This cigar was reviewed blind (no bands) by a panel of at least 4 reviewers. They did not know what they were smoking beforehand. The scores are an average of all the reviewers' scores with outliers removed.

Vitola: Double Toro

Length: 6″

Ring Gauge: 60

Country of Origin: Honduras

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano

Binder: Jalapa

Filler: Habano and Corojo

Factory: G.R. Tabacaleras Unidas, S.A.

Blender: George A. Rico

Number of reviewers: 4 —– Craig (WyldKnyght) Brian (B-daddy) Milton (mjohnsoniii) Emmett (rhetorik)

Price: $4.00

Age: 2 Months

Release Date: September 2013

Contributed by: George A. Rico Cigars

Initial Impressions

Appearance: 88

“This one’s not too pretty. It has a dark maduro colored wrapper that has quite a few veins and is somewhat mottled. The cap is a double and pretty sloppy. The wrapper has a little bit of tooth and some weird dark spots. The foot is somewhat squished from its round shape on one side.” –Emmett (rhetorik)

Aroma: 89

“The aroma is that of nice dark chocolate and tobacco.” –Craig (WyldKnyght)

First Third

Flavor: 86

Strength: Medium

Body/Complexity: Medium

“At the initial light, I was greeted by a mild black pepper and lots of earth. There was also a light harshness that was pretty noticeable at the back of the throat. At about an inch in, I began tasting some sweetness almost reminiscent of toffee.” –Milton (mjohnsoniii)

“Initially, I get a lot of that leather taste I picked up in pre-light and a medium amount of pepper spice. Once we get into it, I’m getting a combination of chocolate, cream and coffee, like a latte. Very nice! The draw and burn are performing admirably for such a large ring gauge. Towards the end of the third, I start picking up a dry wood, not quite distinguishable.” –Emmett (rhetorik)

Second Third

Flavor: 88

Strength: Medium

Body/Complexity: Medium

“At the transition to the second third, the roasted coffee flavor becomes a toasted cedar and the earthiness becomes a bit musty. Flavors are still a light/medium body. It’s putting out much more smoke now. It’s reacting better to double puffs than one long slow draw. The smoke is a little more substantial too, coating the palate. Towards the end of this third, a little of the coffee starts to mix back in with the cedar flavors and they hold on into the short finish. This is the first time I’m picking up any noticeable finish on this stick.” –Brian (B-daddy)

“The smoke picked up a bit and began billowing at this point. It was very thick and creamy and stuck to the palate. The sweetness changed from toffee to a dry cocoa with saddle leather coming and going. It was an interesting mix of flavors but enjoyable.” –Milton (mjohnsoniii)

Final Third

Flavor: 83

Strength: Medium-Strong

Body/Complexity: Medium

“In the final third, the body ramps up just a bit but it drops the coffee note and the wood flavors turn bitter, almost resinous, like pine needles. I start to feel just a little strength now. That’s about it. These flavors stick around until the end.” –Brian (B-daddy)

“The progression of the wood flavors continues into this third, now it’s a definite oak taste. There’s still a little pepper but mostly in the background of the wood. Towards the end of this third, I start to pick up a raisin taste, which was a nice way to finish out this stick.” –Emmett (rhetorik)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 94

“Very good draw, with just a touch of resistance. Had a hard time getting good smoke production in the first half but that really wasn’t a draw issue.” –Brian (B-daddy)

Burn: 88

“During the first and final thirds, the burn was relatively even. The second third’s burn was a bit off.” –Milton (mjohnsoniii)

Construction: 86

“Despite the ugly appearance, the cigar performed well technically. The burn and draw were good throughout, and I had no problems with the wrapper or cap.” –Emmett (rhetorik)

Overall Strength: Medium-Strong

Overall Body/Complexity: Medium

Overall Experience: 90

“Although this cigar performed pretty well, its flavors were pretty weak for most of it. Then, when the flavors did ramp up, they weren’t very enjoyable. I probably wouldn’t smoke this again, nor would I recommend it. I had high hopes based on the appearance.” –Brian (B-daddy)

“Very poor cigar, badly constructed, harsh musty flavor and awful burn. Definitely would not recommend this cigar.” –Craig (WyldKnyght)

“This cigar kind of reminds me of one I’ve had before. I’ll save my thoughts for the big reveal but I absolutely enjoyed it. This one is a keeper and I would definitely add a few to the stash.” –Milton (mjohnsoniii)

“Going into this cigar I wasn’t expecting much with the large ring gauge and the rough appearance, but let this be a lesson in not judging a book by its cover. I really enjoyed the flavors and it performed beautifully. It wasn’t the most complex of cigars, but the flavors were solid and gave nice transitions to keep me interested. Would definitely recommend to a friend and might pick up a fiver.” –Emmett (rhetorik)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 96

Total Score: 88 (Good)

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To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

Blind Cigar Review: G.A.R. | Red 6 x 60