Thompson's 21 Gun Salute Review...

[DieselEater]

YES...I've searched and seen all the BAD stuff about Thompsons. And, yes I am a newbie, but no problems from them so far. (2nd order, and all looks good.)

I figured I'd give my $0.02 about the smokes in this package. As far as I know they are all name brand smokes, and should give me a real idea of whats out there. Do a search on the 21 gun salute to see whats included.

First off I'd like to state that these reviews are going to be short and sweet. I've tried only a very small assortment of smokes so far, so maybe my opinions will be valuable since I have no pre-conceived notions to favorite brand names and such. Just real world observations from a new guy!

This will be updated daily, since I will be smoking one a day after dinner. And thoroughly attempting to concentrate on the strength, taste, and overall experience.

My rating system consists of GREAT-GOOD-OK-BAD.

Last night I had a Rocky Patel Vintage 1990...Not part of this package, but haven't commented on it yet.

- Medium in strength, Very well made, good flavor, good burn and impressive. Rating = GREAT.




#1...CARLOS TORANO Exodus 1959...5" box pressed robusto

- Medium in strength, Very well made, good flavor, good burn and impressive. Rating = GREAT.

FYI...I will not hesitate to honestly state the crappyness of a smoke!!! Regardless of brand or price. Check this site daily, as I will post every night after dinner.

Thanks,

A........

[docruger]

good job thus far and welcom to the cigar world.

[KickU2Sleep]

nearly done with my 21 gunner, loved all but one(not at home so i can't remember which one). Only bad thing I can say about thompson is most of thier house brands are not very flavorful,(my opinion)..Please give us some reviews, I would do it but my pallete can't taste anything other then earth and spice...but I'm working on it....

Oh by the way, can't remember if the LFD Chisel was one of the gunners but if it is, you're in for one helluva smoke, that thing blew me away, Can see why it's so highly rated(IMO)

[DieselEater]

#2

Perdomo lot 23

This was a toro sized smoke that was relatively mild to Medium, but flavorful. It lit well and burned evenly with a good ash. About half way down I had issues with the draw. I noticed a tar buildup at the butt end and decided to re-cut it a bit. This helped, but soon plugged again. It was not so bad that it was un smokable, but not a good thing either.

Rating = GOOD


Thanks,

A........

[Jonesee]

Diesel, great job on the reviews. You are quickly learning what you like.

I looked at the links on your post and noticed they are in Brighton and Longmont. I used to live out that way. My in-laws lived in Niwot and my brother and sis-in-law graduated from Longmont. Did you grow up or live out there? What a great area. I would give up Florida to move back...

[BigDaddyJ]

I must say that I like the simplicity of your rating system.

[Hot Stuff x]

Very nice reviews, keep 'em coming.

[DieselEater]

#3

Augusto Reyes...nativo

This will be my first complaint about Thompsons! This poor cigar had the wrapper falling off, and a blister about mid-way through. I'm sure it was not the manufacturer on this one, cause when I cut the smoke, it was dry as hell!

So, being that I don't have a humidor, and won't even mess with warranty type action....I lit er' up...LOL

Initial reaction was, GEEZ this sucks, BUT knew that this would get a free pass on the rating scale due to condition of stick.

The smoke DID get really peppery and strong once I got past the first half (where the damage was).

Here is a partial rating of the last half....

Medium-full in strength, nice peppery sensation on tongue...maybe even a bit strong. I will definitely give this smoke another shot.

A........

[DieselEater]

#4

Alec Bradley TRILOGY corojo

I lit this one up at work this morning with my coffee.....lol

This one was a bit average in all regards. Not a bad smoke in any way, just did not stand out. I would say it was mild to med in strength, with the first quarter being mild and dull, and the last quarter being pretty good.

RATING = GOOD




A.........

[kaelaria]

I agree about the 1990's - they are my current favorite (still searching for better though).

I too as a new smoker years ago started with Thompson, after seeing a magazine ad and having NO clue about cigars, or even know anyone that did.

I proceeded to pretty much try every sampler they had, and did find a couple of their own that are ok to me. Sure there were some manufacturing inconsistencies, but for less than $1/stick how can you complain? The only Thompson brand I still buy is the Empressario Maduro. It's mild and simple, but is ok for when you just want that.

[DieselEater]

Been busy smokin', here's three more reviews for ya.....



#5

CUVEE Blanc robusto..........not sure if its a Thompson brand?

Anyway, THIS is what I have been looking for!!!!!! Although it was a mild smoke....It blew the doors OFF of Macanudo portofino and Monte Cristo white label!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was like eating my favorite candy bar, and I was disappointed when it was done. I smoked it down till I had to hold it with fore finger and thumb tips. From the first couple puffs to the end, I kept telling my wife how good it was. Lots of flavors and tickles on the tongue and throat. Go get some NOW!

RATING = GREAT!






#6

AURORA 1495 series robusto

This was also a very fine smoke....It did not jump out at me to be either great or ok. This would be a fine daily smoke, but nothing special. Boring first half, and a bit better towards the end. Mild to medium and good draw.

RATING = GOOD





#7

BOLIVAR Dominicana.....churchill-ish

This was smoked this morning at work with coffee. Nothing special here....Mild to medium with pepper at the end. Decent draw and good construction.

RATING = OK





I'm getting into the more recognizable brand names now, so make sure and tune in....LOL

Thanks all,


A........

[KickU2Sleep]

Originally Posted by DieselEater

Been busy smokin', here's three more reviews for ya.....



#5

CUVEE Blanc robusto..........not sure if its a Thompson brand?

Anyway, THIS is what I have been looking for!!!!!! Although it was a mild smoke....It blew the doors OFF of Macanudo portofino and Monte Cristo white label!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was like eating my favorite candy bar, and I was disappointed when it was done. I smoked it down till I had to hold it with fore finger and thumb tips. From the first couple puffs to the end, I kept telling my wife how good it was. Lots of flavors and tickles on the tongue and throat. Go get some NOW!

RATING = GREAT!



A........

I agree with ya on the Cuvee, I loved it. It's not a Thompson brand. There shouldn't be any house brands in the gunner, at least there were none in mine....great reviews

[JohnLongIsland]

Cuvee Blanc is made by Cusano.

[DieselEater]

More reviews for ya'

#8

GURKHA Regent box pressed churchill?

This cigar was super well made, with a great ash and draw! Medium to the taste and lots of good tingles to the tongue and throat. I tend to let about a third of the smoke out the back of my throat and through my nose out. This smoke WILL burn your nasal passages if over done! Only reason this smoke is not top rating is the medium-full strength.... liked it alot!

RATING = GOOD





#9

VICTOR SINCLAIR 5 country blend camaroon series 55

Churchill in size and mild to medium to the taste. This cigar was about par with all the other GOOD cigars I've had until the last third of it. At that point it became VERY flavorful yet smooth, not peppery. Liked the tingles and tastes.

RATING = GREAT




#10

CUSANO 59 rare camaroon churchill

Mild-meduim to the taste. Very good cigar with a smooth taste throughout. Only got better towards the end. Good draw and good burn. Good tingles on tongue and nose about half way and through the finnish. Thoroughly enjoyed it!

RATING = GREAT




Thanks,


A........

[DieselEater]

#11

OLIVEROS XL for men

This cigar was a huge disapointment!!! It was as if it was skeward with a pencil....I have heard of good draw but this was rediculous! Due to the super draw I could only get a mild flavor of burning cardboard.

RATING = BAD




#12

ROCKY PATEL lite

This was a very well made cigar with the tapered butt style...torpedo? Liked the flavors but WAY TOO MILD for me. Good burn and draw, just not enough.

RATING = OK





#13

CAO criollo

I had high hopes for this cigar but was thwarted by the tight draw.....I tried to re cut twice, but still had to struggle to get a good hit. Flavors were mild to medium, but nothing great about it!

RATING = OK





#14

COHIBA LRD

Again, I had high hopes for this cigar, but was left with a reaction of "thats it?" Mild to medium flavor, similar to all the other descent quality smokes I've tried. Did not stand out in any way.

RATING = GOOD




Thanks, more to come.

A..................