Rafael Gonzalez PERLA EPM Abr 19 (HBFCRW)

[Cubasam]

 

It’s a quiet Sunday in beautiful Los Angeles; it’s just hitting 78 degrees at around 1920. I snuck a quick cigar before my wife and I made a quick grocery run to Trader Joe’s. Been wanting to revisit my Rafael Gonzales perlas; haven’t had one in a couple of months. Never heard of the brand but I picked it up due to everyone raving about the cigars, love the size for a quick smoke. 

The first third was tasty; no harshness, but a very good tobacco on the tongue swirled with some cedar. The burn was a little wonky but not a problem because I don’t mind touching it up a bit. Stayed consistent til the second third.

The second third came in with some surprising vegetal notes, haven’t gotten the sweetness that people have talked about but still with the cedar in the background. Also able to pick up some slight dark chocolate through the retrohale. So far so good; it’s abou the 25min mark for me.  

The last third smoked with a bit of harshness, maybe me smoking a little to fast perhaps. I’m crunched on time so started picking up in the final third; nonetheless, the cigar was pretty good. I’m getting back to the cedar but mainly tobacco notes. Def going to revisit this cigar in another 3 months to see the progression.

Humidor settings: 70 degrees, 69% humidity

(Switching to 65% this week and maybe that might change it up a bit)

Final score: 84/100