Review: Tampa Sweetheart No. 500

[WyoBob]

This won't be a literary masterpiece but I thought I'd give it a try.

I recieved two Tampa Sweetheart No. 500's maduros from DJM as part of the Newbie PIF, new but not improved exchange (among some other fantastic looking cigars that DJM sent).

The No 500s are 4 1/2x50, unbanded, celloed, bundled cigars. The two I received were maduro and I'm a maduro smoker so that worked out well. I was going to let the whole package settle in my cooler for awhile but ran out of resolve and decided to give the 500's a try. I liked the first one so much I smoked the second cigar the next day. So much for willpower.

These cigars were a very pleasant experience. I think they represent one of the best values in cigars that I've seen. The no band, no box idea appeals to me. It's all about the cigar, after all.

I used a punch which worked fine. The cap stayed intact and the cigar seemed well constructed. The wrapper is a bit rough but this means nothing to me as long as the experience is a good one. And, it was. They burned very well and I only had to touch the wrapper up a couple of times. I thought they were pretty spicy and a more complex cigar than I was expecting. The flavor profile (this is where I have trouble describing various attributes) was very similar thorughout the cigar but, if anything, the taste built nicely right to the end. I'd say the cigar was spicey with hints of "nuttiness". There was a "sharpness" to the flavor profile that was not unpleasant at all but I'm guessing that, after aging awhile, this cigar would be even better which will really be something to look forward to.

I nubbed both cigars which is the highest praise I can give a cigar. I then got on the web site and tried to decide which bundles I was going to order.

Thanks, DJM. I found another cigar to add to my rotation. Hmm. The 120 quart Igloo isn't looking so big all of the sudden.

(As I'm writing this review, I'm smoking a Camacho Negro Robusto Larga that just came off the truck. I have no will power to let cigars rest from their trip for several weeks.)

WyoBob

[pistol]

Bob, nice review, sounds like you enjoyed it. These are very popular with the folks here for an inexpensive but quality smoke. BTW, you'd better get another cooler!

[palm55]

Very good review on a very good cigar!!!

No "pretences" with the Sweethearts... They're just true to their name... No bands, no promises... Just a good, honest cigar. PERIOD!

[WyoBob]

Originally Posted by pistol

BTW, you'd better get another cooler!

I don't think another cooler is in my future. The 120 qt. cooler is as far as I'm going to push my luck with the "OBM" (office of budget and management) for now I have some "former favorites" that have slid down the list that I'm going to get rid of to make room for my new favorites.

WyoBob

[TimButz2]

Thanks for the review, I have been wanting to try one of these for awhile.

[Little Giant]

[SIZE="3"] Nice review. Thanks.
I recently received a bundle of the Flor de Ybor City. Fifteen I put in to the cooler to age, but kept five in one of my humidors and after three days I heard one of them calling to me. Nice flavorful cigar and I'm wanting to try the Tampa Sweethearts. You've whet my appetite [/SIZE]