Fonseca No. 1: SMG NOV 08: DEF Review Comp 2016

[archosaur]

Fonseca is an interesting marca to me.  I have smoked just a few examples over the years, and have generally liked them.  I would love to see how they do the tissue paper wrapping, it just seems like it would be a real pain in the rear.  I do like the unique presentation though.

I picked up a few aged singles of the No. 1 vitola a while back, and this is the second one I've smoked.  A great Lonsdale size smoke of 43 x 6.4", same vitola as the R&J Cazadores (and the only other example in the catalogue).  This cigar was very firm and dense in the hand, so I dry boxed it for a couple weeks, followed by a few hours in the fridge.  Poured a cuba libre and we're off...

 

Still a firm draw upon lighting, but this should work itself out.  The cigar opens beautifully with flavors of mild tobacco and wood.

In the first third, the cigar continues with a mild tobacco core, a hint of roasted nuts, and oaky wood.  The flavor ebbs and flows, generally being a mild smoke that stays in the background while I watch some stuff on Netflix.  Occasionally, the nutty and woody notes dial up the volume a bit and result in a satisfyingly long finish.

The cigar opens up with the second third, the firm draw has now moved to the firm side of perfect, and the construction is proving to be excellent.  No touch ups required and the cigar is burning very slowly.  The roasted nuts fade, and are replaced by the grainy flavor of whole wheat toast.  The oaky wood flavors increase.  And finally, a bit of honey sweetness appears here and there.  The cigar is still not demanding my attention, but just performing as a worthwhile companion during some relaxation on the patio.  My Rottweiler is busy hunting bugs that are attracted to the porch light.  She is a sweet old dog, but not the sharpest tool in the shed.

You can see the dense construction here in the ashes.  As I make it into the final third, this cigar continues to smoke at a snail's pace.  The honeyed sweet notes fade and the oaky wood and tobacco are joined by black coffee, before the cigar gets a little tarry and bitter at the end.  The cigar never passed light/medium in body, but I felt a little nicotine buzz by the end.  I am surprised that I have been smoking this cigar for close to two hours and am still only halfway through the final third.  I let it go out and look forward to the Sir Winnie I have planned for Labor Day!

This was a similar Fonseca experience to those I've had in the past.  Fairly mild, firm construction, a good smoke but unremarkable in the flavor department.  I'd give this cigar an 87.