Quick Review of La Casita Criolla HCBF

[Zanaspus]

I smoked one of these last night as I was anxious to try a new Pete Johnson stick (I always ameckkiss.

This is from memory so it won't be a proper review as I have no memory.

The draw began a bit tight, always a bummer. The taste, well the only thing I could say about the first third was Graphite, yes graphite. It was rather like chewing the business end of a pencil or smoking an old Arganese Maduro. It toned itself down toward the end of the third (thankfully) and it got a bit cedary.

The second third began with a horrible bitterness. Not the kind you think of when you think coffee or cocoa or espresso, but rather a tongue coating, eye crossing nastiness. After about an inch of this I was almost ready to put it down when the bitterness morphed into an espresso with cashew in the background.

The final third was the best of the three. Flavors built to just about medium body, and it burned itself to the end with espresso, nuts and leather.

Would I buy it again? If this were any "normal" cigar, I wouldn't hesitate to say no, but this is Pete, and this stick is very young, so I'll give it a resounding maybe.

 

[JDog]

I smoked a few of these but only had one short churchhill. I never tasted "Graphite." In fact, I picked up some of the petite corona size to let them age a bit because I was really impressed with them... was this purchased at a B&M or out of your humi. Could it be a storage issue... I don't know. But it seems odd to me. I would try another one to see if it wasn't a fluke.

 

[Zanaspus]

I smoked a few of these but only had one short churchhill. I never tasted "Graphite." In fact, I picked up some of the petite corona size to let them age a bit because I was really impressed with them... was this purchased at a B&M or out of your humi. Could it be a storage issue... I don't know. But it seems odd to me. I would try another one to see if it wasn't a fluke.

I bought it about a week and a half ago at a B&M. I didn't mean to come off harsh, just what I tasted. Humi hasn't "graphited" any other sticks. I'll definately pick up a PC next time.

 

[Hendy]

Thanks for your review. Though my experience has only been with the CG I really enjoyed it. I have great expectations for this stick as it gains some age. I loves me the Broadleaf.

 

[Tobacco Giant]

I really enjoyed mine, I have a few more I'm looking forward to lighting up. Although the draw on mine was a bit tight as well.

 

[Hot Lips]

I like these, but they are a rowdy stick - not an everyday smoke for me. One of our guys describes them as randy teenagers. I am interested in how they will age but have not pulled any back yet

 

[Clint]

I had the same, unpleasant experience with the Short Churchill....For me, it was a metallic finish that lasted forever. The overall profile was flat, un-complex, and bitter.
Normally I am a huge fan of both Tat and Jaime Garcia cigars, so I was baffled.....I though I would find something to enjoy in this stick.

I also love the CBL, so I was sorely disappointed.

I think I will try one more to eliminate the "fluke factor", and definitely try a CG as that size seems to be getting better reviews.

To quote Kevin Klein in 'A Fish Called Wanda'.......DISAPPOINTED!!

 

[Ishtar]

I agree that it could be a fluke... I rather enjoy these cigars ( in the corona size - HCB). In fact, it is one of the few Full bodied smokes I've really liked - although you say Medium. I thought it had a slight leathery taste with a hint of nuttiness but I was mostly overwhelmed with cocoa & espresso. Actually when I first opened the box, I remember getting almost hit in the face with the cocoa which is why I was dying to try it despite thinking it may be slightly heavier than my preferred range.