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This is my first proper(ish) review so please excuse my lack of descriptive skill.
The Cigar.
Not a clue. It was gifted by Mike without a band, so nothing visually to suggest origin or brand.
Visually.
I know this is not a Cuban, so the cigar is a little unusual for an NC in that it is a Londres (5.9-5 inches by 40 gauge). The wrapper is a Claro and has a well defined spiral with pronounced veining and some mottling within the colour of the leaf. The appearance I would term as 'rustic'.
Pre-light aroma.
Very pronounced. Initially I thought this might be an infused cigar. The aroma is amazing, it conjours all sorts of associations from cedar wood to fermenting dates to light menthol but cannot be tied down to any.
Smoke.
(I'm not going to divide this into 3rds because this cigar does not play by the rules).
On lighting the first taste is 'woodland' like being in a forest after rain and just when you think you've got it taped in comes 'citric' followed by tea which may then elevate or change to something else like sweet, roasted summer vegetables, yellow pepper and aubergine. The cigar smokes like a musical Symphony first one taste note rises and then is replaced by another. Sometimes there's a residual sweetness left on the back of the teeth, sometimes not. But, just as in the theme of a musical piece one taste impression remains consistent throughout ? this little cigar has as close to a Cuban 'twang' as I've experienced in an NC ? I think this cigar is Cuban seed.
Into the last third and the tastes become 'dryer and slightly stronger' but never harsh or rough. Nuances of rich cocao and bitter grapefruit and (as if you could eat them) freshly opened nut shells all enter the proceeding mix. And to top it all, the cigar aroma remains fresh and delightful all through the smoke. I smoked this cigar to the nub which is something I've only ever done with my Reyes, Divinos or Connecticut NUBs.
Construction.
Slight un-evenness initially (which may have been due to my lighting technique or lack of it) but which quickly righted itself and then stayed rock solid throughout the entire 45 minutes. Ash. densely compacted, clean, light grey.
I'm not going to give a mark as I don't feel I have the experience. But this cigar is one I will be buying.
Mike, I don't know what the hell this was, but it's certainly a good one to have in your portfolio. Mellow, fresh and brilliant tasting from start to finish!
The Cigar.
Not a clue. It was gifted by Mike without a band, so nothing visually to suggest origin or brand.
Visually.
I know this is not a Cuban, so the cigar is a little unusual for an NC in that it is a Londres (5.9-5 inches by 40 gauge). The wrapper is a Claro and has a well defined spiral with pronounced veining and some mottling within the colour of the leaf. The appearance I would term as 'rustic'.
Pre-light aroma.
Very pronounced. Initially I thought this might be an infused cigar. The aroma is amazing, it conjours all sorts of associations from cedar wood to fermenting dates to light menthol but cannot be tied down to any.
Smoke.
(I'm not going to divide this into 3rds because this cigar does not play by the rules).
On lighting the first taste is 'woodland' like being in a forest after rain and just when you think you've got it taped in comes 'citric' followed by tea which may then elevate or change to something else like sweet, roasted summer vegetables, yellow pepper and aubergine. The cigar smokes like a musical Symphony first one taste note rises and then is replaced by another. Sometimes there's a residual sweetness left on the back of the teeth, sometimes not. But, just as in the theme of a musical piece one taste impression remains consistent throughout ? this little cigar has as close to a Cuban 'twang' as I've experienced in an NC ? I think this cigar is Cuban seed.
Into the last third and the tastes become 'dryer and slightly stronger' but never harsh or rough. Nuances of rich cocao and bitter grapefruit and (as if you could eat them) freshly opened nut shells all enter the proceeding mix. And to top it all, the cigar aroma remains fresh and delightful all through the smoke. I smoked this cigar to the nub which is something I've only ever done with my Reyes, Divinos or Connecticut NUBs.
Construction.
Slight un-evenness initially (which may have been due to my lighting technique or lack of it) but which quickly righted itself and then stayed rock solid throughout the entire 45 minutes. Ash. densely compacted, clean, light grey.
I'm not going to give a mark as I don't feel I have the experience. But this cigar is one I will be buying.
Mike, I don't know what the hell this was, but it's certainly a good one to have in your portfolio. Mellow, fresh and brilliant tasting from start to finish!
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