Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Costa Rican, Nicaraguan, Peruvian
Vitola: Double Robusto (6 3/8 x 50)
Purchase Link: Crowned Heads Mil Dias
MIL DIAS REVIEW – CALIFORNIA
Summary: This looks and feels like a well-made cigar; I just hope that doesn't mean it's expensive. Cedar, white & green pepper, and a killer sweetness somewhere between maple syrup and peach. So far, this stick is burning like a charm. Spearmint.
That maple syrup is taking the cake in the second third with cedar as its backdrop. I put my lighter away because there is a near-zero chance that this will need a touch up. Berries and anise.
The final third plays the greatest hits from the first two thirds and I'm about it. Dark chocolate at the nub. Winner winner.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Picking out the perfect Christmas gift for someone.
Pairing Suggestion: Scotch that isn't too peaty.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Box.
MIL DIAS REVIEW – WISCONSIN
Summary: Smoking cigars outside in the Wisconsin winter can be brutal, both for the smoker and for the smoker's experience of the cigar. A cigar has to be very good to be worth smoking at below-freezing temperatures. This cigar was worth braving the cold.
It brought flavors of oak, cedar, cocoa, black pepper, cream, anise, mint, and cinnamon. I found it to be a balanced and enjoyable cigar.
The draw and burn had no issues throughout; construction-wise, this cigar was a winner.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Sipping hot chocolate by the fire.
Pairing Suggestion: Coffee.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Box.
MIL DIAS REVIEW – OREGON
Summary: Get comfy, this one is gonna take a while. Ginger snaps and fresh bread scents from the wrapper. From the cold draw, more bread notes and some fresh cut grass.
Beginning with warm, mild notes of wood, baking spices and leather. There is some of the fresh grass flavor in the finish along with raw walnut. Strangely, the retro hale is quite citrusy and has a quick jab of heat at the start, disappearing quickly. Just now noticing the wrapper is toothy to the point it feels almost gritty. Two inches of ash hanging from the end.
Hittin the middle and the ash just fell. Aces in construction. Notes of oak, cream, leather, mild cinnamon and citrus lead the way. The retro hale remains citrusy with some heat. It also has some floral highlights and finishes closer to cedar than oak. The draw seems to be tightening a bit.
Final portion of this stick getting a touch harsh and I’m struggling to keep smoke rolling from it. Tasting some basic notes of wood and tobacco along with some spiciness. Hoping for a recovery here in the last couple inches of the cigar. Unfortunately, the flavors remain muted and still a little harsh and this stick is done.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: A great meal... with no dessert.
Pairing Suggestion: Bourbon, but something not too spicy.
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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