Review – God of Fire by Carlito, Piramide 2006

This is the first in a new series of reviews of cigars given to us by the good folks at Cigars Direct. Featured this time is the God of Fire by Carlito, Piramide 2006.

Vitola: Torpedo

Origin: Dominican Republic

Length: 6 3/8”

Ring Gauge: 52

Filler: Dom. Rep.

Binder: Dom. Rep.

Wrapper: Cameroon

Strength: Medium-to-Full

Price: $285.95 (box of 10)

This cigar is produced in the Dominican Republic at Tabacalera A.Fuente y Cia. for Prometheus. It features a beautiful Cameroon wrapper and a skillfully executed torpedo shape.

God of Fire is the creation of Keith K. Park, founder and CEO of Prometheus International, Inc.; maker of fine lighters, humidors, and ashtrays. Keith’s start in the lighter business dates back to 1992, in partnership with his brother and father. He set off on his own in 1997 and first teamed up with Carlos Fuente Jr. (‘Carlito’) in 1999 on a special project to make a limited edition OpusX humidor.

In 2003 Keith and Carlito forged the idea of creating a line of cigars for Keith’s fast-growing Prometheus company. The God of Fire cigars come in only two blends, one designed by Carlito and the other by his father, Carlos Sr. Carlito’s blend is described as being the stronger of the two. Carlos Sr.’s blend of the 2005 vintage, in the robusto size, recently received a rating of 93 by Cigar Aficionado. This torpedo, the Piramide, is a new addition to the line, making it’s debut in the 2006 vintage, and in Carlito's blend.

(click on images to enlarge)

Two bands adorn the God of Fire cigars. The first and primary band depicts the Greek tale of Prometheus, punished by Zeus for giving fire to humans. The second band lists the vintage (the year the cigar was rolled) and also the name of the blender (Carlito or Carlos Sr.).

The current release boasts two years of aging, as is customary for the line, having been rolled in 2006 and held until this year to achieve a level of refinement rarely seen in these high-demand, fast-paced times. The benefit is obvious. The cigars regularly receive accolades, such as the “Best of the Best” award given by Robb Report back in June to the Double Robusto by Carlito.

Following Cigar Aficionado's 4-part rating system (Appearance & Construction, Flavor, Smoking Characteristics, and Overall Impression) I sat down to rate this cigar while enjoying a glass of Glenmorangie "Port Cask" Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

The construction on this Fuente-made cigar is as good as any. The wrapper was smooth and shiny with a bit of tooth visible. The foot smelled of dark caramel. The pre-light draw added a tea character to the caramel. Only a slight modeled pattern in the wrapper, near the foot, detracted from it’s elegant appearance. To my great satisfaction, it drew and burned perfectly, so clearly roll quality was right on. This cigar produced a satisfying amount of smoke and the very white colored ash was one of the most stable I’ve seen in a long time, holding on for well more than 0ne and a half inches.

The flavor started out surprisingly smooth, no doubt indicative of the two years of aging. At the one-third mark, mild sense of coffee was soon joined by anise. At the half-way point, Carlito’s strength came to bear and the flavors intensified; the subtle anise now joined by leather. Never dry on the palate, it continued on like this to the end.

My rating for the God of Fire by Carlito, Piramide 2006 is 92.

Here's the points breakdown:

I. Appearance & Construction: 14 pts (93% of the points possible)

II. Flavor: 22 pts (88% of the points possible)

III. Smoking Characteristics: 25 pts (100% of the points possible)

IV. Overall Impression: 31 pts (89% of the points possible)

It’s not every day you get an opportunity to experience a cigar rarity such as this. Fortuantely, Cigars Direct has the ten-count boxes and also convenient 5-packs. Get your hands on some while they’re still available.

© 2008 The Cohiba Club All rights reserved.

Herf #18 – Back to Basics

November 2nd, 2008 - Shoreline, WA

In attendance were Fernand, Robert, John L., Joe , Eric, Tom, John O., Peter, and Bruce. As usual, we gathered to enjoy a good cigar and give our opinion on it by holding a 'group tasting' following dinner.

The nine of us dined at nearby Saltoro in Shoreline, where steaks and burgers were ordered all around. The great food was paired with wine, Scotch and a couple martinis, before heading over to John’s place to begin the tasting session and enjoy some much needed relaxation and camaraderie.

Our selection for this Herf was the Padron 6000 (natural). A sharp-tipped torpedo measuring 5 1/2 inches long with a ring guage of 52. This Padron was Cigar of the Week back on October 13th which received a 91 from Cigar Aficionado's expert tasting panel.

Following CA's 4-part rating system (Appearance & Construction, Flavor, Smoking Characteristics, and Overall Impression) we began the tasting. This proved to be a very well-liked cigar among our group of tasters.

After averaging our scores, The Cohiba Club's official rating for the Padron 6000 (Natural) Torpedo is 89. An excellent cigar.

Here's the points breakdown:
I. Appearance & Construction: 14 pts (93% of the points possible)
II. Flavor: 22 pts (88% of the points possible)
III. Smoking Characteristics: 22 pts (88% of the points possible)
IV. Overall Impression: 31 pts (89% of the points possible)

Made by the Padron family in Nicaragua, this cigar’s wrapper had a consistent, yet robust look to it, indicative of solid craftsmanship. The roll quality was a display in art with a beautifully executed taper complimenting a moderate firmness throughout.

All but one of these cigars drew freely (a couple actually drew too freely) while one had a plug. Everyone quickly commented on how relatively mild this cigar seemed in comparison to some of our previous herf selections. Adequate amounts of smoke were produced and the ashes were mostly stable and rather light in color. The burn on our samples was mostly quite even, though a couple did require re-lights toward the end.

The flavors were pleasant, but not particularly inspiring. A basic ‘tobacco’ flavor was predominate for most of us. There was perhaps a bit of wood in there, with a smooth and easy finish that was somewhat on the dry side. Everyone agreed on it starting out mild and progressing to no more than medium strength and body.

All in all, a very enjoyable cigar which we highly recommend.
See you at the next herf, December 7th.