Intro:
I have to admit that prior to smoking this cigar I had never heard of it. It was part of a sample pack and I really did not pay ti any attention. Oddly enough, the day I decided to try something new this was what I had seen in the humidor. It was a humbling experience to find that a cigar I had pushed to the side ended up being one of the best int he group.
Stats:
Wrapper: Sun Grown Connecticut Maduro
Shape: Emerald
Length: 6
Gauge: 52
Country: Dominican Republic (Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia)
Filler: Dominican (Chateau de la Fuente)
Binder: Dominican (Chateau de la Fuente)
Pricing: (Box of 20) - $410.00
(per stick) - $20.50
First Impression:
To be honest I was impressed by the sleek band. This cigar came in the CRA Sampler 2019 so I wanted to give it a shot. The fact that the sampler as a whole was amazing I had high hopes for this stick as well. It had a great aroma out of the wrapper and felt firm with a perfect wrapper.
Pre-Smoke Ritual:
Cigar cut with the Select Draw Cigar cutter. Time for the always anticipated pre light draw. It was one of the more flavorful pre light draws that I have experienced. I had a lot of flavor going on.
Lighting, Draw, and Burn:
A solid toast with minimal draw and this cigar was lit. As for the draw it was nice, but with a little resistance. It was not unpleasant and did not ruin the smoke. Some cigars are meant to force a tougher pull which this did. For the burning portion this cigar stayed lit with a straight burn path for the most part. There were a few touch ups in certain spots needed, but again this is nothing that would ruin the experience. The burn temperature and rate were both pleasing and right where they should have been.
Flavor:
The initial flavors to me where very good. Since I am a fan of coffee this hit the spot. There were strong notes of chocolate and coffee which stood out. It also had hints of pepper and an earthy cedar taste. The first third had the chocolate and coffee flavors stand out. The earthy cedar was a close second while the pepper stayed in the background, but not out of the picture. I began to taste the sweetness from the maduro wrapper which was very welcomed. The next third had the pepper flavors kick it up a notch. Not to strong, but more defined. The coffee and chocolate remained king for this portion while the earthy cedar stayed in second. Once I entered the final third of this cigar The earthy cedar became more prominent with the chocolate and coffee falling into second place. The pepper flavor kept a steady taste which tingled on the tongue. The sweetness also died down but was still noticeable.
My Preference:
I let this cigar rest for just under 6 weeks in the humidor. It was perfect. I used the Select Draw Cigar Cutter to establish my draw. 13 holes in the cap with 6 holes around the cap. That was the sweet spot. A longer toast before the lighting took place. I used a four flame torch lighter.
Final Thoughts:
The fact that I probably would have never bought this cigar unless it came in the sampler has opened my eyes. My overall opinion is that I would love this as an everyday smoke. Where it falls in the price range I definitely see myself smoking one every week. If you are a fan of deep flavors with some sweetness this is a must try.