Dunhill Signature (Cigar) and Ri (Whiskey) Review

[soonerwings]

So after a bit of yard work, I decided I'd sit outside and enjoy a little bit of whiskey while smoking a cigar. I wasn't really impressed with either product, so both reviews will be short and sweet.

Dunhill Signature Cigar

This cigar was like just about every other Dunhill I've tried in that it was rather unremarkable. Dunhill's craftsmanship is ridiculously good, as I've never smoked one that had any problems with wrapper fray, uneven burn, or draw problems. On the contrary, this cigar didn't fray in the slightest, it had the straightest burn line I've ever seen, and the draw was perfect. Ample smoke seemed to just sort of boom forth on the exhale.

All that being said, it was boring. It was quite smooth, but the only flavor I picked up was a dull leathery sort of flavor. I was hoping that the flavor profile would change after the first third or so, but no such luck. The cigar was truly one dimensional as it held constant for the entire smoke. I was glad it was only a robusto.

Ri Brand Rye Whiskey

I've never had a rye whiskey before tonight so I'm trying to not generalize the whole category based on this one sample. To me, the flavor was just anemic. It was like the diet cola of bourbon. It had the same heat as bourbon but lacked that full rich flavor that I've come to love. I don't know if this is characteristic of rye whiskeys in general or if it's just this brand. If you like the sweetness of bourbon but want something that's not so "heavy" this may be the whiskey for you.

 

[WTJ]

Have not seen the Ri brand of whiskey, but I would agree that they are not the same as bourbon. Rye is predominate in Canadian blends, and will not have the same taste spectrum. I like ryes and only care for a few bourbons these days.

 

[Chief Sapulpa]

(ri)1, is Beam's premium rye whiskey...I tried it when it first came out and priced at $40+...too sweet for me and makes a terrible Manhattan. Now it's priced at $26.
I just tried Bulleit and it's more like traditional rye, spicey with a strong finish. For the money you can't beat Beams yellow label Rye whiskey.

 

[Cohiba]

On the Dunhill:

I haven't smoked a Dunhill in quite some time. I loved their Canary Island cigars, but alas they quit making it. They can be found but are very rare.

I thought Dunhill was almost going out of business or at least the cigar business. They closed their retail store in Houston a few years ago. The manager wondered about the tobacco laws in the US and the UK. It had more clothing and accessories then cigars and a very small smoking room with locker humidores.



As for Jim Beam....I was really disappointed with their Knob Creek whiskey.....very weak. To me it tasted like the bottle was half full of water filled in by the rest with whiskey. I have been a little to afraid to buy too much of their modern or boutique whiskey. When I drink rye.....I drink their old yellow label..Jim Beam Rye...not bad.


As for Dunhill....when they quit making their cigars in Cuba..that was a sad year!!

Cohiba