FOH Xmas & New Year Review Comp 2018: Alfonso Custom Lancero January 2018

[Phillys]

Custom rolled Especial (or Lancero), got a bundle from Alfonso in Varadero last year, they have been outstanding so far. A friend of mine got me another bundle of 40 in November, can’t seem to have enough of these. I had a few cigars with my brother by the fireplace over the holidays and this was the best one, I just love the size.  

Pre-light draw: Clean tobacco, cocoa, bit of raisins, draw is perfect.

Opening:

Very smooth, cream, coffee and a slight citrus zest. Rich flavours, body is just a touch under medium.   

 

End of 1st third:

Cream, coffee, cocoa and a hint of citrus zest. Rich oily smoke, body is at medium. Really good cigar.  

End of 2nd third:

Complex coffee notes, rich creaminess, cocoa, some nut flavours have been coming in and out, citrus has faded a bit but still in the background. Body a touch over medium. Very elegant complex smoke, various baking spices have been coming through.   

Last third:

Cocoa core has ramped up, coffee notes getting a bit darker, cream is still there with sweetness lingering in the back and nuts. Some leather has been coming through. Body is now at medium full.

Final thoughts:

Great cigar, one of the best of the year, solid 94-95 for me. Like a Montecristo with a hint of Upmann (think HU #2).

I have about 60 of these left and I need to stock up on these. My brother is leaving for Varadero next week, email to Alfonso has already been sent out.