Cohiba Lancero

[Ophidion]

So I have been a somewhat "anti cohiba" person for a long time. I couldn't really pin down why people liked them so much and why they commanded such a high price above other sticks that I felt were as good if not better... then I got a 5x5 of these guys from oct 05 and smoked one:

Prelight:

The lancero had a very shiny wrapper with no major soft spots or huge bumps in the wrapper. I understand its pretty tough to roll a cigar this long and skinny, so I appreciate the work that goes into them. The cold draw was slightly restricted but had a great taste of spice light tobacco and grass which mimics my previous experience with lanceros from an unknown code 5 pack.

1/3:

A very subtle leather flavor with a hint of vanilla and a lot of wheat (almost like cheerios). The wrapper is slightly sweet near the head and the body is a solid medium. The smoke is very smooth and the ash is very bright. Burn is almost perfect and may have been if not for the wind that decided to join the party at the beginning of the smoke.

2/3:

The spice is still very slight but there is now an intense honey and vanilla followed up by a great leather finish. There is a ton of smoke that is snow white and the burn remains very consistent. The flavor has picked up in intensity but the strength remains a solid medium.

3/3:

The strength of the cigar has picked up a bit but the smoke remains voluminous and smooth. The spice has picked up a bit and the classic "Cohiba flavor" of graham cracker that I associate with the classic Cohiba line, is in full effect. The finish was nothing short of explosive and it was really hard to put it down.

Total smoke time: 2 hours

Overall impressions:

I cant say enough about how excited I was to actually find some aged (6.5+ years at this point) sticks from a reputable vendor. I snagged them up worrying about construction and flavor especially since they have been stored in individual cardboard tubes for half a decade. However, when smoking the first of the box, I was blown away at the flavors that were stuffed in to such a skinny cigar. Long and skinnies have been my favorite for some time now, but this cigar really exemplifies why I like them so much. It had everything I wanted and more. Hopefully I will be able to exercise some self control and not burn through this box in a few months.

[riazp]

Kev, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, its obviously Fake. I suggest you send them to me so I can burn them all for you LOL...seriously nice review as per usual my friend.

[Puros Y Vino]

Nice review Kev. I'm glad you enjoyed them. But......they should have been so much more super duper mega enjoyable!! I suspect you got a bad batch. I will gladly trade you, stick for stick some Quinteros. They even rhyme...kinda...

[maverickdrinker]

nice review Kevin. Thanks for sharing. Looking like I am going to fire up a lancero tonight.

[winelover]

Enjoyed the review Kevin. Never had a lanceros but love the vitola and was a bnig fan of SdC#1's.

[Ophidion]

Silly Canadians trying to steal my lanceros.

[nikesupremedunk]

Thanks for the review Kev. You got me more excited now since I have some lanceros coming in from czar along with the aged sampler pack! I've been wanting to try them for a long long time....hopefully my experience will be just as good as yours!

[Jnaube]

1341498672[/url]' post='320634']

Kev, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, its obviously Fake. I suggest you send them to me so I can burn them all for you LOL...seriously nice review as per usual my friend.

Damn, I wanted to say that

[mk05]

Mmm and the best part? You're sending me some.

Right?

RIGHT? Lol

[Ophidion]

I'll be sure to throw one in in the pass since it hits me before you. Maybe.....muahahahah

[davidl]

I never really realized how big these cigars were until I saw the cigar up against your hand. Nice review!

[Ophidion]

It's because I have little baby hands.

[PigFish]

Nice review mate, thanks for sharing. I love the Lanceros but have to be in the mood to smoke one. I find them subtle cigars, but a highly rewarding cigar generally when you have the time to smoke and contemplate their taste.

-Piggy

[Habano]

Smoked one from 2002 last spring and it was epic. Really good sticks with age. Nice review as well.

[Dbone]

Nice review, and good pick ups on the flavors.

The Lanceros is on the 2 box rule in my humidor. I've had some variance from box to box but even the bad ones I find enjoyable...