bit harsh on this cigar, and it might have a lot to do with the Cirque. The Cirque was such a damn good cigar that I feel like it set this San Rafael up for failure...

I was REALLY let down to see glue all over the wrapper. It just screams "I don't care". Once the cigar started so well, I was actually angrier about the glue, it's something that makes people pass on a good product. But by the time the second third hit me, I realized it was just the way this cigar was meant to be...

Again, I'm sorry if it seems like I'm being harsh on this cigar, but I feel like I should be honest. On the bright side, I do have another one sitting in the main humidor that I'm hoping does FAR better with more moisture. I really, really hope this one was just a dud. I had such a great smoke in the Cirque that I REALLY want it to carry over.

Once again, thank you for sending this over to review. I hope everyone sees this review for what it is, honest feedback. I would want the same if I were in your position. I will approach the second San Rafael with an open mind and treat it as if it was it's own cigar and I look forward to smoking it.

I paired this cigar with Michters US-1 Small Batch bourbon.

[JasonBCP]

Frank, thank you for your honest evaluation. I'm curious to see if other reviewers also note the glue issue, as I hadn't seen that before on these particular cigars. I hope your 2nd experience with San Rafael proves to be a more positive one, as we intended for it to be a budget-priced cigar with character that exceeds its price point. Again, I appreciate you taking the time to weigh in on it!

[GrouchoM]

Amateur reviewer. I'm in. Oops, too late I guess. Congrats to the winners.

[Cool Breeze]

I have smoked one of each. This weekend I will smoke the other two and after that, give my thoughts.

I did not notice the glue on my first 2 cigars, but I will pay close attention. Hopefully Frank just got one that slipped through.

[Usafvet509]

Cirque Strongman (robusto) review
Smoked: 3/10 and 3/11
Both paired with Casey's Colombian French roast

Aggregate review follows:

The cigar feels slightly rough and toothy, is firm with slight give. The wrapper smells spicy, with notes of tobacco and black pepper. The foot gives tobacco, black pepper and earth. 1 was cut with my ultra slim, the other with V cutter. Unfortunately, both suffered splits at the cap, with the V being far less dramatic. The ultra slim rendered me a flag to smoke around.
http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u428/usafvet509/20160310_130413_zpsdymaogmg.jpg (http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/usafvet509/media/20160310_130413_zpsdymaogmg.jpg.html) Now, with that minor unpleasantness out of the way:

1st third: Tastes are of cedar and black pepper, with faint earthy and creamy notes hanging back. Aroma is rich, with a hint of Latakia ( Haebar , I did learn something), cinnamon and baking spice.

2nd third: Tastes are cedar, unspecified pepper, with the cinnamon coming over and joining the creaminess. The Latakia aroma now turns a bit smoky, with richness and unknown spice. Here was the first (of very few) burn correction.

Final third: Tastes are leather, creamy, some salt and baking spice. Aromas are a hint of cocoa, spice, cedar cinnamon and a bread note. I did read the ad copy ahead of time (naughty, naughty), and I could almost hit salted pretzel with taste and aroma combined. Very nice!

Thoughts: Thanks to JasonBCP for the samples. The Cirque has me intrigued, and wanting more. I'm a stickler for the Single-5er-Box rule, so if anybody wants to do a split, here's a feller that wants a 5er! Aside from the wrapper splitting at the cap, this stick is priced right, and definitely hits above its tag.

[JasonBCP]

Thank you Trent. This is the first time I've heard the Latakia reference in regards to Cirque, very interesting. Now I'll have to light one up again with that in mind lol.

[Cool Breeze]

All right, here we go for my first review of these. Today I am posting my review of the Cirque. For you who are impatient, I'll go ahead and tell you, I really like this cigar. Very nice. It is one that I would certainly purchase.

Construction
As far as the pack, the burn and the draw, construction is very good.
However, I also had the cap mess up on the first one. The first one I gave a standard straight cut and the cap split on me and it started to unravel a bit. I was able to baby it and it turned out okay. Not a big complaint, but it wasn't only me, so that may be something to look at.
The 2nd one I smoked this afternoon, I decided to punch. I was really gentle with it and it started to split a little, but I was able to get the job done without too much wrapper damage.
Again, not a huge deal, but it's not something I would expect to deal with every time.
The ash held on for about an inch at a time, which is fine and when it did fall, the burn was always in the perfect cone that you want to see.

First light and first third
As soon as you light this cigar you immediately know you are smoking a Nicaraguan blend. There is no doubt about it. I would call it a cross between a Padron and an Alec Bradley Nica Puro. That is good company by the way, as I love both of those.
There is a very pleasant sweetness and creaminess as well.
Trent, I was really hoping to pick up the Latakia flavors you mentioned, but I did not. However I do not lay claim to having the most refined palate. :stogie:
There is a slight pepper that is more apparent on the retrohale than anything. It is a pleasant amount and not overwhelming at all.

Second Third
Not a big flavor shift in the 2nd third, which is fine. The flavors are great. I don't think I want them to change.
More of the same creamy sweetness and traditional Nicaraguan flavors. The pepper is still there about the same.
Really enjoying this cigar.

Last third
The creaminess and sweetness dies down a bit in the last third and the pepper remains.
The last third is mostly a woody cedar like flavor. Not sweet but still very pleasant.
Still burning perfectly and I am able to smoke it down to the last inch or so before it starts to get bitter.

Overall
Very nice stick.
Medium body.
Strength as far as nicotine is a medium/mild. Not getting a head rush or anything which is great.

The flavors are indeed similar to a Padron but without the flavor transitions of a Padron. It is more of a straightforward consistent cigar.
This is not a bad thing when the flavors are so good.

I definitely would buy this cigar. It is a really nice blend.

Oh and here's a pic, just because we all love pics. :stogie:

http://i902.photobucket.com/albums/ac223/prgann/371B3758-7DD2-4392-B20C-486DF5E5111F_zps5gzsumbb.jpg (http://s902.photobucket.com/user/prgann/media/371B3758-7DD2-4392-B20C-486DF5E5111F_zps5gzsumbb.jpg.html)

[JasonBCP]

Thanks, Paul, and nice job with the pic as well. Padron and Nica Puro are certainly good company to be in! :greengrin:

[GrouchoM]

Can I still participate in the review? If not, would definitely be interested in the future. Thanks.

[Upstatemax]

Smoked my second Cirque today. This is the one direct from the Wineador that is kept around 67-68%RH. My dry box is kept at about 61-62%RH.

After reading some of the other reviews on the Cirque, I cut this one a few times and lower than I normally do, to see if I could get the same wrapper issues that they had. I could not get it to split or unravel, at all. I paired this one with a Founders "All Day IPA".

Aroma off of the cigar is very pleasant, like the first. This one is a slight bit more tobacco forward, but still a very sweet tobacco smell.

http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag160/franksa33/35DAD388-7277-4F55-B393-4A6DF2CACF78_zpswp8we9zn.jpg

First third: Similar creamy, nutty flavor right off the bat. This time it has a slight black pepper spice in the aftertaste. Going through the first third it keeps that great cream and nutty flavor, sometimes a slight black coffee shows up in the aftertaste. I've been experimenting with Retrohale and I decided to give it a shot with this one. What a good decision, I get a clean and great blast of black cherry. Usually I find the concept of retrohale punishing, this cigar actually made it pleasurable.

Second third: Very mellow and lots of cream. Spice has faded away. A nice nutty cashew flavor pops in and out. Once I'm in the second third I'm getting almost a pound cake flavor on the back end, mixing this with continued retrohaling and a consistent black cherry flavor is a great experience.

http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag160/franksa33/616E1BBA-95F3-44CF-9C01-E07D6E26ABAC_zpspwtuv5ug.jpg

Final third: Cream and cashew is making a comeback with a slight spice in the aftertaste. Nearing the end of the cigar, the flavors stay consistent with those flavors. The retrohale starts to shift though, more of a black current now. Starting to get hot, time to put her out!

Overall I really like this cigar. It's approachable and I get A LOT of desert flavors. This is a great cigar if you want a relaxing, pleasurable smoke. Or for a beginner that wants a cigar that's not going to punish them. I've found solid construction and a great burn in both of the Cirque cigars I've smoked. The second was a bit more "wonky", but it was also fairly windy today and I'm certain it affected the burn a bit. But it always stayed in acceptable ranges with a little attention. This is the first cigar I've found easy to retrohale, adding a lot to the smoking experience.

Again, a big THANK YOU to JasonBCP for sending this cigar for review!

Hopefully the weather holds out, I want to get out and smoke my fourth cigar!

[JasonBCP]

Awesome review, thank you Frank. Cool to hear that you found some "rewards" in the retrohale. You are spot-on about the black cherry notes, though I didn't detect them until about the 3rd go-round with this stick.
Also, how is ol' Clifton Park doing? (I lived there for a spell circa 2005)

[Usafvet509]

I will get off my ass and post the San Rafael review, promise. I apologize to all for my delay

[Upstatemax]

Awesome review, thank you Frank. Cool to hear that you found some "rewards" in the retrohale. You are spot-on about the black cherry notes, though I didn't detect them until about the 3rd go-round with this stick.
Also, how is ol' Clifton Park doing? (I lived there for a spell circa 2005)

Sorry, I missed this response!

CP is doing well. It keeps on growing and growing! You know you made it when you get your own Olive Garden...

Lol

With Global Foundries in Malta and the Nanoscale college in Albany, Clifton Park is in a great position to keep on blowing up.

Where did you live?

Wife and I grew up in Clifton Park, moved to NYC for a few years and then to State College, PA for about a year. I LOVED State College. Still have a buddy there that I plan to visit this summer.

[Usafvet509]

San Rafael aggregate review
Smoked on 3/13 and 3/14 (YOWZA, I'm LATE!!!)
Apologies for the lack of pics, I'm transcribing my own audio recordings from smoking and driving.

Wrapper smells slightly spicy, with aromas of tobacco and earth. Foot gives tobacco, earth, and a fruity, possibly raisin note. Wrapper is slightly veiny, with a sandy feel. Cold draw is black pepper and tobacco, with a little bit of oak, and hints of that fruit note.

1st third) Aromas are of a smoky cedar (nice!) and spice. Tastes are toast and tobacco, cedar, that fruity note is here, too. I want to call it raisin, and I like it, but it is elusive to define.

2nd third) Minor touchups to the burn line. Tastes are cedar, spice, toast and a smoky note, now separate from the cedar. Aromas are smokiness, cedar, slight fruity, and tobacco. It is overall, a very pleasant medium.

Final third) Strength now builds to medium/full. Tastes are same, with the toasty note departing as the strength built. Aromas of cedar and smoky mingled again, enough to suggest hickory instead, and I'm digging it. Hickory, spice and a toasty aroma

Final thoughts: No construction issues noted here. I did see a couple of glue spots on one of the sticks, nothing ugly or major. It's a close tie as to which of these blends I liked more. Needless to say, BCP has gotten a couple of great new blends, and priced well. Again, put me down to split with somebody for a 5er! Once again, a big thanks to JasonBCP for his generosity in putting this on

[JasonBCP]

San Rafael aggregate review
Smoked on 3/13 and 3/14 (YOWZA, I'm LATE!!!)
Apologies for the lack of pics, I'm transcribing my own audio recordings from smoking and driving.

Wrapper smells slightly spicy, with aromas of tobacco and earth. Foot gives tobacco, earth, and a fruity, possibly raisin note. Wrapper is slightly veiny, with a sandy feel. Cold draw is black pepper and tobacco, with a little bit of oak, and hints of that fruit note.

1st third) Aromas are of a smoky cedar (nice!) and spice. Tastes are toast and tobacco, cedar, that fruity note is here, too. I want to call it raisin, and I like it, but it is elusive to define.

2nd third) Minor touchups to the burn line. Tastes are cedar, spice, toast and a smoky note, now separate from the cedar. Aromas are smokiness, cedar, slight fruity, and tobacco. It is overall, a very pleasant medium.

Final third) Strength now builds to medium/full. Tastes are same, with the toasty note departing as the strength built. Aromas of cedar and smoky mingled again, enough to suggest hickory instead, and I'm digging it. Hickory, spice and a toasty aroma

Final thoughts: No construction issues noted here. I did see a couple of glue spots on one of the sticks, nothing ugly or major. It's a close tie as to which of these blends I liked more. Needless to say, BCP has gotten a couple of great new blends, and priced well. Again, put me down to split with somebody for a 5er! Once again, a big thanks to JasonBCP for his generosity in putting this on

Thanks Trent! I'm glad you found the San Rafael to your liking and appreciate your attention to detail in describing the flavors. That smoky wood note is a personal favorite!

[JasonBCP]

Sorry, I missed this response!

CP is doing well. It keeps on growing and growing! You know you made it when you get your own Olive Garden...

Lol

With Global Foundries in Malta and the Nanoscale college in Albany, Clifton Park is in a great position to keep on blowing up.

Where did you live?

Wife and I grew up in Clifton Park, moved to NYC for a few years and then to State College, PA for about a year. I LOVED State College. Still have a buddy there that I plan to visit this summer.

I worked in Schenectady for a promotions company about 11-12 years ago, and we had an apt. in a complex in Clifton Park, did all our shopping there, etc. The apt. complex was called "(something) Villas", I believe. Nice, clean area, I always liked it.

We're located in Drums, PA, which is a little less than 2 hours away from State College. Small world, huh?

[Cool Breeze]

San Rafael Review.
Sorry it has taken me a while to get this posted. I smoked the second one the other night and wrote down my thoughts on it, so here we go.

I am happy to report that I did not notice any of the glue issues on the wrapper so hopefully that was simply a single example of a small oversight.

1st Third
As soon as you light it you know that this one is different than the Cirque. The San Rafael is more of a spicy cigar, with some wood and leather flavors in the beginning. Mostly you just get a tobacco flavor (I know that sounds silly but its true).

2nd Third
Not much change. Still a woody pepper flavor. I talk about pepper and spice but this really isn't a spice bomb. It is there and on the retrohale it is very prevelant, but overall it is a pleasant amount.

Last Third
I hate to sound like a broken record but the main flavor is still tobacco and leather. The spice dies down a bit in the last third however. This cigar is consistent without any noticeable (to me) flavor shifts. If you like the flavor of wood, leather and spice in your cigars you would probably like this one. There is nothing wrong with a consistent stick if you like the flavors that are there.

Construction was spot on. Burn was even all the way down and didn't require any touch ups. Draw was good with just the right amount of resistance.

To me, I would pass on the San Rafael but I would definitely purchase the Cirque. This is simply a flavor preference. I lean towards creamy and naturally sweet cigars.

Thank you very much for the opportunity to enjoy and review these cigars. At the prices you mentioned earlier in the thread, you certainly shouldn't have any trouble selling them.

[JasonBCP]

Thanks again, Mr. Breeze. I'm thinking of doing another round of testers with our 601 Pennsylvania Edition cigars. Maybe I'll get that together this week.

[DogRockets]

I remembered reading about these reviews and picked up a box of Cirque recently from bestcigarprices. They arrived today. Based on others experiences I'm looking forward to smoking these JasonBCP !

Got a box of these and 10 of the (apparently) discontinued Alec Bradley Maxx Connecticut. I love cigars!

[DogRockets]

https://www.bestcigarprices.com/sales/EXCLUSIVE/

There is a link to the current sale. With shipping I got a box of the Cirque for $50! What a deal!