PLMC LGR AGO 18 (HLRC)

[TTP21]

This box was purchased without prior experience by me with this cigar.  I don't like to do that, but this cigar is praised on these boards and I thoroughly enjoyed a few PLPC's so dropping 4 dollars a cigar for the PLMC was a no brainer.  The box arrives and I'm a bit off-put by what I see.  Green spots, less than ideal wrappers, and cigars that are pretty obviously variably shaped.  None are egregious, but this is something I've never experienced when buying a box of NC or CC.

I grabbed one with a white spot, little bit of green, and some raised wrapper seams. Now, full disclosure - I somewhat expect these cigars to never be in a beauty pageant just based on the price point. Also, cigars that aren't too ugly, but ugly enough typically smoke wonderfully so I'm not going to meet the poor experience expectations that others have.  To keep it short, this cigar was magnificent. Flavors abound. 

First third: Smooth toasted tobacco, faint caramel sweetness. 

Second third: Same flavors, but 2-3 drags gave me roasted turkey/chicken.  I've never experienced this in a cigar.  Now, I wasn't drinking alcohol, but it was 97 degrees outside with a heat index of 110 so perhaps I was feeling the effects of that.  I don't think so, but hey - full disclosure in situations like these is best. 

Final third: Had to stop for 45 minutes for dinner, a re-light did nothing to stop the flavor train. Nubbed this one.  Ironically enough, it didn't get as hot as other, much larger ring cigars do as I got to the end. 

Score: 91/100.  It's got elbows for sure, but less than a year in and the bang for the buck is second to none.