Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Dominic Republic
Filler: Dominican (all aged 10-15 years)
Vitola: Robusto
Purchase Link: Original Release Davidoff Royal Robusto
ORIGINAL ROYAL ROBUSTO REVIEW – CALIFORNIA
Summary: Slightly loose draw. My first few puffs give me coconut, nuts, but no cocoa (there's still plenty of time). I must have been sleeping because it took me until I smoked an inch down to realize the serious toothiness on this puppy. Floral notes.
In the second third, oats, nuts, and red pepper carry the team. Yo, I just got beamed up to flavor town: salty nuts, sweet perfume, savory 'n' sexy--everything you could wish for in a woman or cigar. Green pepper and mint. I gave it a nice little wiggle but man this ash is FIRM.
Vanilla bean and sourdough bread in the final third. Kick up your feet Tom Sawyer because this stick was an adventure.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Legal fireworks with 10 distinct acts.
Pairing Suggestion: Rye.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Box.
ORIGINAL ROYAL ROBUSTO REVIEW – WISCONSIN
Summary: This cigar brought flavors of black pepper, earth, clove, cedar, cream, salt, red pepper, and anise. The flavors were harmonious with one another and enjoyable.
There were no construction issues to speak of. The draw and burn were both unproblematic.
I enjoyed smoking this cigar, though there was a ‘wow’ factor missing for me.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Dabbling in spicy foods.
Pairing Suggestion: Coffee.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Fiver.
ORIGINAL ROYAL ROBUSTO REVIEW – OREGON
Summary: This stick has a chestnut-colored wrapper. Just some mild tobacco and barnyard with a faint sweetness from the wrapper. I also see a fair amount of tooth and a slightly oily sheen on it. Let’s examine the cold draw. Sourdough raisin bread... nice.
The first section is full of fresh oak, lemongrass, floral notes and a lingering mineral note. Typically, that’s not good, but this isn’t off putting at all. The retro hale is very floral and woody with a pinch of heat and the same mineral flavor.
Nearing the very middle of this stick. Ash... still hangin in there. The construction of this cigar is as good as you’ll find and the smoke output is very good. The profile is overall a bit too floral and citrusy for my palate. But this may be just the ticket for you. Add in a dash of wood, nuts, white pepper, leather and bread. I’m holding out hope for the final third.
Final selection features more floral notes, a mild wood and tobacco mix, creamy citrus flavors and a nice sourdough finish.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Finding the hidden gem at the local B&M.
Pairing Suggestion: Bourbon all day.
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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