Cigar Review – Room 101 Robusto "305"

This is the first in a new series of reviews of cigars given to us by J&J Cigars of Shoreline. We're very pleased to have this relationship with such a fine tobacconist and are looking forward to reviewing many great cigars from his vast stock in the months ahead. Featured this time is the Room 101 “305”.

Vitola: Robusto
Origin: Honduras
Length: 5”
Ring Gauge: 50
Filler: Honduras, Dom. Rep.
Binder: Honduras
Wrapper: Semilla 101 (Honduras)
Strength: Medium
Price: $7.50

Produced by Camacho Cigars for brand owner Matt Booth, it features a dark, rich looking wrapper called Semilla 101 selected just for this cigar. Musician and accessory apparel designer, Booth also crafts sheik cigar cutters and lighters clad in sterling silver; among other luxury items.

Conducting this review was Cohiba Club Charter Member Joe and fellow club members Bruce and Peter. As is our usual method for reviewing and rating cigars, they followed Cigar Aficionado's 4-part rating system (Appearance & Construction, Flavor, Smoking Characteristics, and Overall Impression).














With a sturdy looking parejo shape, the appearance is initially pleasing to the eye. The head’s cap did look a little rough around it’s circumference. The texture was a tad dry to the touch, but smooth, and no offending veins were observed. The only troublesome attribute may have been a few soft spots or voids detected beneath this pretty wrapper.

The draw was very free flowing, in fact too fast on a couple of these sticks. The burn was mostly even and needed little or no re-lights along the way. One upside of the fast draw was voluminous smoke it produced. The ash was very stable, holding on for an impressive length.

The flavor for Pete and Bruce was mostly woody, a little dry, giving way to some bitterness near the end. Joe, on the other hand, found it beginning rich and dark in character, then mellowing as he got into the middle portion. He added that there were some intermittent fruity tones at one point. The three of them experience quite a bit of variation in their tasting impressions, with assessments ranging from ‘average’ to ‘very good’. Clearly the difference in palates was showing through here.

After averaging their scores, our rating for the Room 101 “305” is 84.
Here's the points breakdown:
I. Appearance & Construction: 13 pts (87% of the points possible)
II. Flavor: 21 pts (84% of the points possible)
III. Smoking Characteristics: 21 pts (84% of the points possible)
IV. Overall Impression: 29 pts (83% of the points possible)

In the final analysis, this cigar inspired a mixed response. One of our tasters liked it, the other two (these guys grade tough) need to try more before making up their minds. Good advice, indeed – for all of us!
Head over to J&J Cigars in Shoreline and pick up a few.

Thanks to John of J&J for giving us the opportunity to review this intriguing cigar!

Photo credit to Room 101 Cigars.

© 2010 The Cohiba Club – All rights reserved.