CIGAR REVIEW - Alec Bradley "Black Market Test #2
April 2012 - Posted by The Cigar Intelligence Agency
CIGAR REVIEW - We have been worried and investigating about this smoke. This is Alec Bradley's Black market. We reviewed this cigar a month ago and I went back to re-explore this cigar.
I regrouped my partners and asked them to have it another try.
We came up with the same conclusions: The smoke is decent but lacks of flavors. It does not assimilates with the overal quality of Alec Bradley. Something is missing here and we can't find what it is.
Insiders told us some technical issues were spotted on the very first smokes that shipped out but it is hard for us to classify this cigar as a top smoke.
One thing is sure it is bolder than most ABs and has a different wrapper quality than most cigars from the Dania, FL based company.
We love Alec Bradley but CIA passes on this one.
TOTAL = Status Quo
RECOMMENDED = Fair
----------------------
Comments, Feedback & YOUR GRADES below...
CIGAR REVIEW - CAO Maduro Block Press Does The Job
April 2012 - Posted by The Cigar Intelligence Agency
At CIA we are big fans of CAO Italia but our feelings changed after trying on Traviata which was a very shocking finding...
But here is this very smooth filtered smoke with a highly pleasurable wooden taste to make us feel slightly better about CAO latest blends.
We are not as excited as some of other press partners that engaged in the usual grading (always 90 if you advertise with us) and results in unfortunate hype.
After explaining to so many people that we don't really care and the fact that we do not make any money to say this or that... It became obvious that certain brands are severely overrated.
CAO is a an all time American favorite brand but we are watching and we hope many smokes with more interesting blends will come out.
We wish all brands were on point but often not the case.
To summarize about this smoke it it solid and its wrapper is neatly perfected. This is a decent Maduro cigar with a very deep smoke and great draw. Well crafted but has a lack of picked up flavors in the blend that makes it fall off from our top list.
TOTAL = 83%
RECOMMENDED = Fair
----------------------
Comments, Feedback & YOUR GRADES below...
CIGAR REVIEW - VICTOR SINCLAIR REVOLUTION DOS CAPAS IS "JUST" FINE!
Compact cigar with strong wood flavor to it.
Clean smoke without big surprise.
This tastes very Dominican like.
Its mild to medium body with a very soft spice after puffing a little on it. Soft everyday smoke.
Economic as well.
TOTAL = 74% (Grade Updated 08/19/2012) (- Down)RECOMMENDED = NO
