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Will transcribe and decipher chicken scratches later.
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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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/202...162cbd9c4e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...913a3ffe01.jpg
Gotcha. I had to double check the viso and seco difference:
https://www.laaurora.com.do/the-toba...eaves/?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.
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.
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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Another big thanks @SoCal gunner .
Notes for Condega dropping when the Gun Man says 'shoot'.
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Next up, Condega Region, Viso priming. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...2584d1765c.jpg
Closing out rhe Condega region with the Ligero. Will post notes after completion. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...53f3cacd9f.jpg
Region: Condega
Seed: Criollo 98
Ligero
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Viso
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Seco
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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.
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.
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.
Esteli Viso Criollo98
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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!
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.
Should be able to pick this back up tonight or tomorrow, TJ.
Should be done with the 9 tasting sticks by tomorrow. May have to finish #10 on Friday ahead of you.
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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.
@SoCal gunner did you smoke #10 yet? Still wanna send our guesses to another Bum?
Thanks again, TJ.
Dropping all my notes soon.
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Region: Esteli
Seed: Crillo 98
Seco
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Viso
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Ligero
Had ignition issues with this one and had to toss.
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Region: Jalapa
Seed: Criollo 98
Seco
Not really any notes. Another troublesome stick.
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Viso
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Ligero
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...f1daa740c1.jpg
@SoCal gunner
Good luck. First guess was sent to @Tombstone .
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.
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Region: Esteli
Seed: Crillo 98
Viso
Cold Draw- Zucchini Bread
(Great draw, thankfully)
Salty, Peanuts, Oak, Tea.
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Region: Esteli
Seed: Crillo 98
Ligero
Cold Draw: Oyster Crackers
Flavor like the Char on a steak.
Salt, Oak, Hickory, Mild Pepper.
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Region: Jalapa
Seed: Criollo 98
Seco
Perfect Draw
Woody, Grassy, Walnut w/subtle sweetness. Really enjoyed this one as is.
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Region: Jalapa
Seed: Criollo 98
Viso
Cold Draw - woody, nutty, bread.
Woody, Leather, Salt, Walnut Shells, Mild Pepper
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Region: Jalapa
Seed: Criollo 98
Ligero
Cold Draw - Crackers and Pepper
Leather, Salt, Walnuts, Strong Flavors, High N content.
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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/202...c33126b913.jpg