My Boris Review

[Simoun]

Following up on the previous post by BrooksW. . . .

I was lucky enough to snag a couple of Dracs and a couple of Borises. I haven't smoked the Borises yet, but I've just finished my first Drac about an hour ago, and I thought it was incredible. Keeping in mind that I haven't read any of the reviews of The Drac on this forum yet, it seems that, from what I've read from the few mentions it's gotten in threads such as this, it's been a bit of a disappointment. I smoked my Drac without letting it rest, and again, it impressed me. A lot. It doesn't have the spice I've come to expect from a Tat, which surprised me (as I think it has amongst the lot of people here), especially considering the incredible amount of spice the wrapper gave off pre-light. That said, the flavors and the aromas were singular: creamy, meaty, nutty, floral, fruity, slightly minty, but smooth, in a way I haven't had before. It was an arresting cigar. This might be, albeit in the eight months I've been smoking, the smoothest cigar straight out of the box that I've ever had. It's complex in its own right, quite different from the other Tats I've had, and I kind of appreciate that.

I did have some burn issues, but not enough to ruin my experience. I don't mind having to relight my sticks every now and then if it means being able to enjoy their flavors and fragrances through their entire length.

Damn . . . if I gave cigars numerical ratings I'd probably give The Drac a 96, too.

 

[srduggins]

I am letting my Dracs sit two weeks before I smoke it. Only 8 more days to go.

 

[kmckinn3]

I am letting my Dracs sit two weeks before I smoke it. Only 8 more days to go.

Same. The three I ended up with are sleeping quietly. Maybe til Christmas?!

 

[milo]

I am gonna have to agree with the Brooks rating on this one. The drac I smoked was sublime. Also, just as many complain about CA ratings, you have to take the subjectivity of taste into account. IMO the drac tasted awesome. However, I am wondering why Brooks gave this pre-release cigar a rating, when it is usually his policy not to rate pre-releases. Just a question, not trying to imply anything. Either way, keep up the great reviews Brooks, whether I agree with you or not the info provided is always welcome.

 

[blooz4u]

I am gonna have to agree with Brooks rating on this one. The drac I smoked was sublime. Also, just as many complain about CA ratings, you have to take the subjectivity of taste into account. IMO the drac tasted awesome. However, I am wondering why Brooks gave this pre-release cigar a rating, when it is usually his policy not to rate pre-releases. Just a question, not trying to imply anything. Either way, keep up the great reviews Brooks, whether I agree with you or not the info provided is always welcome.

He gave this stick a grade because it was a pre-release, not a pre-production.

This discussion has gone back and forth between a few of us, and I think we came to the conclusion that it's ok to grade a "Pre-Release" because the stick, itself, won't change much, if any before it's released, as it's essentially, a finished product.

IMO, a pre-production does't deserve a grade, because what he might be smoking, might not be close to the same thing that's going to be released. (When finished)

Again, IMO, of course!

 

[BrooksW]

I am gonna have to agree with the Brooks rating on this one. The drac I smoked was sublime. Also, just as many complain about CA ratings, you have to take the subjectivity of taste into account. IMO the drac tasted awesome. However, I am wondering why Brooks gave this pre-release cigar a rating, when it is usually his policy not to rate pre-releases. Just a question, not trying to imply anything. Either way, keep up the great reviews Brooks, whether I agree with you or not the info provided is always welcome.

I can answer that....I am making a change in the way the reviews are done...I have asked some people I trust, and they have told me there is a huge difference between a "PreRelease" and a "PreProduction"...a Prerelease stick is one that is finished, just waiting for something or another before being sent out (the dracs for example were all rolled at the same time, but some people got a few before they were released)...the Preproductions are typically sticks where the blend is not yet finished being tweeked...For example, the "Dirty Rat" by Drew Estates is a Preproduction, as they have not finalized the blend (and they might NEVER be released)...

In relation to my site, I WILL be rating Prereleases (since they are basically the same stick as will be released to the public) but not Preproductions...(and I will be making a post to explain it all)...

Hope that makes sense!

~brooks

 

[kmckinn3]

I can answer that....I am making a change in the way the reviews are done...I have asked some people I trust, and they have told me there is a huge difference between a "PreRelease" and a "PreProduction"...a Prerelease stick is one that is finished, just waiting for something or another before being sent out (the dracs for example were all rolled at the same time, but some people got a few before they were released)...the Preproductions are typically sticks where the blend is not yet finished being tweeked...For example, the "Dirty Rat" by Drew Estates is a Preproduction, as they have not finalized the blend (and they might NEVER be released)...

In relation to my site, I will not be rating Prereleases (since they are basically the same stick as will be released to the public) but not Preproductions...(and I will be making a post to explain it all)...

Hope that makes sense!

~brooks

I assume you mean you WILL be rating preleases and not preproductions. :grin:

thanks for the review! keep em comin

 

[BrooksW]

I assume you mean you WILL be rating preleases and not preproductions. :grin:

thanks for the review! keep em comin

Yes, edited

~brooks

 

[milo]

I can answer that....I am making a change in the way the reviews are done...I have asked some people I trust, and they have told me there is a huge difference between a "PreRelease" and a "PreProduction"...a Prerelease stick is one that is finished, just waiting for something or another before being sent out (the dracs for example were all rolled at the same time, but some people got a few before they were released)...the Preproductions are typically sticks where the blend is not yet finished being tweeked...For example, the "Dirty Rat" by Drew Estates is a Preproduction, as they have not finalized the blend (and they might NEVER be released)...

In relation to my site, I WILL be rating Prereleases (since they are basically the same stick as will be released to the public) but not Preproductions...(and I will be making a post to explain it all)...

Hope that makes sense!

~brooks

That makes perfect sense. I do appreciate the info. Also, as a follow up, prior to reading your review, I spoke with someone who tried a Drac at the factory opening and he also said that the cigar was stellar. I hope people can get over the packaging issue...I am sure it will not happen again. Also, based on my experience even short rest in a dry box seemed to make things right. Just my .02.

 

[terrantheman]

Just saw this comment...

First: I smoked a Drac that had been sitting in my Vino for 2 weeks, which is why I did not have any problem with burn...

Second: I take my impartiality VERY seriously. I was given the Prerelease of the Drac as a result of a contest on this board (in which 3 other BOTL were given the same thing), NOT because I gave the cigar a good score. The Drac I smoked was sublime, and I think that if people gave theirs a bit more time before they smoke them, they would have a different opinion of it.

~brooks

Hey Brooks don't take what I said so seriously bro... As you can see the sunglasses grin. I know you don't get free cigars for your reviews! I hope in 2 weeks I will also have the same experience as you, but at this point it's doubtful:frown: Maybe I got a bad box but mine seem seriously underfilled and very very spongy. Thankfully I've got 3 different sources coming so I think my odds will raise as far as having just one source to judge from. I thought the flavor was pretty good just terrible construction. I like your review along with all of your reviews actually. I think a 96 is a little high but as you get more experienced and look back you'll probably change just like your tastes. I'm sorry if you took that the wrong way but sometimes especially on this board the hype machine is really working overtime and sometimes good brothers good screwed over by un-ethical choices in the name of "business!"

 

[GUSTO]

Thanks for the review, Poriggity (Scott).

I am siding with Brooks on this at several levels -
I'm not smoking any of this years' Monster series until they've settle at least 2 weeks.
The prerelease Drac that I won in a contest and smoked after ~2 weeks of settling was wonderful, delicious, & complex. It made me very happy. :hearteyes

Furthermore, in my experience, The Frank was certainly not a light smoke. I have not smoked one since soon after they were released...can't wait to compare it with The Boris side by side soon.

Oh, and Scott - if you wanna try a Frank, PM me your addy...I find one for you!

 

[njstone]

Since we're talking numbers ... my "first impressions" smoke of the Boris would get a solid 97--the same as my Tat Black first impression. The only stick I've ever rated higher is the Tat West Coast, my favorite cigar, at 98.

 

[BrooksW]

Hey Brooks don't take what I said so seriously bro... As you can see the sunglasses grin. I know you don't get free cigars for your reviews! I hope in 2 weeks I will also have the same experience as you, but at this point it's doubtful:frown: Maybe I got a bad box but mine seem seriously underfilled and very very spongy. Thankfully I've got 3 different sources coming so I think my odds will raise as far as having just one source to judge from. I thought the flavor was pretty good just terrible construction. I like your review along with all of your reviews actually. I think a 96 is a little high but as you get more experienced and look back you'll probably change just like your tastes. I'm sorry if you took that the wrong way but sometimes especially on this board the hype machine is really working overtime and sometimes good brothers good screwed over by un-ethical choices in the name of "business!"

thanks for the comments, but I have been smoking for over 8 years, so I think experience is not an issue.

-Brooks

 

[ctaylor]

Nice review. look forward to smoking one.

 

[Colebass]

I'm going to have to get my hands on the Boris as I loved the Frank! In fact, wish I had more! The full bodied cigar has been one of my favorites.

Thanks for the review.

 

[doublerobusto]

Well stated on the review. Did you pair the Boris with any beverage?

 

[Gordy]

im smoking mine either later on tonight or tomorrow sometime

 

[KPP]

How are these smoking for folks....one year later?

 

[njstone]

How are these smoking for folks....one year later?

I had one about 2 months ago, and it was awesome, better than last year even. I'm hoping to get the time to have one today!

 

[KPP]

I had one about 2 months ago, and it was awesome, better than last year even. I'm hoping to get the time to have one today!

Smoked one tonight Nate, and i'd absolutely agree...WAY better than the last couple I had. It's been at least 6 months, and this one had a lot more flavor than I remember. Made for one helluva smoke while I was watching my kid go door to door trick or treatin'. Great cigar, and awesome experience. He was so damn excited...(and so was his Dad....as i was enjoying the hell outta that smoke!..LOL).