I ordered four of these five-inch beauties online and immediately stuck them into my humidor upon arrival. As an aside let me mention how much I love online cigar shopping. Although there’s nothing quite like the smell and feel of a brick and mortar tobacco shop, there’s also something special about ordering online and waiting impatiently for the packages to arrive at the doorstep. It’s like Christmas over and over…and over. I do most of my shopping at CigarAuctioneer.com. I highly recommend checking it out, but don’t say I didn’t warn you concerning the addictive properties of the site. But back to the Garcia Family.
The cigar was the Famous Signature Series by Garcia Family Robusto. Five inches long with a 50 ring gauge, it’s a nice-looking stogie and I couldn’t wait to light it up. After punching a hole in the cap, I pre-tested the draw and it seemed good, so I began toasting the foot. There was no trouble lighting the cigar and the first couple of puffs seemed to confirm a good construction.
As I smoked, however, I began noticing a bitter taste to the smoke. This is typical for smokers who, out of inexperience or impatience, scorch the foot while lighting, but I had been careful and was pretty sure that wasn’t the problem. Indeed, the bitter taste continued for the first half-inch. At that point the cigar shifted to a nice, even feel and I could pick out some interesting nutty flavors. I wouldn’t call it a creamy taste, but it wasn’t at all harsh. The taste improved as the smoke progressed and continued to burn cool up until the last inch and a half.
The smoke was plentiful and fairly aromatic. The burn was almost flawless, even and predictable. One of the things I loved about this cigar was the aesthetic properties of the ash, which was a beautiful whitish-gray.
Overall, I would call this cigar pleasant and innocuous. It wasn’t flashy or complex, but a good, basic smoke. I will definitely be enjoying the other three in my humidor.
Good Points
■Plentiful smoke
■Even burn
■Pleasant taste
■Beautiful ash
Bad Points
■Could use more flavor
■Starts out a little bitter
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Ty for the review
I smoked a Churchill 7 x 50 out of a box that I received yesterday and after resting till today I used a single flame lighter and did not taste anything bitter but psychological wise I already have it in my mind Garcia = good. I enjoyed the smoked very well, it wasn't as spicy as some of his sticks but the aroma and taste was quite enjoyable, I am glad I have more...
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Nice review, Craig.
I agree with you 100% these need much more flavor!
To this day, this might be one of my least favorite cigars. I hope the remaining sticks treat you better.
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