Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Mexican San Andres Negro
Filler: Nicaraguan, Pennsylvania
Vitola: Beef Stick (6 x 48)
Strength: Full
Purchase Link: Dunbarton Red Meat Lovers
RED MEAT LOVERS REVIEW – DOM
Summary: The flat cap looks like a RoMa Craft Tobac Neanderthal while the bi-smoxual nature of the capped foot calls to mind Fratello’s Vice Versa. Punching a hole with my thumbnail, I get minerality, mint, and spicy green pepper. This is a very weird cigar. Smoke pours from the foot as I admire just how shiny the wrapper is. Burnt banana nut loaf and maraschino cherry have me wondering if I’m down for the weirdness.
Caramel corn opens the second half. Beyond a pervading breadiness, the rest of the cigar smokes sleeveless—no tricks left. This would be a fun conversation piece to smoke at the lounge with your buddies.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Sharing stories about your crazy ex
Pairing Suggestion: Mezcal
Perceived Strength: Medium
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Single
RED MEAT LOVERS REVIEW – RICH
Summary: This flat-cap, closed-foot cigar certainly has a unique look to it. I tasted notes of cereal grain, nuts, raisin, coffee, cinnamon, dark chocolate, and a bit of cream. Construction was on point throughout, with no issues to speak of.
Looking for something negative about this cigar? You won't find it here.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Being perfectly happy to stand in the snow to smoke something good
Pairing Suggestion: Coffee
Perceived Strength: Full
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Box
RED MEAT LOVERS REVIEW – BEN
Summary: What a beautiful wrapper and closed foot; one of the best constructions I’ve seen. Starts out pretty full-flavored with clove, green pepper, and a licorice aftertaste. Usually not a combination I favor but the retro that followed was on the sweeter and creamier side. Brief as it may have been, it shifted gears for my palate where I would have written this one off. The last half was much of the same; there was also a hint of leather and a little pepper but that’s about it.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: The best value cigar at your favorite B&M
Pairing Suggestion: Something bubbly
Perceived Strength: Full
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: 5-pack
RED MEAT LOVERS REVIEW – TED
Summary: I just have to say, I had never seen a more tightly, and neatly closed foot than the one on this cigar. Once I lit it, I was shocked I could get any air through it at all because it was also very tightly rolled.
Things started out with leather up front and dark mixture of charred wood, umami, hints of black pepper and a relatively strong floral influence. The smoke output was a 6/10. Not bad, but I was hoping for more.
After a bit more time, smoke production picked up some and the profile offered transition to a smoother and milder mix of earth, leather wood alongside muted floral and pepper notes. The retro hale experience was smooth and somewhat floral and citrus in nature.
The last part of this cigar became a bit harsh and smoke production fell way off. I’m certain some of that was due to a small tunnel near the cap.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Finding out your tax bill is less than you thought, but still…
Pairing Suggestion: Vodka Martini
Perceived Strength: Medium
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Single
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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