Trinidad Esmerelda 12DCRC

[NickV]

Enjoyed this in my only place of peace and quiet with temperatures warm enough to smoke in here in the northeast, my car. It’s become my sanctuary of sorts to escape kids and working from home and all the madness that comes with it. I paired it with a Red Bull and smoked by myself alone with my thoughts. 

First Third - just a fantastic cigar right out of the gate. It’s medium bodied, classic Trinidad smoothness, and peanuts. The retrohale tastes delicious. Getting some spices mixed in there with the classic Cuban twang. I’ve had a few Cubans where the second I tried the stick I knew I needed a box ASAP and this fits the bill.

Second Third - still medium body. Cigar is perfectly constructed. I used the old twist off the pigtail method expecting the draw to be too tight. Turns out it was perfect. I guess every once in a while Cuban construction is on point. The cigar has transitioned a bit. Still medium body and still great. It’s a bit more spice a bit less smooth. Still getting a lot of peanut. The Cuban twang has relaxed a bit as well. Also getting a little sweetness possibly caramel. It is feint so hard to pinpoint.

Final Third: picked up a tad in strength. Still a medium smoke tho. The sweetness picked up a bit and I am def tasting caramel and peanuts. Some spice with Trinidad smoothness. I truly enjoy this smoke it is outstanding.

Overall this is a 94 point cigar for me. It’s not quite at the level of a Siglo VI or Sir Winston, but it is every bit as good as the CoRo and Esplendido. Different for sure, but at that level. If you have a chance to try one I highly recommend it. If you like the Reyes or Vigia you’ll like this. Similar flavor profile but better overall smoke. It is also a bigger smoke so it’s a solid hour to hour fifteen. Great cigar.