CoCigarSmoker Posted April 7, 2015 Posted April 7, 2015 So, I had these grand plans of smoking a bunch of cigars this weekend and don’t get me wrong, I have, but they aren’t all Cuban….I got out and did a little golfing and just can’t bring myself to waste a Cuban cigar when I can’t sit down and pay full attention to it. So I started off the golf with a couple of NC’s so that when the wind messed up the burn or when my temper flared after driving the ball into the weeds I didn’t waste a perfectly good Cuban cigar. I must say, the more I get to smoke Cuban cigars the less I have any desire to smoke any other cigar in my humidor. I find myself smoking Cuban cigars exclusively even at the risk of completely depleting my stash. So after golf, and dinner, and some time with the wife I decided it was time to sit back and enjoy a little Cuban delight with some scotch. I knew I had a little time tonight so I chose a Sancho Panza Belicosos; at 5 1/2” and 52 RG I figured this cigar would last me well into that 2 hr mark. So, I grabbed the lighter, cutter, and a bit of Oban 14 year single malt scotch and ventured out onto the deck for some “me time”. Construction I must say, I’ve never heard much about Sancho Panza and even as I sit here smoking this beautiful cigar I don’t know much about the marca. However, the cigar appears to be beautifully constructed, there are no soft spots; the wrapper is a beautiful medium shade of brown with just a hint of sheen. There are a couple veins but the wrapper is wonderfully done! Pre-light After snipping the cap I noticed that the cigar smelled of fresh tobacco prior to the cold draw. The smell appeared to be one dimensional but that shouldn’t been construed as a degrading remark for the cigar as the aromatic nature of this stick was quite wonderful. During the cold draw all I was able to discern was hazelnut and coffee. I didn’t get much else but these two distinct notes were more than enjoyable and I was very much looking forward to lighting this stick up to accompany my scotch. I will say the draw is just ever so slightly on the firm side of the spectrum, but still very manageable! First Third I must say after lighting up this cigar the flavor profile went a much different way than what was eluded during the cold draw. I’m only getting loads of Cuban barnyard and hay at the moment, but good lord I must say this cigar is off to a stellar start. After spending all day with NC’s, granted quality ones, this cigar is such a welcome breath of fresh air that I’m instantly in heaven. Gentle notes float through the palate and dance around the mouth while the mind is immediately put to ease. There is a slightly acidic twang that crosses the tongue, but it is oh so enjoyable. Thus far this isn’t the most complex cigar in the world, but I’d rather have a stick that’s great at one thing than a “jack of all ace of none”. Thus far the burn is also razor sharp and I very much appreciate the attention to detail and high level of dedication to the construction of this cigar! The tightness of the ash should also serve as a testament to the quality and care that goes into this stick. I must confess, I’m barely 18 minutes into this cigar and if this continues I will have to buy a box of these. As I close in on the finish of the first third there is a level of creamy depth to this cigar. It’s almost the same flavor profile as angel food cake if you took out the majority of the sugar factor. Either way, WOW! Second Third Working through the second third has brought a mellowing effect to the flavor profile. Notes of wood , specifically cedar as well as the barnyard and hay are the most forward on the palate. However, the “amount” of flavor has decreased. This cigar is still beyond enjoyable but the body is resting into a much milder profile. So far I’d say this cigar is mild to medium in body. The burn is staying razor sharp and overall this stick is wonderfully constructed. The volume of smoke is not much and I would blame this on the stiff draw, but still, this is a great cigar. Final Third The ash finally fell as I was just about to enter the final third. The flavors of this cigar have stayed very consistent. I will confess that I think we all love a cigar that changes or evolves during the thirds as they are smoked, but at the same time consistency is a wonderful thing. This cigar has smoked the same from the first draw to the last puff and for that I must give it a big thumbs up. I have thoroughly enjoyed this cigar’s flawless construction and uniquely one dimensional flavor profile. Can’t wait to add a box of these to the stash. If you are looking for a consistent mild to medium smoke for those times when you have around 1 hr. 45 min to enjoy then do yourself a favor and get these ASAP! 1
CoCigarSmoker Posted April 7, 2015 Author Posted April 7, 2015 You are on a roll. Nice one ! Thanks Optic, I have no kids and a very wonderful wife . Seth
rbelcastro Posted April 7, 2015 Posted April 7, 2015 This was the first Cuban I ever smoked. Needless to say it may a great first impression!
HarveyBoulevard Posted April 7, 2015 Posted April 7, 2015 Thanks Optic, I have no kids and a very wonderful wife . Seth If you get a kid, make sure he/she is a good sleeper and you will be fine. The wonderful wife part is particularly helpful. I've got one of each.
dflan82 Posted April 7, 2015 Posted April 7, 2015 Great review again Seth! I know exactly what you mean about not wanting to smoke the NC's inn your humidor. Looks like you made me add another one to my radar! 1
JohnS Posted April 7, 2015 Posted April 7, 2015 Thanks Optic, I have no kids and a very wonderful wife . Seth Enjoy while you can my friend! If you get a kid, make sure he/she is a good sleeper and you will be fine. The wonderful wife part is particularly helpful. I've got one of each. Agreed with the wonderful wife part. I've got one of each two years apart and they are a delight as they've got older, just hard when they are so dependent while young, but persistence pays off! You've got me sold on the Sancho Panza Belicoso, Seth. Thanks for the standard brilliant review!
CoCigarSmoker Posted April 8, 2015 Author Posted April 8, 2015 Thanks guys. This really was a great cigar. Seth
jsummers157 Posted April 13, 2015 Posted April 13, 2015 Great review! Been wanting to try this cigar for a long time and this review might tempt me to finally pull the trigger.
nick2021 Posted April 13, 2015 Posted April 13, 2015 I really enjoyed this cigar....had a friend that turned me on to it about 4-5 months ago. Good cigar imo
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