Review: CO Cigar by Don Francisco

[tx_tuff]

Cigar: CO Cigar made by Don Francisco
6 X 50 Box Press Maduro and Corojo Barber Poll
MSRP: $7.00 for singles, $6.50 each if bought by bundle

Pre-Light:
The box press on these cigars are similar to the LFD Factory Press, meaning looking at the foot they are wilder from side to side then top to bottom. They are a barber poll Maduro and Corojo but 4 out of the 5 I got you really can not tell by the color of the two wrappers, they are very very close in color. This is a rough looking cigar because the wrappers are botchy and a rough cap, you could call it Rustic. Upon smelling the wrapper the I get more of the smell from the Maduro, gives off a light barnyard smell. Also getting a barnyard smell from the foot. Its a very solid and firm cigar, no spongy or loose spots. The braw was kind of tight, had a taste of semisweet tobacco.




First third:
First couple of draws I'm getting a earthy nutty flavor with a little cream. Draw is good, not to tight but tighter then what I like. To be hinest I don't really care for the mouth feel of the box press, but it's not a big deal. Getting more of a nutty and tobacco flavor as I get into this part of the cigar. Ash is light gray and seems to be holding on well, also has a good burn. Have to work a little more for the smoke but it is giving me a good amount of it. A little spice and sweetness on the retro-hale, very nice! Now getting a woody/green flavor that is very nice. The ash still holding as I get to the end of this third, cigar now has a woody flavor.




2nd third:
The burn is a little off, but not enough to mess with. Getting some slight flavor change from every draw, so would say it has some complexity. In fact getting more of a nutty flavor with some cream from time to time. My guess is the cream is coming from the Maduro wrapper. Ended up making a small touchup but the ash is still holding. At this point would say it is med to full in body and strength. Geting some really good flavor in this third of the cigar as the cigar is picking up. The ash is also still holding at the half way point of the smoke. Of course I write this in my notes and on the next draw the ash falls, but it did a great job of holding on. The retro-hale is still very nice, maybe the best part of this cigar. This third seems to be smoking slower the the first. Now getting more of the woody/green flavor back, then more nutty. This third is also more complex then the first.




Last third:
The draw is getting easier in the last third and I am getting more smoke. Just got a bitter coffee flavor. Now a stronger earthy flavor. And changing once again to a sweetness and nutty flavor, a good combo of both wrappers. Once I got past the one draw of bitter coffe in this third it has turned out to be the best third of the cigar.




Final Thoughts:
Had somewhat of a tight draw at first, but it got better as the cigar went along. The smoke lasted me a hour and half to smoke. Had a good burn with only one small touchup and good amount of smoke. Also had a good strong ash which tells me good construction. Flavor and complex picked up as the cigar was smoked, I really could taste certain flavors from both wrappers. I don't rate cigars by numbers, just how much I enjoy them. I enjoyed it and plan on the smoking the rest. Lew you did a good job on this cigar.

[commonsenseman]

Good review, these sound interesting.

[SMOKE20]

thanks for the review frank

[Don Francisco]

Thanks!

[R10]

Good Review!

[smokin nightly]

Wow Frank, those look very cool...and rustic...very good review!

[Cypress]

Thanks for the review.

[ericb13]

Originally Posted by tx_tuff

Frank, could you post a full pic of your ashtray in this photo? I'm trying to get ideas to make one.

Great review, BTW. Those look very interesting.

Thanks,
Eric

[roughrider]

Thanks for the review.

[tru_rocknrolla]

Sounds interesting. I would love to try it, I think it really looks awesome.

[tx_tuff]

Originally Posted by ericb13

Frank, could you post a full pic of your ashtray in this photo? I'm trying to get ideas to make one.

Great review, BTW. Those look very interesting.

Thanks,
Eric

Here you go


Humidor Minister made it for me.

[tx_tuff]

Originally Posted by tru_rocknrolla

Sounds interesting. I would love to try it, I think it really looks awesome.

PM Don Francisco (he is a few posts above) and if he has any left he will be happy to sell you some