Sancho Panza Belicosos RAT NOV 20

[Bearcore]

This is the first SP Beli I've tried and I've heard great things. Here goes!

Upon initial inspection it looks fantastic. Great looking wrapper, cold draw getting mild coffee and a cedar note.
 

First Third: Not a lot going on so far. A bit disappointed actually, but remain optimistic. Primary flavors are coffee dregs and toasted tobacco with a hint of hay. Construction is perfect, so it's got that going for it.

Second Third: Not a whole lot of transition. Beginning to feel like this one got a couple poorly fermented filler leaves. The coffee note is getting slightly bitter and the hay is fading. The burn continues to be flawless with the ash falling in 1.5" portions.

Final Third: The bitterness deepens. Hay and coffee come back a bit with 1.5"-2" remaining. I was determined to finish this to the nub, and frankly this was one of the best constructed Belicosos I've ever smoked. Hopefully they simply need more rest (received 12/20/21). I'll give another one a shot come August.

[Edicion]

I have always gotten a lot of saltiness, incredible saltiness, and earthy wood, or like someone said driftwood.

[NSXCIGAR]

I think you might have just got a dud. I'd try at least one more before putting them to bed for 6 mos. 

[RDB]

I do love an honest poor review of a widely-admired cigar. Makes the fact I can’t get hold of them easier to take.

[Bagman]

Wildly inconsistent cigar.  I've had many boxes and it seems half of them are amazing, the other half, like what you had.   Given that, they are not a great value cigar.  But man, when they are on, they are really on.

[Tstew75]

These need tons of time, IMO.  I always dislike them young, usually quite monotone.

Lay them down for 3-4+ years & circle back.

[CigarZen]

Agreed.  I find SP flat when young but start to come alive at 5 years and go uphill from there.

PIA — I know.  Patience is rewarded I found.