Nestor Reserve: Box vs. Bundle Review

[borndead1]

At retail price, the Nestor Reserve Maduro bundle is a very good deal at $49.95/bundle of 25. At c bid prices, an even better deal.

BUT...I have a few issues with them. First 2 batches I got were amazing smokes. Third batch were not spectacular but still great. Fourth batch were BAD. I mean [SIZE="4"]BAD.[/SIZE] Obviously dyed wrappers, weird flavor, terrible burn. They were so bad, in fact, that after 3 or 4 of them I threw them in the trash. I was about to write the NRM off. Decided to give them ONE more chance, and I am happy to say they are "on" again. But the experience also got my curiousity up enough to try the boxed version of the same cigar.

Here are my comparisons:

I wish I had a camera, as there are a few differences in appearance between the 2 cigars. The bundled version is a bit thinner ring gauge and about 1/4" shorter. Also the color of the wrappers is a bit different. I can now say with some certainty that the wrapper of the NRM bundled version is either dyed or at the very least "cooked" in one of those Maduro-matic machines that Lew Rothman has talked about. There isn't a huge difference in color, but it is noticeable. I would guess that since the bundled version are a "bargain" smoke, they need to crank them out and take a few shortcuts to keep CI supplied with them.


Now on to the tasting.

First 1/3
I am smoking the 2 cigars side by side, writing this review while I smoke. The flavor is quite a bit different. I am taking a few puffs from one, drinking a bit of water to cleanse my palate, then picking up the other one for a few. If I were blindfolded, I would say they were different cigars. The bundled version is much sweeter than the boxed. Also, and I find this strange, the bundled has more of a cedar flavor even though the boxed version are layered between cedar sheets inside the box! At this point, I am liking the bundled version more. Much more.

Second 1/3
Boxie is coming on a bit better now, picking up some more flavor and even some sweetness, but still not as sweet as Bundy. Boxie has a more nutty straightforward flavor while Bundy tastes very sweet on the draw with a woody finish. I forgot to mention that I got both these cigars at about the same time, a little over 1 month ago. At this point Bundy is still the better tasting cigar, but Boxie is burning straighter. Bundy's sweetness is intensifying, while Boxie is...wow, getting a little bit sweeter with an earthy bite in the nostrils. By the halfway point, Bundy is tasting almost like I am smoking candy. Boxie, while tasting good, just ain't steppin' to his cheapass brother. He is more of a gentleman though, with a nice straight burn. I should also point out that neither of these Maduros tastes like a typical maddie, at least not the maddies I usually smoke like 5 Vegas A, Leon Jimenes, CAO Brazilia, LVH Early Years. These NRMs aren't as "strong" as those cigars either, which explains at least part of it I guess.

Final 1/3
A few subtle flavor changes in Boxie, a few more burn corrections on Bundy. Boxie is starting to pick up some standard maduro flavors, a bit of cocoa but still the earthy finish. Just for the helluvit, I'm gonna try a flame purge on both these sticks and see what happens....ok Boxie first. Not much of a change. Bundy...about the same as well.


Final thoughts
This side by side comparison really surprised me. I would have bet money that the boxed version of the NRM would be better than the bundled version. But though the burn and construction were better, flavor wise it was no contest.


WINNER: Bundled version



Thanks for reading!

[careyink]

Thanks I have always been curious about the boxed version. I have been through a couple bundles of the torps and actually like them for a morning smoke when I have some time. The bundled version has a cameroon binder which I think makes them interesting. Never checked to see what the boxed version is made of?

[Simplified]

I love a side by side comparison best way to really tell.

[Big D]

I remember the one you sent me in a trade we did awhile back, it was very tasty, but with all talk of them being dyed I was scared to pick any up.
This one wasn't dyed, but was it boxed or bundle?

[borndead1]

REVISIT:


I can't believe I'm saying this, but I've changed my mind. The boxed version of the NRM is superior in every way. Just a short time in the humidor has really opened up the flavor. Mocha and spice and everything nice. Better burn, better construction, no black stuff on your lips...and boxes only retail for $10 more than the bundles. Yeah on cbid you can get the bundles way below retail, but I think I'm done with them. It's boxes for me from now on. My curiousity is also compelling me to try the H2000 wrapper version.

[cbsmokin]

Keep your eyes open on cbid I have seen the boxes as well, just not all the time like the bundle.

[dunng]

Very interesting... I have bundles (90+ sticks) from 5/07 resting.

[palm55]

Thanks for the interesting comparative review! I've never tried the boxed version, but keep plenty of the bundles in my coolerdors... Enough so that the "smokeables" have at least a year on them. Burn is a bit better on the "oldies," but minor corrections are still required. Still, the flavor outweighs the task of correcting.