Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo Maduro
Binder: Corojo (Jalapa)
Filler: Corojo, Criollo (Esteli, Jalapa)
Vitola: Campeon (6x52)
Purchase Link: Guardian of the Farm Nightwatch
NIGHTWATCH REVIEW – CALIFORNIA
Summary: White pepper and unsweetened graham crackers at the first light. There is absolutely zero sweetness to this stick and it's spooking me. Wonky burn and flaky ash. Sugar-free Dr. Pepper makes things interesting.
Wheat crackers have me wishing I had a sweet drink pairing to help wash this stick down (phrasing?) Went out twice.
Final third and the lack of sweetness makes me think of cheese for some reason. with a good three inches left, my palate is feeling the heat. Vegetal notes at the finish.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Saltine cracker-eating competitions.
Pairing Suggestion: Rum.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Single.
NIGHTWATCH REVIEW – WISCONSIN
Summary: This cigar is visually interesting, with what looks like a 109-style head and a closed foot. It catches my attention quickly, starting out with bold pepper from the closed foot that mellows out a bit into oak and dark chocolate notes, with nuts, slight cream, cereal grain, and fruit dancing in and and out in the background. The finish brings caramel and spice. After a few inches, a savory meatiness takes over, and cinnamon notes pop up occasionally.
The cigar's construction leaves me nothing to complain about. It burns slowly, so be ready to spend some time with this cigar.
Overall, I really enjoyed this cigar. The strength and boldness are a touch (or two) higher than I usually aim for, so I can't quite recommend a box. But if you like your cigars like that, definitely pick this one up.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Strong, bold flavors with layers of complexity.
Pairing Suggestion: Bourbon.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Fiver.
NIGHTWATCH REVIEW – OREGON
Summary: This “sort of torpedo-shaped cigar” with a closed foot is very firmly rolled. Skepticism about draw issues aside, this cigar has the outward appearance of a quality handmade smoke.
Bitter leather, charred oak, black coffee and a mild level of pepper spice start this stick out. The pepper spice has a lingering quality though... which is fine with me. The retro hale is full of dark flavors as well but.. is actually shining for me. Burnt toast, mushroom and charred meat along with a dash of sweetness.
The middle of this cigar is mellowing right out with mild leather, creamy coffee, roasted hazelnut and a touch of floral sweetness. Downside... seems to take several puffs to get any smoke production.
The last third finds me applying one large burn correction, but the flavors are still really good. Strong coffee notes along with hazelnut, toast and earth... and a nice level of lingering sweetness in retro hale.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Walk off singles in baseball...it’s not a home run, but it’s still a win.
Pairing Suggestion: Guinness stout.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: 5 pack.
Participants in this blind review were completely unaware of the cigar they were evaluating until all submissions were received and processed. Each participant was asked to answer a summary paragraph, an if/than statement, a pairing suggestion, and a purchase suggestion. Cigars were provided by Small Batch with only the expectations of candid responses. All pictures, information, and formatting were completed by a Coordinator outside of the reviewing process.
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