The Contenders 2023. Two Guys Cigars review

[nayslayer]

There is a cigar shop up in New Hampshire that has the longest running cigar podcast. Every year for a while now they do a The contenders pack of cigars.. out of these contenders their cigar of the year will be chosen. They had a few guidelines  to chose the pack. Had to be easily purchased no rare or unicorns and had to be released before October.This year the pack of 10 was $99.99 and i will smoke each one, and then email them the best one out of the contenders. There is no review guidelines or any description needed .  I thought id share my adventure and brief review notes.

[nayslayer]

1st cigar
United Cigars Natural Toro

Had coffee with this stick. Strength was about a 4 or 5.
Cold draw was light raisin and tobacco. Started out very buttery and light leather notes. Second third a little pepper and leather took forefront. Last third pepper picked up as well as some peanut notes with leather.

I think this is somewhat of a house cigar, i believe the owner owns the brand so wasnt expecting much, but it really was good sold and tasty cigar in my opinion. Im typically a more fuller bodies cigar smoker, but i loved the leather and buttery smooth smoke. This is going to be hard. 9 more cigars to go.

[Tonto]

Very interesting to see how this all plays out.

[Mavric]

This is going to be interesting might have to add more cigars to me wish list.

[nayslayer]

Here is link to buy if interested. Gotta email your pick by January 2 i think.
https://www.2guyscigars.com/contenders-pack-500899/

[Tonto]

This is going to be interesting might have to add more cigars to me wish list.

Yeah, me too.
I haven't tried those cigars...watching to see if I should now.

[nayslayer]

Cigar #2

Artista Midnight Toto

Strength about 6.5-7

Its Oscuro box pressed with slight sheen

Cold draw is sweet raisin and first third has notes of dark roast coffee with some black pepper. . Second third has some coffee with cream and cocoa, pepper seems to have settled down a bit. Last third cocoa becomes more dominant and pepper has come forward a bit and has a citrus finish. Got a little acrid towards middle of band and i put it down.Not a bad cigar, but i dont think this is a winner yet.

[MaytagMan]

Nice - I''ve tried a few on the list, and will look forward to seeing how your impressions of them compare to mine.

[Tonto]

Hmmm...they just sent me a black Friday 10% off code

[nayslayer]

Kristoff Guardrail

Beverage was Woodford Reserve

Appearance was Dark with pretty oily sheen.

Didn't take cold draw because i forgot. First third had some spice with nus , with Carmel coffee notes. Second third developed into espresso with some anise and Carmel. Light pepper retrohale. Last third was black coffee with earthy finish. Cigar had no burn issues and didn't disappoint. I may need to just do coffee with each cigar to be fair, but liked this cigar. More to my full profile, and blended well. Id buy some of these strength 7/10