Saint Luis Rey Regio - GOB JUL 20 (JBWP4RW)

[saltbox]

Same box code as the one that got rave reviews in the recent FOHtv video. I've had a few from this box already but wanted to revisit after having seen the video and see. Rested almost 9 months, 1 year 2 months of box age.

First third: opens with a bright green apple tartness over a very light creaminess with a touch of nuttiness to it. Not much change throughout this third, and I keep waiting for the more intense peanut nuttiness that was mentioned in the FOHtv review but never get it.

Middle third: the very light nuttiness has faded. The main flavor in the foreground is still that nice bright apple tartness, and the finish is a creamy bread-like note with a touch of sweetness.

Last third: unfortunately this one seems to be a bit underfilled here and the flavors get a bit harsh.

Overall: looking back on my notes, the others I've had from this box have all given me the same flavors, so I haven't been as wowed by my box as Rob/Ken were with theirs. That said, this one seemed a bit light. I'll have to try one of the denser, more tightly packed ones next. 84/100

[NSXCIGAR]

Underfilling was the main issue I had with the recent ones I've had. The ones that were tightly packed performed much better than the underfilled ones. 

As far as the peanut butter, I got none of that in the Regios. But that flavor that I describe as rhubarb or blackberry is unique to SLR and is very much there. I think these Regios need many years to reveal everything in them but with enough time could be absolutely fantastic cigars. 

[saltbox]

30 minutes ago, NSXCIGAR said:

But that flavor that I describe as rhubarb or blackberry is unique to SLR and is very much there. I think these Regios need many years to reveal everything in them but with enough time could be absolutely fantastic cigars. 

Yep, I'm excited to see how these age. I'm curious what you think has changed about the blend's flavor profile, since I think I recall seeing you comment elsewhere that the current blend seems to have ligero whereas before it didn't. Is it just richer? Or has it changed in flavor vs. years past?

[NSXCIGAR]

Just now, philipl said:

Yep, I'm excited to see how these age. I'm curious what you think has changed about the blend's flavor profile, since I think I recall seeing you comment elsewhere that the current blend seems to have ligero whereas before it didn't. Is it just richer? Or has it changed in flavor vs. years past?

Yes, I think they definitely turbocharged these recent Regios. Regios used to be about the same as the Serie A in terms of strength--well under medium, light and gentle. Not particularly rich. These 20s are above medium, definitely have ligero, and are in no way light and gentle. It's right in your face. 

SLR in general was always (since 2002 at least) too light for me. Not a brand I ever bought. But these Regios I would buy in a second. I just think 5-10 years is going to benefit them so much it's almost a crime to smoke them now, but it's not like they're not good. 92 now, possible 97-98 in time. 

[oneizzzz]

I have box of GOB NOV 20 and a similar experience.  Haven't been wowed by one yet.  Excited to try another though - I've only had a few.

[patrickamory]

Interesting...

GOB NOV 20 - my box was amazing. Consistent, complex, almost gone.

GOB JUL 20 - this is my second box. Have not tried it, but a friend reported one stick as good.

[Rhinoww]

I’m a fan for sure. The sweetness - raspberry- has been a unique flavor for me. Very curious to see how they age if I can let them get that far. 
El Prez often notes that they are most vibrant in the first two years. I’m w @NSXCIGAR and am very curious to see how these respond after a few years down. 
Will let you know in five or ten years

[NSXCIGAR]

6 hours ago, Rhinoww said:

El Prez often notes that they are most vibrant in the first two years.

I think that characterization was accurate for pre-20 Regios. Rob just hadn't updated his description. The older Regios tended to fade a bit very quickly. They were pretty light to begin with. These recent Regios are nothing like that. Super rich but a bit muddled, but so many flavors in there that need to separate with time. Very much like LGC in that regard. 

JL went through a similar transition around 2013. JL had also always had a lighter blend. The last of the JLPCs in 2014 were also not particularly strong. But the S1 & S2 all the sudden became strong black coffee & citrus bombs. 

[ChanceSchmerr]

11 hours ago, NSXCIGAR said:

The last of the JLPCs in 2014 were also not particularly strong. 

I dunno about that, mate.  I've got 2013 and 2014 JLPCs (love those too) and the 14s are pretty robust to me.  The 13s were definitely milder.