RA Grandes ER Espana TEB OCT 08 (RARW)

[SirVantes]

There's always a sense of occasion when I pull a cigar out of a 3-4-3 box, an especially pleasing packaging to me, and a TEB factory code from the 07/08 era is always a good sign.

Pre-light: The wrapper on this Pacos-sized cigar is on the light side of the RA spectrum, and has a pungent, feral scent.  Feels nicely firm along the entire length.  A straight cut reveals a pronounced dimple (another good sign) and the draw is just about perfect.  I am pairing the cigar with a Taiwanese aged black tea, drunk lukewarm.

First 3rd: The Grandes starts off mild, with just a slight sweetness and some dried citrus peel - not notes that I typically associate with RA.  In fact, for the first cm or so, it reminds of more of JL#4, another favourite ER of mine. As it gets more into the first third, I get moscato and a hint of tannin...and here come the raisins, initially only really noticeable on the retrohale, but building.  Both burn and draw are very good.  Body is below medium.

Second 3rd: This is where the Grandes hits its stride. The raisin flavours have become more of a brandied fruit cake flavour.  There is also nuttiness, marzipan and cream that intermingle.  The body builds up to solidly medium.

A word on the construction: The contribution of a great burn and draw should not be underestimated.  There were no touch-ups necessary, nor "maintenance" puffs.   The ash was very firm, and this would not doubt have been a subject of a long ash photo, if I hadn't chosen to concentrate on the review instead (I'm not good multi-tasking).  As it was, I ashed the cigar exactly twice - at the end of the first and second thirds. 

Last 3rd: The flavours have become darker, with the fruit cake now dominant.  Icing sugar and bitter almond essence.  The body is also ticking up, but it doesn't threaten to burn hot and so continues to be pleasurable way past the ER band.

Smoking time: 1 hr 40 min

Score: 93.  Based on the middle and last thirds, there could still be upside in the next few years, but I would be happy smoking through a box now.

 

 

 

 

[99call]

A pleasure to read. Cheers

[Islandboy]

Sounds absolutely delicious. 

[Raskol]

Great review & pictures. Thanks!

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[Derboesekoenig]

A 90+ rated RA ER?? Very very nice. Thanks for the insightful review

[LLC]

Thanks for the review. I only have a few of these left and haven’t had one for a long time. May have to change that soon.


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[Chucko8]

Enjoyable review. Thank you

[SwissPEP]

Nice Review (love the Ashtray in background too) 

Thanks for a nice read

[TheMonk]

Oh a review on the fantastic Grandes De Espana! Great job!

[Tobbot]

Awesome review... nice to read what my palette is telling me but brain is unable to identify!

[PigFish]

Yes, nice review... thanks for sharing!

[IPORTER]

Very nice review.