Posted by Daz Herring on 7th Nov 2016
Cigar Review #10 - Cigar King Gold Series II
The Smoking Gun Cigar Review November 7, 2016
Cigar King Gold Series II
Toro (6.5 x 52)
Last week, when I was writing the review for the Cigar King Gold Series (original), I mentioned I was smoking and making notes on the second generation version of the same cigar. The Gold Series II is also a collaboration between Mitchel Hirsh and Rocky Patel. All the same, setting these two cigars side by side is like comparing “apples to oranges.”
These cigars are produced with different tobaccos, a different factory, but the same quality and care in blending a complex and flavorful cigar. The Gold Series II is a wonderful smoke. There are some similarities in profile between the first and second incarnations, but the smoking experience is COMPLETELY different. If you liked the original, I think you’re going to love this one.
Here’s what I found, in “part deus”:
A little history:
This cigar is another creation of Mitchel Hirsh and Rocky Patel. It was made to replace the original Cigar King Gold Series and is as good, or better, than the first. I don’t know much about the story of this cigar, but, when something is this tasty, who cares why, when or where? I just want to smoke and enjoy it!
As in previous reviews, I’ll list the questions and give an answer for each—based on my personal smoking experience:
What are you smoking?
Cigar King Gold Series II – Toro (6.5 x 52)
Who makes it?
It is a collaboration between Mitchel Hirsh and Rocky Patel.
Where’s it from?
It’s made by Nestor Plasencia at his factory in Esteli, Nicaragua.
What other sizes are available?
Like the original, it is only available in a Toro (6.5 x 52).
How much does it cost?
I believe the individual stick price is around $8.50. It’s available in a five pack for $32.99 or a box of 20 for $129.95. That puts the price at around $6.50 per cigar, based on box pricing discounts.
That, my friends, is the great thing about buying a box of cigars. This particular deal gives you $2.00 off the single stick price! If you really like a cigar and have the space, it’s always better to buy your cigars by the box. Many retailers will also offer special deals with a box purchase, like a free lighter, cutter or extra sticks. Look for these deals and take advantage.
How well is it constructed?
When you put the names Hirsh, Patel and Plasencia together, you know you’re going to get only the finest quality of tobaccos, blend and construction. This stick is no different. It is superbly constructed with a dark-brown oily wrapper and an expertly finished three-line cap.
(By the way, if you need a way of telling the original Cigar King Gold Series from the Series II, the second generation is the one with the beautiful gold foil, double band. That’s not really part of the construction, but the band can tell you a lot about the quality of a cigar)!
What’s the blend (or, at least, the wrapper)?
The Cigar King website states that the factory uses several experimental hybrid ligero leafs as fillers, grown in three different regions of Nicaragua, with a fourth grown in a small tobacco field in Costa Rica. The binder is Honduran Habano and the wrapper is a special Ecuadorian Habano, chosen from Nestor’s own private stock! The combination of the Honduran and Ecuadorian wrappers, plus the four different tobaccos in the filler, give the cigar a complexity and balance of flavor that allows the smoke to flow across the pallet and engages all of the flavor receptors on your tongue, not just the ones in the center (sweet and bitter).
How did it light?
Great!
How’s the draw?
It was even, throughout.
How does it burn?
Both of my examples had a perfect burn, down to the last tasty draw.
Is there a predominate flavor/taste?
My first smell of the cigar was light and slightly sweet, with hints of hay and honey. The foot had a dried fruit smell (like plum). My dry draw carried the flavor of some honey, again, and the dried fruit was still there. However, it didn’t taste sweet. It was rich and flavorful.
The first draw was a lovely mix of flavors and sensations. It was a little sweet, but smooth and complex. From here on it settled into a well-balanced blend with coffee notes and mild pepper/spice. The sweetness was still there, but it wasn’t overpowering.
Did it change as you smoked it?
Oh, yes! The second third opened up to a more bold flavor with less sweetness. The rich smoothness of the smoke coated my tongue and danced across my palate. There was a hint of saltiness that I noted, as well. (It made my mouth water).
The final third up through the finish was bolder, still. The sweetness was even less (almost hard to discern) as notes of cedar came into play. It stayed complex, smooth and creamy to the end. It may sound a bit strange, but in my notes I used the word sensual to describe the taste. And, I don’t use that word often (at least when describing a cigar)!
How would you describe its strength: mild, medium, or strong?
I would call it a medium plus. It does grow in strength as you smoke through it, but I don’t think I’d call it strong.
Would you smoke it again?
Yes (again and again)! It’s so well-balanced and complex. (I may have used those terms a few too many times in this review. But, I call ’em as I see ’em).
Should I try it?
You should! I really liked this cigar. It’s so… you know what I’m going to say. If you like a Nicaraguan flavor profile (that’s not too overbearingly strong) with a hint of sweetness, you’re sure to love this one.
Do you have an extra that you’ll give me?
I could if I would, but I can’t, so I won’t.
Conclusion:
The Cigar King Gold Series II, is a fantastically constructed, well-blended and well-priced example of what three masters of the craft of cigar making can do. It delivers balance and complexity of flavor that is sure to please. Even if you’re new to cigars or think Nicaraguan blends are too full-flavored for your tastes, you should give this one a try. With its mix of sweetness and spiciness, it is sure to delight the pallets of the most discerning smokers.
This exclusive blend is only available at Cigar King. If you’d like to give it a try, you can stop by the store, located at 7830 E Gelding Dr #100, in Scottsdale, Arizona, or you can buy them through their website (www.cigarking.com).
Either way, tell them you read one of my reviews! I don’t think it will get you any special deals (I’d need to teach you the secret handshake and password for that). But, it would be great to hear that you liked what you read and wanted to try one of the cigars I’ve reviewed.
Well, that’s the end of this edition of The Smoking Gun Cigar Review. I hope you’ve enjoyed the read. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me through this page. I’m always happy to answer questions or tell you about what I’ve been smoking. Also, if you liked, appreciated or hated my review, let me know. I want to be a resource for the everyday cigar smoker. You don’t have to be an expert, you just need an hour or so to enjoy a good cigar.
And, remember: don’t let other people tell you what to smoke. If you like it, smoke it!