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Kelvin Batista

About Kelvin Batista

Posts by Kelvin Batista:

Blind Review: Davidoff Signature 2000

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Davidoff has always represented an understated elegance and refinement in the cigar industry.  Their conservative approach to cigar releases, the subtle flavor nuances of their cigars and even the sophisticated decor in their beautiful lounges.  This cigar is no different.  The Davidoff Signature 2000 is one of Davidoff’s best sellers. Consistent with the Davidoff pedigree, this cigar celebrates a long lineage of Davidoff master craftsmanship and expert blending.

Blend Specifics

  • Cigar Reviewed: Davidoff Signature 2000
  • Wrapper: Ecuador
  • Binder: Ecuador 
  • Filler: Domincan Republic
  • Size: Petit Corona 5 x 43

Appearance and Construction

As per the ancient ritual, after receiving a package of cigars in the mail, an immediate  and thorough inspection was in order.   Most of the time, I am well aware of which cigars to expect.  However, this particular package had the original bands detached to remove some partiality from the review process.  Heavy biases and crude judgments aside, by removing the band as barbaric as it may seem, lessens the distractions and focuses attention on the contents of the book and less on its cover.

It was late in the evening, the Davidoff Signature 2000 with its graceful poise caught my eye.  It’s unpretentious vitola, tight flawless bronzed Ecuadorian wrapper and triple cap flair made a great impression.  The wrapper and its construction was just about perfect, with no visible veins or lumps, and a soft sandalwood luster.

Flavor and Smoke Characteristics

Taking a smell of the foot of the Davidoff Signature 2000, tantalizing aroma of walnuts, dry leaves and fresh Costa Rican coffee greet the nose.  After a straight cut, a dry pull reveals vegetal and fresh grass on the palate.  Soft dry hay and white pepper flavors wrapped in thick and creamy combination provide a luscious well balanced medium body.  Once the heat settles, the ash starts to build and a comforting sharp burn reveals itself. 

The retrohale (gateway to the next dimension of cigar appreciation) is a soft delicate floral twang reminiscent of finely aged Cuban seed tobacco takes this cigar to the next level.  Careful throttling of the pull is consistent with most cigars where spice picks up with heat and a leveling off once the heart dissipates.

In the second third of the Davidoff Signature 2000, the white pepper softens up, soft velvet texture, cedar, razor sharp burn, no relights. By the middle of the cigar, the flavors have settled quite nicely.  I am able to throttle the intensity of the retrohale by manipulating the frequency and strength of the draw.  This wave of flavors is what takes this cigar to the next level. It’s enticing, provocative and mysterious.

As the cigar gets near the end, the heat picks up and so does the intensity of flavors, the white pepper gets stronger, the dry hay makes a sneaky return, the retrohale boldens. Noticeable white ash and no relights.  If one was to ease off a bit and feather the draw, graham crackers and vegetal lingers in the background.

Conclusion

A fine example of great tobacco, years of experience and mastery to create a mild mannered masterpiece. I suspect this cigar will age gracefully, This cigar being readily available, will allow anyone to find and experience what in my opinion is a great cigar.  It’s not overpowering, bold or pretentious.  Instead, the Davidoff Signature 2000 is refined, balanced and well tempered (medium strength), The true magic of this cigar is behind the curtains or more accurately hidden behind the retrohale.  A true gem in the Davidoff lineup.

Final Rating: 91

My Father S Special Review

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My Father Special Review

It is a great time to be alive if you’re a cigar smoker.  Today, we have some of the best, most consistent and interesting blends of cigars available to us with a click of a button.  Although some cigar manufacturers boast about their blend specifics with detail, many do not.  Cigar Brands might choose to do this to preserve family secrets and protect blending techniques.  In any case, we often refer to hearsay for information and our taste buds for judgment. Such is the case with the following cigar, the mysterious My Father S Special.

Sometime around 2011 appeared a cigar from My Father rumored to be a direct descendant of the noble Centurion line which was first blended half a dozen years prior.  This cigar was only available to a limited few and in finite quantities.  Almost 6 years later from the deeply entrenched corners of the humidor it awakens it from its six year slumber.

Blend Specifics:

Vitola: Robusto (5 x 50)
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua

Appearance and Construction

While this cigar has been living in a humidor for 6 years it is still new to me.  Its heritage suggests it is not a cigar to be taken lightly.  The wrapper appears rugged.  It’s satin sheen, lumpy and toothy texture confirm this.  The triple cap suggests a quality roll and with its robusto vitola it completes a short, stocky, well-made cigar that’s a little rough around the edges.

Taste and Smoking Characteristics

The cigar lights up without hesitation. From experience, I let the cigar slowly come to life and I’ll occasionally blow out the stale air from the cigar.   I refrain from making quick judgement as a I allow it to softly pick up heat.  First third, I taste light cedar, dry white pepper and a little ash.  Nothing overpowering but enough to hinder the spirits.  Interestingly enough, the retro hale was better with dominant toast notes.

I was well into the second third when the ash finally fell.  The cigars burned flawlessly, the burn was even and crisp throughout the experience.  The harsh cedar flavors shifted to toasted bread and the cigar started to balance out a bit.  The retro-hale mellowed out and I enjoyably appreciated a bit of twang and floral.

By the last third, the cigar flavors mellowed out even more.  Nonetheless, the heat and spice and vegetal notes lingered in the background.

Conclusion

Overall, a cigar that I admittedly over hyped to myself.  I think it was long overdue to be smoked.  Perhaps a couple of years ago the cigar was in its prime but nevertheless, the years added complexity, maturity and much respect, reminiscent of Hemingway’s struggling fisherman.

Cigar Review: Puros Rocha Toro Especial

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studio square and puros rocha 062

One of the things I love about living in New York City and the underground cigar scene is you never know who you will meet or what you will discover next. Such was the case about a year ago at a NYC cigar lounge where I was introduced to Alejandro Rocha, president of Puros Rocha. We exchanged numbers and met some time later where he promised me some sticks for me to try from his micro brand he has been working on for the last couple of years. Here is my review of his labor of love.

studio square and puros rocha 064

Appearance & Construction

At first appearance Lovely habano wrapper is even in color throughout all the sticks I’ve seen. In addition, there are no harsh veins the cigar has a even satin sheen with minimal tooth yet somewhat lumpy. A perfect V-cut brings out a perfect draw.

studio square and puros rocha 077

Flavor & Smoke Characteristics

First Third: Tons of smoke with every draw. Oak wood, raw peanut and just the right amount of paprika pepper coats the palate. The Puros Rocha is a well balanced full body, medium/full flavor and medium strength. As I advance, there is an increasingly earthy musk that works well in conjunction with the spice.

Second Third: The ash fell right on second third mark. A light pleasing retrohale adds to the experience. By this time, the earthy/must lightens up and black pepper lingers for a long finish as the cigar continues its complex sequence.

Last Third: As the heat picks up, the flavors intensifies. The shift in temperature kicks it up a notch but never becoming deviant or transcending far from it original flavors.

Conclusion

There are many cigars that never see the inside of a cigar shop humidor. Fortunately, this cigar represents the strength and ruggedness of the NYC underground cigar scene and I foresee this cigar brand will keep growing–soon to be available at a shop near you. Long ashes!

Final Grade: B+

Cigar Review: La Duena Belicoso #2

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La Duena

When asked what is my favorite cigar vitola, I usually answer with belicoso. Coming in at 5 ½ x 52-54 this vitola is the same length as a corona but thicker, very similar to a torpedo but without a pointy tip and technically a figurado.

La Duena means female owner and this cigar was blended in part by Janny Garcia daughter of Cigar superstar Don Pepin in conjunction with Pete Johnson (Tatuaje Cigars). For her cigar blending debut Janny chose an interesting marriage of Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper and Connecticut and Nicaraguan Binder and filler. Her brother Jaime Garcia handles production and in like fashion, La Duena joins the My Father family of cigars.

Blend Specifics

  • Size: 5.5 x 54
  • Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
  • Binder: Nicaraguan
  • Filler: Nicaraguan

Appearance & Construction

Satin matte wrapper leaf with long blotchy discolorations. Some visible veins and very toothy. Not a pretty stick. Simple white and red no frills band gives little information. Pretty straight forward

I use a straight cut, and the pre-light test has a perfect draw which tastes peppery at the tip of the tongue. Rich Nicaraguan tobacco aroma at the foot of the cigar.

Flavor & Smoke Characteristics

This cigar opens with dry cedar taste at the first draw, earthy,musty, sulfur and it progressively gets spicier. Chili Pepper sneaks in and overtakes the palate. At about halfway, flavors are settling with a medium body, rich woody retrohale. I can tell this cigar has a white and razor sharp burn, with ash falling right on the second third mark

By the second third all the flavors come together in harmony. It balances very well with a buttery texture and every taste mentioned in the first still dancing around beautifully. The body becomes richer, with flavor and strength lingering around medium and full for a long finish.

In the final third, the sulfur flavor picks up. Although its not a flavor I enjoy, my cigar burns excellent, which is a sign of good tobacco and great construction. Pepper taste still hanging around but be careful not to pull too hard or the pesky sulfur reveals itself.

Conclusion

Janny’s efforts did not go unnoticed in her debut as a blender even if she did get a little help from Pete Johnson. This cigar is complex with flavors that work together in a package to deliver a tasty treat. My favorite is the second half by far where the flavors mend and flow well. I hope this cigar will be a stepping stone for Janny Garcia and I expect many good things to come in the future from her especially having the bloodline for producing some excellent sticks. Cheers to the future!

Final Grade: B+

Event Recap: Sip & Smoke @ Refugio Cigar House

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Refugio Cigar House

After a blistering long cold week, I looked forward to hanging out with some old friends and meeting some new ones at Refugio’s first “Sip and Smoke” of 2013 with David Bailey and David Alicea – hosted on Friday, January 25th. Those that battled against the weather were rewarded with drinks, cigars and good times. It pays to be early and this event was no different. Early birds were there to grab the best seats and get first picks on cigars, raffles and sales before they’re sold out. As the people started coming in so did the wide array of spirits. Scotch, Rum, Brandy..it was all there for us to taste and enjoy as David accurately described each one.

Our very own David Alicea dissected the Arandoza Cigar line in detail describing all of their flavor characteristics. David also did an awesome job on a cigar cutting and lighting refresher course for those new to cigars. A huge 50 count Humidor was raffled after the Sip & Smoke with proceeds going towards a upcoming fundraiser called “Cleats4kids”. The raffle and after event was put on by New York’s Grown & Sexy in the City Cigar Group. We stayed till morning conversing among new and old friends, enjoying fine spirits, stogies and making memories.

Thanks for all who came out and we look forward seeing you again soon. Photos are below!

Cigar Review: Flor de Las Antillas Toro

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misc 2012 and 2013 1307

One of the things I look forward to besides the Holidays and the New Year is Cigar Aficionado’s Best Cigars of The Year List.  Every year they publish a list of their top cigars and this year is no different.  This year, topping the list is La Flor de las Antillas Toro (6”x52), the latest creation from the cigar powerhouse My Father Cigars.  La Flor de la Antillas is a Nicaraguan puro cigar that first appeared on the scene on May of 2012.  Before this cigar made any news, I managed to pick one up for $10 at Cigar Superstore in Long Island and I was lucky enough to have found one before the announcement was made.

Blend Specifics

  • Size: Toro (6×52)
  • Wrapper: Nicaraguan
  • Binder: Nicaraguan
  • Filler: Nicaraguan

 

Appearance & Construction

The cigar is beautifully wrapped in an even golden brown satin sheen sun grown wrapper with no obtrusive veins and no visible blemishes. On the nose, it smells like

very light cedar and leather with the strongest smells of ligero leaf coming from the foot that easily overpowers the light wrapper scent.  It must be noted this cigar probably has the most beautiful and vivid yet elegant band that I ever seen.  It is amazingly detailed and very much a piece of art.

Flavor & Smoke Characteristics

A precise cut begins the first third.  The cigar starts with espresso and a dry cedar and leather taste. Flavors of unsweetened espresso with light bitterness, nut flavor and white pepper lingers for a long finish. The retrohale is enjoyable and there is no harshness.  Halfway into the first third the cigar is now slightly richer in taste.  Visually, the ash is medium grey and did not last but about an inch.

In the second third, the spicy finish mellows out and the nutmeg flavors pick up and the retrohale is more pleasant.  The ash does not seem to want to stick around and is quickly departed.

Lastly, in the final third the nutty flavors really take the forefront.  The finish is not as pronounced as before however, the spicey nuttiness still lingers in the background as the smoke gets hotter.  Toward the end of the cigar, the cigar coats the palate with notes of cedar and leather.

misc 2012 and 2013 1335

Conclusion

Like many good movies, this cigar has a introduction, a middle and an end. In like manner, this cigar is comparable to a good old classic you can count on to keep you entertained any time of the day due to its exceptional balance and non overpowering profile.  Nevertheless,  this is no blockbuster action cigar and won’t raise an eyebrow if you prefer stronger sticks. However, I encourage you to judge for yourself and be your own critic.

 

Grade: B+

 

Gurkha’s $750 HMR: Can it ever be worth it?

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I have smoked some pretty expensive cigars.  More than I care to admit, but when I discovered the most expensive cigar was far pricier than the most i have paid for a stick… well I did’nt  feel so bad.  Amazingly, its not  cigar made of up gold leafs or a platinum band its actually a cigar made by Gurkha.

Producing the most expensive cigar is one thing naming it is another and  with a name like “His Majesty’s Reserve” how can you go wrong. At less than 100 boxes per year, get ready to Pay upwards of $750 per stick.  What is it made of? Only thing that Gurkha will say is that its the finest Dominican wrapper with a secret blend of fillers from all over the globe.

Here’s the kicker.  According to Most-expensive.com, “they’re also infused with a generous portion of Louis XIII Cognac in a process that retains the flavor of the tobacco. Louis XIII Cognac, as you may know, is one of the finest cognacs on the market today.”

What do you think? Can a price of $750 ever be justified for a single cigar?

Cigar Review: Fogo Gran Habano Perfecto

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Fogo Gran Habano Perfecto

Every once in a while (three months to be exact), the time will come for me to reorganize my humidors and make sure everything is in place and ready to battle the summer heat here in the Northeast. At the same time I do a mental inventory and while I’m pretty good at keeping my sticks organized, I always find myself with some cigars I have yet to try that have been resting for some time now.

Tonight I grab the Fogo Gold Gran Habano Perfecto. Enjoying the summer night breeze with some friends and Myles Davis in the background, I lit this cigar.

Blend Specifics
Country of origin: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Habano 2000 and Nicaragua
Color: Colorado
Vitola: 6 x 60 perfect
Flavor: medium
Strength: medium

Appearance & Construction

It is always a treat to try a new cigar. Construction looks old world rustic. Veins are present with some flat spots. While I love the character this brings to a particular stick I also know that many times construction like this can lead to a horrible canoeing action. This stick is mostly made up of Nicaraguan tobacco. Very little information was supplied to me other than it’s a new stick that turned up in the NYC cigar scene.

Flavor & Smoke Characteristics

1st third – This cigar starts off much milder in flavor than it actually looks. It was a fairly easy light and the expected tougher-than-usual-draw on a perfecto led to trouble-free beginning. The flavors of the first third start off with dry and woody and as the cigar progresses the it becomes richer flavor and a bit stronger.

Fogo Gran Habano Perfecto burn

2nd third – Shortly after first third the cigar flavor makes a u-turn back to the dry woody flavors from the beginning. Right around the middle of this cigar something caught my attention but it was very subtle. I got a short blast of what tasted like almond butter lingering in my mouth after a strong steady draw. It was enough to catch my attention and very condensed. I kept looking for that taste again but was disappointed it never came back.

Last third – Stubborn, Sturdy yet flaky dark grey ash continiued to hang around well into the last third. Flavor profile did not change again and the stick ended the way it began.

Conclusion

Overall, this cigar was a pleasant smoke. Granted I found the cigar a bit boring and it will definitely not turn any heads but makes a good choice for a everyday for a mid-day daily smoke that won’t break the bank yet give them some satisfaction in knowing they aren’t smoking a dog rocket.

Balvenie 12 year Double Wood and Perdomo Habano Connecticut

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Many times we accompany cigars with our favorite libations and tonight I give the spotlight to a scotch that perhaps is the highlight of my evening and overshadows the cigar in mention. Tonight I chose a cigar which I think pairs well with the Balvenie Double Wood. After much testing I have come to the conclusion that cigars and scotch are much harder to pair than say rum or coffee. However, I tend to lean towards lighter and milder cigars with my scotch and have been pleasantly surprised.

I usually have a hard time wanting to smoke a Connecticut shade wrapped cigar due to the simple fact that I find myself more often smoking after a good dinner and I would much rather smoke a cigar with more flavor, body and strength. Until recently, my lighter sticks have been reserved for my unusual morning smokes and I now find myself grabbing one to pair with my spirit of choice which happens to be rum at the moment.

Nose and appearance: After pouring a dram into my glass and getting the cigar  ready, I took a bit a time to appreciate the spirit and really enjoy the moment. My little ritual is to lightly swirl the glass, letting the whisky coat the glass and watching how it sticks to the sides of the glass at the same time allowing for evaporation. While not out of the norm, I also take time to put my nose close to the glass and breathe. Taking my time to get closer, the smells become stronger being careful to avoid the alcohol burn.  Right away the scents that come to mind are light fruity, transparent, airy, floral, dried fruit that is not in any way overpowering.

Taste: The first sip is a billow of flavor that coats the palate with oak, woody flavor followed by a very light vanilla and a hint of honey. I kept it neat as there was no need to add water. It is light in flavor and only 43 percent alcohol and I found no reason to further dilute. In addition, the finish was short, plain and lacking in my opinion. As I progressed the taste slightly shifted, the honey flavor became more pronounced and the aroma was more of orange and honey. Best to let sit for a bit before drinking. Overall, the Balvenie 12 Double Wood is simple and easy. A great welcoming to the wonderful world of Scotch Whisky.

Now for the cigar,

The Perdomo Habano line consist of the Connecticut, Corojo and Maduro. All of which have distinctive taste. I made an effort to try all three in the past and tonight I chose what I thought would pair the best with tonight’s dram of choice. I have smoked this stick plenty of times before and has been part of my stash for over a year. This stick in particular has been laying dormant for about 10 months next to its brothers and sisters waiting for the right opportunity to fulfill its destiny.

Blend Specifics:
Vitola: Gordo (6 x 60)
Wrapper: Connecticut
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua

Appearance and Construction:
Construction was great, but whenever I have a Connecticut shade wrapped cigar I tend to pay very close attention to the wrapper. They tend to be thinner and therefore prone to ripping spreading and just creating a menial experience. While this cigar did manage to rip and cause a mess, I kept my composure and marched on. The wrapper was lumpy and opaque which is consistent with all the onthers I’ve had.

Taste & Smoking Characteristics:

First puff reveals a woody, toasty like toasted almost burnt bread, peanut shell flavor that is followed by a medium and slightly peppery finish. I tried this before I had tasted the scotch which is a great way to distinguish between the cigar and the spirit. Throughout the first third I kept thinking the Balvenie had more strength than the cigar and although it was also woody they complimented one another quite well. Alone I find this cigar to be not as enjoyable. As the stick progresses it becomes more acrid and depressing. However together the spirit does a great job to mask the flavors I don’t like.

Conclusion

Early on, the wrapper did rip on me and continued to expand making that the point of no return. I almost reached the last third before I laid her down to sleep. I don’t want to recommend this stick because I feel that there are much better Connecticut wrapped cigars that are better expressions of what is perhaps the most popular wrapper in the United States.

Overall Score: B-

Kelvin Batista (mrkelvinbatista@gmail.com)

“Stay Young, Stay Foolish” Steve Jobs

CAO MX2

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   Ladies and Gentlemen, tonight I  enjoy a CAO MX2 while bathing under the 
street lights.  After much time this stick is given a  frolic welcoming. Right away,  
I must confess this is my favorite of the CAO “Trifecta” the other two of which have been  
previously reviewed here(CX2 and  LX2).  In continuation with the "X2" theme, this particular 
stick was named after the double maduro leaf found in the wrapper as well as the binder.




Blend Specifics: 
        Vitola: Toro (6 x 54)
	Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro,
	Binder:Brazilian Maduro
	Filler:long-fillers from Nicaragua, Honduras, Peru, and the
	       Dominican Republic

Appearance and Construction
	This cigar has a blatant dark wrapper that feels very toothy to
the touch, with two very noticeable veins running the full length of the
cigar which I found personally obtrusive.  The color on this stick was
somewhat spotty and appeared dirty.  Although, the pre-light smell was
pleasant the cigar is not very appealing to the eye and a little further
gaze revealed the cigar to be somewhat crooked.The Band looks very different
than that of the LX2 but some what resembles the CX2 without the curves. With
clean lines and its sophisticated look it has a subtle elegance and maturity
that I think is perfectly understated however, it does somewhat resemble the
iconic cat burglar mask.  Accordingly, I chuckled and proceeded to cut and
light. 


Taste & Smoking Characteristics
          Delicately holding with one hand and a quick snip with the other....
easy straight cut.  Test the pre-light draw(perfect).  Pulled out my Xikar
EX lighter and began toasting while rotating the cigar to achieve that
perfect red ring. A sequence that has been practiced often and perfected
over the years. First taste profile that comes to mind is expresso coffee
just like mama makes the old fashion way with the strainer. Shortly after
the spice starts to linger in the background and remains there. As I
continued to puff away the short spice and woody  finish continued and I
tasted what I though was very much like toffee like someone was playing
with an off/on switch.
	Visually, the ash revealed to be a beautiful light grey and tight.
The burn in general was flawless. I should mention that this stick has been
in my humidor for over 7 months.
	By the end of the first third I had a sudden craving for a dark
stout beer so, I picked up a Guinness (all I could find).  The pairing
really brought out the coffee in the stout and I thought paired pretty well.

       Something I picked up on about the beginning of the second third was 
a faint taste of mesquite, BBQ or perhaps Beef Jerky. It was so weak it could 
have been provoked by anything. As I continued the flavors was white pepper and 
wood, spice and BBQ became more pronounced in the finish.  The ash finally lost 
its grip and fell about halfway through the second.

	By the last third the excitement went away and the stick became pretty
dull.  I even got a little unpleasant taste which  I can almost bet it was the
Dominican tobacco stopping by to say hello.  By that time, I was ready to say
goodbye and chucked it in my good ole coffee can that William J. Dawson would
call “My Bin of Mortality”.

Conclusion
	In general, I was hoping the first third wouldn’t end. That being said,
this stick is fairly popular and I recommend picking one up to try even if for
only the first third or if you like a full body full flavor stick. Cheers!

Final Grade; B




    



	    
	

	
		

		
	

	
	



					    

		
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