Wrapper: Mexican San Andres
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Vitola: Toro (6 x 64)
Purchase Link: Cavalier Geneve Black Series II
Editor's Note: Sebastien Decoppet of Cavalier Geneve was kind enough to provide us with Black Series II samples minus the iconic golden diamond on the wrapper so that this would be a truly blind review. This time around, I took the picture of what I received as the Coordinator for the featured image. I thought about removing the band to for proof that the diamond was missing, but I could've just as easily turned the cigar over. I'll just have to rely on your faith in what we do ;)
BLACK SERIES II REVIEW – CALIFORNIA
Summary: BBQ sauce on the prelight. There's a crimp in one of the edges of this box-pressed stick, so I'm hoping it doesn't affect the burn. Chocolate and floral perfume kick things off. Sunflower seeds!
That tasty saltiness carries over into the second third. Dark roast coffee adds some depth. Touching up the burn. I’m picking up herbs and spices that remind me of Dr. Pepper.
Coffee notes now dominate in the final third. More chocolate at the finish.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Unique ice cream flavors with plenty of toppings.
Pairing Suggestion: Coffee.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Fiver.
BLACK SERIES II REVIEW – WISCONSIN
Summary: This smoke brought flavors of chocolate, earth, lots of cream, grass, orange, oak, and light pepper. The creaminess held the flavors together nicely - it reminded me of chocolate ice cream at times. Enjoyable flavors.
The draw was on point. The burn got wavy at times, which isn't exactly unexpected from a box pressed cigar, but never gave me any actual issues.
I'll happily smoke this cigar again when I find out what it is. The only thing missing for me was a bit of a 'wow' factor to take it up a notch for my palate.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Creamy chocolate.
Pairing Suggestion: Coffee.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Five pack.
BLACK SERIES II REVIEW – OREGON
Summary: Soft box-pressed beauty this is. I’m getting soap and cocoa from the wrapper.
Initial thoughts...draw is a bit tight, lots of dark earth and dark roasted nut flavors with some coffee in the background. Small amount of pepper spice but nothing overwhelming.
Middle section and I hit a nice little tunnel in the smoke...things heating up which isn’t good. Earth, leather and tobacco with lots of smoke. Sensing a touch of sweetness in the mix too.
End portion finds me past the dreaded tunnel and the flavors are smoothing back out. Still though, the profile tastes dark and heavy, which is fine, but leaves me feeling like the overall mixture of tasting notes is linear. Started nice, ended so-so.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Winning at whatever is on the table during family game night.
Pairing Suggestion: Light-bodied porter.
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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