Hector Luis Preito Custom "Ocho": Cigar Review Weekend

Corylax18 · October 8, 2017

I picked up this stick and a couple others last year during the FOH visit to Hector Luis' Finca in November. I am gearing up for a return trip this November, and as such, I am working my way through some of the customs I picked up on that trip with an eye to determining what to pickup this time. I was able to grab a single custom Lancero (pictured) but they were only selling customs in 2 sizes. The 6 3/4" by 58 guage "Ocho" pictured or 7"+ by 64 gauge (yes 64) monsters. Not being a fan of large gauge cigars I went for the "little brother."

The first photo shows the Cigar sandwiched between a 7" x 38 lancero and a standard Corona Gorda. (Punch Punch) The second shows it stretching out of the FOH ashtray.

Pre Light:

I love the look of Closed and Shaggy foot cigars. This one is closed and the wrapper is simply amazing. Tissue paper thin, smooth as silk, beautiful, rich color, a single small "peanut". Its no wonder Hector won the "Habanos man of the Year" award, he is good at what he does.

The scent of the cigar is intoxicating, it brings me right back to the farm. Strong barnyard, pure and simple. After three punches from my 8mm punch, it looks like we have most of the head opened up. Despite the closed foot, the draw is perfect, which amazes me. Cold draw delivers the same, strong Barnyard, heavenly.

1st Third:

The small flag left on the closed foot takes the flame immediately and we're off. I have to be honest, the first 1" or so of the cigar was disappointing, very earthy, but one dimensional and really not a lot going on. Plenty of smooth, rich smoke. No pepper and only hints of sweetness. The first ash holds to atleast 1 1/4", once I dump it the cigar starts to open up a bit. Some light sweetness enters the mix but the cigar remains very earthy and rustic in the main.

2nd Third:

The complexity really starts to pick up. Earth, Cinnamon, Mushrooms. I'm not sure exactly how to describe it, but this cigar is not elegant, its not refined. Its in your face, rustic, and full bodied. "Velvet Hammer" is close, but doesn't quite cut it. No bullshit, strong, rich Tobacco, very well blended, very well constructed.

Final Third:

The cigar continues to put out plenty of thick smoke. Only two touchups required through the entirety of this huge cigar. I did hit one of those weird patches where I could not keep the cigar lit for the life of me. I still don't understand why this happens, but after a 1/2" or so of trouble, I get another solid 1" of good cigar before I decide to put it down. Earth provided the flavor spine for this cigar, while cinnamon, coffee, mushroom, leather, strong tobacco flavor.

Conclusion:

My opinion has not changed on jaw breakers. This cigar was good enough to push the unpleasant size towards the back of my mind, but not completely out of it. I think these cigars NEED another decade down, 20 probably wouldn't hurt. Very strong, rich quality tobacco, but despite how smooth the cigar already was, it still needs a lot more time to round out the blend and let some of the nuances shine. I will be picking up another bundle or two next month, but probably somewhere in the long corona/lonsdale size range, rather than more monsters.