tjohn7 Posted October 19, 2014 Posted October 19, 2014 Even though this cigar doesn't technically fall within the belicoso vitola, it's so damn close I thought I'd review it, since I didn't have nearly enough time for another churchill. Opening On first inspection there are some earthy notes, punctuated by scents of black tea and bread-like flavors. Pre-draw is firm, but workable. Definitely not as easy as the draw of the Sir Winnie I had the other night. Smoke production is fairly good. Not as much as I like, but if the taste is good then I'll be happy. From what I can tell, the construction of this cigar is good. A smooth wrapper with a few veins. There is a punch near the cap, which likely occurred during shipping. First Third The first third begins like any other cigar. The flavor profile remains constant during the first few draws, until a dried wood taste appears on the finish. The finish is much shorter than other cigars I've had recently. So far, as I work my way thru the first third, the burn has been stellar. Smoke production is up, and the woodsy flavor remains on the finish. I’m a big fan of barbeque and the woodsy taste reminds me of that. Considering I’m sitting outside in 40F weather with a strong head wind, I long for that sweet barbeque taste. Towards the end of the first third a flowery taste becomes apparent. Still overpowered by the woodsy notes, but it’s a nice touch. I’m now starting to pick up a sugary, almost molasses-type flavor. Reminds me very much of the molasses cookies my mom used to buy me when I was younger. Now a coffee flavor makes its appearance. The dynamics of this cigar are so far very impressive. Good construction, great burn and fantastic flavors. Let’s see what the second third has in store Second Third The second third continues to excel in similar areas as the first third. The finish is still great, but seems to be a bit drier than before. Not as smooth, and a tad drier. I’m now a half hour into the smoke and have just had the ash fall off for the first time. As that happens, a whole new set of flavors appear. Much more coffee and sweetness, again like molasses. The flavors are currently very rich, and all compliment each other well. Some earthy tones come in and out, which might be some of this cigar’s youth showing. The taste of hay remains on the finish. Towards the end of the second third a graham cracker-like taste pops up. Final Third I have to confess that my in-laws showed up just as I began the final third. As a result, I needed to relight this stick, which caused it lose most of its momentum. Flavors were muted and just not as pleasant as what I experienced in the first two thirds. Still good, but I have to blame myself for the poor showing in the final third. Overall Impressions This cigar was a very enjoyable experience. It was dynamic, with a fantastic flavor profile. If I hadn't needed to relight it at the start of the final third, I think it would have been a 93 cigar. Instead, I think the ratings go like this: First third: 92, Second third: 93, Final Third: Incomplete. Overall this is a 92 cigar. I'm reluctant to rate so many cigars in the low 90s, as I feel I am victim of ratings inflation, but the last two smokes have genuinely been that good. Ask me about my experiences with some NCs and I'll rate those in the mid 70s haha. Tom 1
Ginseng Posted October 19, 2014 Posted October 19, 2014 A very fine review. Molasses is the signature note of the La Fuerze, a quirky favorite of mine. Wilkey 1
bradbrennan Posted October 19, 2014 Posted October 19, 2014 Sounds good enough to eat...with a Red Bull?! 1
airtrade Posted October 19, 2014 Posted October 19, 2014 Like the review. I have found it hard to find a cc I believe to be below 88. I have also had the good guidance of this forum as to what to try! +1 on the NC rating! 1
Hash Posted October 30, 2014 Posted October 30, 2014 An enjoyable cigar that avoids attention by flying under the radar.Good review.
tjohn7 Posted October 30, 2014 Author Posted October 30, 2014 An enjoyable cigar that avoids attention by flying under the radar.Good review. Thanks, mate! I just realized all the photos were down as I moved them to a different folder. They're back up.
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