Wrapper: Nicaraguan
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Size: 5 x 52 Robusto
Strength: Full
Price: $12.00

My cigars received 6 months of naked humidor time.

**Thanks to Rob from Vegas, it was brought to my attention that I did not review the correct Lure blend. Instead of the Jolly Walleye, I reviewed the Oscuro. Why? Because I grabbed the wrong cigar from my humidor. This is a first for me. I have edited this review to show the correct info. It does not change my experience. My apologies. Chalk it up to Father Time.

THE WHOLE MEGILLAH:
Lou Cross makes solid cigars. But I’ve found that they do much better with extended humidor time. There are reviewers that can find the gold after three weeks. I cannot.

Aromas from the wrapper contradicts that it is a Nic puro. It is extremely floral with sweet overtones of honeysuckle, rich cocoa, lemon zest, spicy peppers, and green veggies.

The fat cap is ideal as a landing zone for my PerfecPunch. Resistance is flawless. The cold draw is made up of vegetal notes, spicy baking condiments, chocolate, cedar, malt, and unsalted butter.

Lovely start. Well rounded with notes of chocolate covered malted milk balls, a hefty lager, black pepper, cinnamon, graham crackers, and extreme earthiness.

In the 1950’s, we were sent to the Saturday movie matinee. I was given $1.00 which covered my 25¢ admission, popcorn, a Coke, malted milk balls, a frozen milk shake, and when the money was down to a nickel…the dreaded stick in your teeth JuJubes. Oh yeah, I had to reserve a dime for the phone to tell my parents to pick me up.

I love the creaminess. I fancy the easy-going medium strength instead of being bombarded with nicotine poisoning from the get go…like so many self-described full-strength blends. The chocolate adds to that creaminess with a light touch of espresso. I’m having a good time. I’d ask you the same question that no one asked, but I know the answer.

So far, this is unlike most Nic puros. And then it clinches it for me with sweet tart notes of black cherries. The cigar is Padrón-like. In fact, it reminds me of the Padrón Family Reserve 1964 No. 85 Maduro. It creates the blind tasting deception of possible Ecuadorian wrapper, Mexican binder, and Dominican guts.

The burn is up tight and outta sight. Construction is excellent. I smoked a couple along the way to the 6-month mark and I was disappointed as the cigars came across as ordinary. Not now, my dears. The blend warms up to home aging beautifully.

I spent a couple weeks on a bison ranch in Dodge City Kansas in the early 80’s. Most of you were just sperm back then. All manner of buffalo was eaten…I’m sated for the rest of my life. Ever have a baby buffalo suck on your finger? I felt dirty afterwards as it was good for me too. I think I blacked out.

I spoke to Dr. Rod the other day. He is recovering from botched penile implant surgery. Until the swelling goes down, he doesn’t know if he has a bigger dick or a smaller vagina. The wait is killing him.

I cannot emphasize enough how smooth this legal joint is as I spend time in the kone of silence this morning. Strength creeps without a single jarring motion. It is now medium/full as inch two begins.

Creamy mocha java, Cinnabon, black and red pepper.

As I think I’ve found a Padron replacement for half the price, I calm myself with a hunk of cheese, and a naked portrait of Boris Badenov lounging at his Pottsylvania beach resort. It seems to work.

I have a gaggle of unsmoked Lure blends with 6 months of home time. Time to dig in.
The first half was delicious. More than just solid. An LSD vision of dancing bears in tutus. It’s been exactly 50 years since my last trip. It was more fun than anything legal I can think of. I couldn’t grok how Stewart and Sonja would take the stuff daily for a month. Copeland even played gigs high as a kite. No idea how he did that. Of course, he got fired every other date. Darryl Way had no idea the pair were trippin’. I remember signaling Stew about downbeats and accents and he would stare wide eyed at me with zero response. It’s funny…now.

I just noticed that I haven’t taken a single sip of water. This is impressive. A cool cucumber of a cigar. Smooth by all accounts.

The second half is turning out to be better than a BJ on a moving train. Although, much more precise. And no spillage.

There is absolutely no way I’d have guessed this is a Nic puro. This is genius.

I fully expect a sweet spot any moment.

The muscle is unveiled as full vigor kicks in. I tighten my knee pads.

I get whipped cream thoughts as I sip from the chalice from the palace. The flagon with the dragon has the poison, the vessel with the pestle has the brew is true. I just dated myself…which is illegal in 23 continental states. Badda boom.

Great cigar. This was my last one. Time to get more. But wait, there is still 2” to go. Will it fulfill the great desire of every smoker to be the leader of the pack, or will it be the guy behind the elephants with the shovel. Stay tuned.

Transitions are minimal which is hardly noticed as the rich quality of the blend reaches out for your nads and won’t let go. Pretty much like being audited. I take my first sip of water and a gushing explosion with memories of that baby buffalo.

Spiciness grows like tendrils from the paranoic thing on your neck. Just me?

I love the depth of the Lure Cigars Oscuro Lil Joe. Like staring down a deep well and then flirting with a glance at a blue sky with soft clouds.

The last two inches is where the blend coagulates. Full bodied while the strength hovers in the same realm. While the former overwhelms, the latter does not. Still smooth as silk. Flavorful and deep with rich tones that puts a stupid smile on my puss.

Sure, you can spend $25+ for the Padrón Family Reserve 1964 No. 85 Maduro. Or you can spend half that on the Lure Cigars Oscuro Lil Joe. They’re not identical but think Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito.

You can purchase the collection of Lure Cigars from sponsor Small Batch Cigar. Take 10% off with promo code KATMAN.

RATING: 96

Categories: CIGAR REVIEWS

Tags: cigar reviews, cigar reviews by the katman, cigars, katman, lou cross, lure cigars, Lure Cigars Oscuro The Lil Joe | Cigar Reviews by the Katman, phil kohn