Por Larranaga Picadores EOT SEP 16 (PRRRW)

[Akela3rd]

Not a full robusto but at 48 x 5in I'm happy putting this in the robusto range. This box hasn't been the greatest but seems to be slowly improving and with this particular cigar I'm hoping a corner has been turned. Previous to this I've found them to be slightly underfilled and windy. This one felt good, looked good and the draw was perfect. Barnyard and hay at cold and on lighting - ye gods - is that the infamous caramel note? It is indeed!
So the first third brought that hint of sweet caramel and something else which I noted as anise. Almost clove.
Mild side of medium and very good so far.
The burn stayed perfect through the second third, the sweetness becoming more like molasses - darker and ever so slightly bitter. Floral notes in the smoke.
The final third and the finish was excellent with a build in body and in strength though nothing overpowering. The floral thing became more noticeable towards the end and really lovely.
There's a thought that these need five years to hit their stride and I've already put aside 10 from this box to that end. I've still got a couple out and will smoke them with interest over the next year.
8/10
Paired this with a Warsteiner non-alcoholic beer. Mistake, it's watery and has a slightly chemical taste. Prize winning allegedly, hate to think what the competition was like.
 
Sent from 47171 Lempo 
 
 

[MigsG]

I enjoyed a Picadores recently with pretty much the same experience as yours!  Nice review! 

[Thirds]

I tried some Heineken 0.0 this weekend and it’s actually one of the better non-alcoholic beers.  I can’t say that I loved it but it scratched the itch after mowing all day Saturday.   The  NAs have a long way to go...until then, enjoy the good cigars!