The weekend began on Friday night with the recording of Episode 17 of Stogie Geeks. This week we smoked the Oliva V Maduro Especial. Which one, you ask? Well all of them of course! The episode will be posted later this week but until then, here’s some eye candy.

Saturday Evening: Ortega Serie D No. 6

This Corona from Eddie Ortega features a Mexican San Andreas wrapper, and a binder/fillers from Esteli, Nicaragua. I paired a glass of Fonseca 10 year Old Tawny Port with this rich smoke which was a winning combination. The Ortega Serie D began with some cocoa and coffee notes and quickly transitioned to earth, leather, and pepper. I really enjoyed the smoke and will be picking up more of these soon. Certainly a “Fiver” if not “Box Worthy”. Don’t forget the grab the port too!

Sunday Afternoon: La Aurora Puro Vintage 2004

Sunday I lit up something that I had been looking forward to all weekend. What’s better than a 6.5 x 52 Salomon from La Aurora? After all, La Aurora knows how to make a Perfecto! The Vintage 2004 features Dominican binder and fillers, and an Ecuador Habano wrapper. One sexy looking cigar, if you ask me. Unfortunately, it seemed to be a little under filled and consequently burned hot. I countered the effects by less frequent draws and was presented with a bread like flavor profile with the additional appearance of spice and burnt caramel that would take turns on my palate. The last third was a wash, as it became too hot to finish. Consequently, I am going to hold off on making an assessment until I can revisit.

Sunday Evening: Tatuaje 109 Federal Cigar 90th Reserva

This cigar was a limited run created for Federal Cigar in New Hampshire last year. This 7 x 50 Nicaraguan cigar features a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper.  An opening of cocoa quickly transitioned to bitter sweet chocolate, leather, and pepper. The pepper was subtle at first but increased in strength as the cigar progressed. Burn and draw were good. An interesting cigar but it did not “wow” me either. If you come across a few singles (they are sold out now) I would grab a couple to try.

Until next week, keep burning!