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Schrader Sparky

orangedog

Navin R Johnson
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I picked up a couple of Schraders the other day. They were previously reviewed here:
http://www.botl.org/community/forums/showthread.php?t=47590

I bought them because I figured they were so over the top gimmicky, they had to be somewhat good to justify the price. Going down the list...

1. Coffin
2. Coffin and box pops the cigar and coffins, respectively, up
3. Made by a wine maker
4. Crazy salomone/BBMF shape
5. Shaggy foot
6. Big dragon
7. First release
8. and some other things I'll keep to myself

Like I said, gimmicky. However... all of the gimmicks are ones I like, so I figured it had to be worth trying. Plus, the tobacco list was assuring: 2001 Honduras Colorado Habano wrapper, filler of Corojo, Criollo 98, etc. (More info on the cigar is available here: http://www.seriouscigars.com/schrader-t-40.html).

I decided to share one with another BOTL (who can chime in if he'd like). I didn't take detailed notes, but here are my thoughts. I paired it with 64oz of Four Peaks Kiltlifter.



The wrapper was a nice looking, moderately oily, reddish brown. Construction was pretty good, and the stick felt relatively solid.

I started the cigar by lighting the shaggy foot as opposed to cutting it. This worked fine - no burn problems and it passed through the bulb no problem. Later on, there were a few very mild uneven points in the burn... a couple quick touch ups and all was well.



The draw was a very slight bit on the loose side through the widest part of the bulb. It wasn't problematic, but keeping it at a slightly higher humidity would probably help. It tightened up just fine after the wide end.

The initial flavors included cedar and slight bits of leather. Early on, there were also sweet notes, like apple cider. The combination reminded me of apple wood.



The first bit of ash stayed on for about 2", which I would expect from an expensive cigar. The body started somewhere between mild and medium, and after passing the bulb, became solidly medium.



At the end, the sweetness faded, the body picked up, the the cedar and leather became more prominent. The wrapper started to have more influence in the second half, and definitely gave some indication that a little bit of age should help.

At $27 each, this cigar isn't particularly cheap. The biggest question has to be: Is it worth it?



I think so - I went and bought a full box.
 

ciggy

"TommyBoy"
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Thanks for the review and pics. I'm always curious about this brand and others take on it. Very expensive cigar in my opinion without much market knowledge. If I was eying this or a Padron I'd go Padron however I would have to drop the coin on just one to see what all the hype is about.
 

orangedog

Navin R Johnson
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Thanks for the review and pics. I'm always curious about this brand and others take on it. Very expensive cigar in my opinion without much market knowledge. If I was eying this or a Padron I'd go Padron however I would have to drop the coin on just one to see what all the hype is about.
This was almost exactly my thought when I bought it. I figured... how can this possibly be so expensive?

It was a really good cigar though, and the sweeter notes combined with the underlying wood is a flavor profile that I enjoy, and I like the vitola.

If you like Dominican tobacco, this is probably a cigar you'd enjoy.
 
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I can trust Fred Schrader when it comes to about anything. If Pete Johnson is endorsing his products then I am definitely in. Has anyone smoked Schrader's other cigars? The Para Ti's are really good sticks. I smoke the Canonazo and prominentes all the time. Really good butterscotch flavors come from the tobacco.
 

orangedog

Navin R Johnson
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I can trust Fred Schrader when it comes to about anything. If Pete Johnson is endorsing his products then I am definitely in.

...
Evidently his wine is pretty good. I hadn't heard of it before, but I'm not overly into wines. I like a good Napa cab though, so maybe I'll pick up a bottle.
 
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Evidently his wine is pretty good. I hadn't heard of it before, but I'm not overly into wines. I like a good Napa cab though, so maybe I'll pick up a bottle.
If you can get a hold of any of his wines, I really recommend them. 2007 was the most legendary vintage of all time for Napa and his wines were the best of that entire vintage. Several 100 point scores which are totally unheard of for one vintner. Check out his mailing list. There probably is a several year waiting list to get on it though. If you can't get his wines then check out his ex-wife's wines, they are considered some of the most collectable in the US.
 
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