Quesada Seleccion Espana

[jerseyjay]

Additional photographs available on cigarphoto.net

This week we are reviewing Quesada Seleccion Espana in a corona size. If you are wondering why you haven’t seen or heard about ‘Espana’, it is because this specific line is being marketed in Spain. Luckily, few selected shops in US were fortunate enough to add this gem to their inventory. Unfortunately, for us, cigar smokers, quantity was limited and interest very high. Fume Cigars was one of the few lucky shops able to bring all three vitolas: petito robusto, robusto, and cigar I’m reviewing today, corona.

Quesada Seleccion Espana was definitely a roller-coaster to say the least. I’m smoking my third sample as I type this review and this cigar definitely falls into ‘third time’s the charm’ expression category. I continue to appreciate the fact that we are smoking hand made products and that should be taken into consideration when construction of particular cigar is described. Having said that, I believe it is acceptable to expect a decent draw and construction. Well, unfortunately that was not the case with first two samples. Tight draw, lack of flavor, twig were the unfortunate highlights. Second sample showed drastic improvement after ‘manual’ intervention so I knew that Quesada Seleccion Espana had a huge potential.

Full circle and we are back to third sample. In flavor department, I was able to extract enjoyable coffee, sweetness and woodiness. I was hoping for a hint of spice to balance the previous two but unfortunately that wasn’t the case, even on the retrohale. In addition, but less noticeable, was lingering chocolaty / nutty flavor on the palate. Compared to the first & second sample, the last cigar turned into a smoke machine. The amount of smoke, when puffed / resting, reminded me of Liga Privada No9 and for those who smoked LP9 know how much smoke this cigar can produce. Burned was excellent and no touch-ups were needed. Decent 3/4″ tight ash pimped the front of the cigar.

As you can tell, this was definitely a peak/valley experience. If I was to judge Quesada Seleccion Espana solely on the first two cigars, I don’t think I would have made a lot of friends in Quesada family. However, after smoking third sample, I’m glad I bought a box of Quesada Seleccion Espana coronas. I’m being told that petit robustos are as delicious as coronas and therefore I’m putting them on the ‘to-buy’ list.

[cigcars]

I take it there's no "abanohay atabaccohay" in this is it???

[ufaman808]

My local tobacco shop here in Hawaii had these. I read some reviews that they were a "Spain" only release and comparable to Habanas! I was stoked and picked a corona up just to sample. It was smooth I will admit but I was expecting a bit more from it. Off the initial punch and draw it had a real interesting spice taste but for some strange reason, only on the opening draw. The burn and draw was nice all the way through. I believe when a cigar is using a "habana or habanos" label for marketing purpose it makes me sad. Will I try it again...probably try a different size. Maybe robusto if it's still available. If not...no loss...I'll stick to the authentic HABANAS!