JohnS' Smoking Diary 2022

[JohnS]

El Rey del Mundo Demi Tasse MLU Dic 2018

Like the Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo du Maire, I've had too many fluctuating cigar-smoking experiences of the El Rey del Mundo Demi Tasse in the last three years for my liking ranging from superlatively great to stinkingly-awful. Thankfully, I've had more good ones than bad ones but these smaller ring-gauge cigars are prone to rolling errors ranging from plugged to under-filled because simply-speaking they're harder to roll. Therefore, it's imperative not to buy Entreactos-sized cigars from vendors 'blind' which admittingly is hard to do when these cigars are often discounted, even in this post-price increase era from mid-2022 onwards.

This ERdM Demi Tasse was tight in the draw but it smoked okay. Thankfully, I did not need my PerfecDraw tool to open it up. The flavours were quite pleasant; a mix of toasted tobacco, floral notes, lemon citrus, fruit and honey.

This was my last cigar from this box code and I now turn to my attention to my aged SGA Sep 2016 box. I look forward to exploring the differences and even the similarities in that aged box when I get to it.

[JohnS]

Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo du Maire TEO May 2018

Like the El Rey del Mundo Demi Tasse, the Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo du Maire is a thin Entreactos cigar with a 30 ring gauge x 100 mm (or just under 4 inches) length. Unfortunately, the draw on this was a little loose on account of the cigar being slightly underfilled. Apart, from struggling to stay alight, it burnt unevenly, was bitter at times and frankly not enjoyable. Sure there were moments of nice cocoa, vanilla and spice, especially past the mid-point of the cigar when these construction issues resolved themselves, but it didn't redeem the cigar overall in my eyes. The pleasurable flavours couldn't redeem the frustration caused by the multiple construction issues I experienced. I was very disappointed to say the least!

Good riddance I say and I look forward with pleasure to smoking something much more palatable from my collection soon (to help me forget about this)!

[JohnS]

Padron Serie 1926 #2 Maduro

The Padron 1926 series was introduced in 2002 to commemorate founder Jose O.Padron's 75th birthday the year before. (He was born in 1926.) Padron's website confirms the following; The award-winning Padrón 1926 Serie premiered in 2002 to commemorate José O. Padrón’s 75th birthday, with ten sizes available. Continuing our tradition, this series is offered in a box-pressed format. These cigars are individually hand-crafted from tobacco aged five years, then blended to create an exceptionally smooth, complex, balanced and full-bodied flavor. For protection, a double band with an individually numbered guarantee label is applied to every cigar to safeguard against counterfeiting. Available in both sun-grown natural and maduro wrappers.

This Padron Serie 1926 No.2 Maduro is about the same size as a Bolivar Belicosos Finos (i.e. 52 ring gauge x 141 mm or 5½ inches in length). That's where the similarities end, however, as the box-press and almost oscuro-type shade on the wrapper on the Padron Serie 1926 No.2 Maduro make it look and feel quite unique.

The cold draw offered a deep earth and barnyard aroma, even a little light chocolate.

The first third saw a plethora of smoke and flavour, after taking time to toast the foot with my lighter of course. I got some dark cherry sweetness, coffee, oak, Earth and leather all developing nicely. I marvelled at how rich the cigar was, it was effortless to smoke too. A simple sip from the back of the cigar (which I V-cut) and my mouth was overflowing with smoke plumes and flavour. The cigar continued like that throughout its duration. I must say...I was highly impressed.

The middle third had those core flavours of Earth, chocolate, coffee, and cherry, with the 'earthiness' and coffee being the most dominant. The construction was ideal as each ash-ridge was symmetrical (like stacking dimes as we say) and each ash-length was consistently an inch before breaking.

The final third had coffee, bitter chocolate, wood and Earth with some slight pepper. The strength really built up in the last third and I had to pace myself to not feel overwhelmed by it.

I finished the cigar and reflected on its impressive qualities which included an impeccable construction and smoking characteristic, beautiful and balanced flavors and powerful transitions. It’s a medium full to full bodied smoke, and thanks to the aged leaves, the strength is a quite manageable medium.

It wasn't too complex and sure there are better options out there amongst Non-Cuban cigars for the price, but I'd still factor that this Padron Serie 1926 No.2 Maduro delivered in flavour and construction and for that I can't be too critical. On the contrary, I was well-pleased after smoking this cigar. Just remember how powerful it can be; you probably wouldn't follow it up with another cigar immediately afterwards!

[JohnS]

Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo de Rio Seco TEO Sep 2019

Within a year of its release in 2018, the Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo de Rio Seco had become one of the hottest sellers within the regular production Habanos catalogue and this despite its large 56 ring gauge girth. This is is just the second one I've had from a two year-old 10-count box and the first one in 2022. I had the first one from this box code ten months ago.

In general, when categorising cigars within the Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo line, one could describe them as being woody, spicy and containing forest floor flavours in their youth and requiring long-term rest to build in cream. The HdM Le Hoyo de Rio Seco, on the other hand, has been much sweeter and creamier at an early age. Having said this, I did comment publicly, of late, on the forum in one of El Pres' 'Deep Dive' topics on this specific cigar that although I enjoyed it, in general, I haven't had one that 'blew me away'. That is...until today!

This HdM Le Hoyo de Rio Seco today was creamy from the very first puffs. For me, that instantly appealed. It did not therefore have that 'toasty' texture I've become accustomed to when smoking these and the ginger spice was nowhere near as prominent. Instead, I had a combination of cedar, vanilla and cinnamon spice which varied in intensity throughout the thirds but never wavered. I wouldn't necessarily describe obvious forest floor flavours in this cigar today either.

The first cigar from this box code had a light and 'toasty' texture which made it 'inoffensive' to the senses over 95 minutes. Maybe it was a tad too inoffensive, if you get my drift! This cigar, however, was pretty much how I'd like any of my Le Hoyo series cigars to smoke, it's just that I had to wait three years from the date of boxing to reach this point. The creamy texture and soft and sweet flavours stretched out this cigar to two hours of smoking time (which is twenty to thirty minutes longer than usual). I wasn't complaining, however. And how could I when this HdM Le Hoyo de Rio Seco smoked like this today? This was a surefire contender for 'cigar of the month', that's for certain!

[JohnS]

H. Upmann No.2 2016 - Selección Pirámides BRE Sep 2017

In 2003, Habanos S.A. introduced the Habanos Selection (Selección Habanos) releases, which consist of a selection of cigars of the same vitola from a number of different brands, presented in a small partitioned box. They are produced every year, and are available worldwide. The initial releases came in Piramides and Robustos sizes and the greater majority of these cigars are drawn from standard production models. In 2016, these two initial multi-brand offerings were re-released in newer, updated formats.

The initial 2003 Piramides multi-brand Habanos Selection (Selección Habanos) offering had five cigars; a Montecristo No.2 and four cigars unique to the release...a Cohiba Piramides, a Hoyo de Monterrey Piramides, a Partagas Piramides and a Romeo y Julieta Piramides. The 2016 re-release had a different packaging, swapped the Partagas Piramides for a regular production Partagas Serie P No.2 and added a sixth cigar, a H.Upmann No.2, which incidentally is the first cigar I chose from this box to smoke today.

These Habanos Selection, multi-brand releases were introduced with the intention of being aimed at duty-free retail (mainly airports) for travellers and tourists as a gift option or a sampler of Habanos cigars. Amongst cigar enthusiasts, they were never held in high-esteem, however, after sampling a Petit Robusto Selección Habanos last year from early 2019, I can vouchsafe for their change in quality as five of those ten cigars sampled (thus far) were outstanding to excellent except for one which was above average. This first cigar from this Piramides multi-brand release of six cigars from late-2017 continued that trend.

It's been two years since I've sampled a H.Upmann No.2. The H.Upmann No.2, like its Montecristo No.4-sized sadly discontinued brother, the H.Upmann Petit Corona, can be fuller-bodied when youthful. For that reason, I like to age these cigars to bring out their shortbread cream flavour, but it takes time...typically 5 to 8 years, maybe more.

If you've ever wondered if the H.Upmann No.2 is related to the Montecristo No.2 (and also the Diplomaticos No.2), the simple answer is yes. They don't just share the same vitola dimensions. When Alonso Menendez bought the Particulares cigar factory in 1935, he was mainly interested in developing the Particulares and lesser known Byron brands. He brought out the Montecristo brand in that year in the now famous Montecristo No.1, No.2, No.3, No.4 and No.5 range. After partnering with Pepe Garcia in 1936, these two gentlemen made another fateful decision in purchasing the ailing H.Upmann factory (and brand) from J.Frankau SA in 1937. The Montecristo range was soon copied for the H.Upmann marca and hence the H.Upmann No.1, No.2, No.3, No.4 and No.5 were born. The H.Upmann No.3 and No.5 were the first to be discontinued in the early 1980s, the H.Upmann No.1 and No.4 were discontinued in 2002.

When Cubatabaco introduced the post-Revolution Diplomaticos brand in 1966, they similarly copied the Montecristo and H.Upmann Nos 1 to 5 range. Another thing that these Piramides cigars share is the doubling of their brand and individual name, hence why these cigars are called the Montecristo Montecristo No.2, H.Upmann Upmann No.2 and Diplomaticos Diplomaticos No.2

At five years of age, this H.Upmann No.2 was replete in shortbread, licorice, light espresso coffee and creaminess from the get-go. It was medium-mild in strength. I couldn't recall smoking a H.Upmann No.2 like this for a very long time, and by that I mean in how exemplary it was. It would be hard to convince someone that it came from a Habanos Selection multi-brand packaging aimed at the tourist market. Trust me, this was a quality cigar and it continued that way.

In the middle third I got some honey on the edges and the wood picked up in the blend which was light and akin to cedar. The cigar did not let up in how well it smoked.

In the final third those flavours remained steady. Construction was spot-on with ash-lengths around one inch each time. I drew out this H.Upmann No.2 over two hours and nubbed it, still wanting to smoke more!

Wow...what a surprise this was today. I was thinking I'd choose something to smoke today that had a creamed texture, much like the Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo de Rio Seco yesterday, and that was brilliant too. As for my next choice of cigar...well, I'm off to investigate whomever came up with the term, "good things come in threes!". Hopefully it will be 'third time lucky'!

[JohnS]

Partagás Serie du Connaisseur No.3 (circa 2006)

The Partagas Serie du Connaisseur No.3, discontinued in 2010, was a 35 ring gauge x 143 mm (or 5⅝ inches) in length Carlotas. It was known for being a more powerful, and less complex or interesting cigar, than the Serie du Connaisseur Nos.1 and 2. Despite it being simpler in flavour profile than the other Partagas Serie du Connaisseur cigars, I wouldn't hesitate to infer that the No.3 had the largest following of the lot.

This Partagas Serie du Connaisseur No.3, aged from circa 2006, was gifted by @jay8354 (thank you!)

The first notes I picked up after lighting the cigar were of wood and old leather. The wood was like a musty driftwood and the old leather was quite pleasant. I also got some notes of sour lemon citrus. In the middle third the cigar settled in to these aforementioned core flavours. It was at this point that I noticed some hints of sourdough, it just goes to show how the blend had melded over time for this to occur. The final third had a touch of spice to it, like cinnamon. Again, it was subtle like the rest of the smoke.

The construction on this cigar was absolutely on-point, I couldn't ask for more. I got a consistent and even burn and a regular long ash-length, the type that is atypical for a thin ring-gauge cigar such as this one. It goes without saying that I nubbed this as far as I could go!

After finishing this cigar I could appreciate the similarities in this aged Partagas Serie du Connaisseur No.3 to a Nudies N3 Carlotas. Certainly there was that distinctive sour lemon citrus which I've noted currently in the initial run of N3 Nudies Carlota from 2019 and the wood and leather characteristics. Obviously, with fifteen years of rest the texture to this cigar smoked today was much more refined, but it does make me marvel at what we have currently in the Nudies series of cigars that Hamlet and El Pres and been able to put together, in homage of this wonderful and much-missed series of Partagas cigars.

[JohnS]

Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo des Dieux (circa 2003)

It's generally noted that Hoyo de Monterrey des Dieuxs with a 2003 box code are a 'class above' other HdM Le Hoyo des Dieux (up to when they were discontinued in 2014) and even other Le Hoyo line cigars themselves. The one characteristic that the 2003 vintage of HdM Le Hoyo des Dieuxs have in particular, that have set them apart, has been their 'creaminess'.

So what have traditional Le Hoyo cigars been like, in general? In a word, they have been characterised by their woodiness when young. The aim of resting them long-term is to let them become more creamy.

Now, when I refer to the aging development of Le Hoyo line cigars I am naturally not including the recent additions to the line, the 2018 Rio de Seco and the 2014 de San Juan. Like Cohiba in the past five years or so, these two Le Hoyo additions seem to develop their peak flavours much younger than in the past. In the case of the Rio de Seco and de San Juan, this means the advent of creaminess in the cigar, with the Rio de Seco being noteworthy for creaminess even sooner than the de San Juan.

This HdM Le Hoyo des Dieux, generously gifted by @Fuzz, came from a 2003 50 cab and was not in any way complex, but it was outstanding!  I especially adored the cream texture, light marshmallow and cedar with hints of vanilla. It wasn't a complete 'creamsicle', however, as it had remnants of that quintessential Le Hoyo line mushroom or forest floor flavours throughout intermingled with some light clove spice. Still, this didn't necessarily detract from my enjoyment of this HdM des Dieux!

I'm yet to manage to experience this creamed-texture in my 2013/14 batch of Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo des Dieux to this degree. It just goes to show how patience rewards you when it comes to certain Habanos cigars such as the fabled (and much-missed) Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo des Dieux!

[JohnS]

Cohiba Siglo VI (circa 2006)

The Cohiba Siglo VI is perhaps the most well-known luxury Habanos cigar in the world today, a medium to full Canonazo (or cannon shot in Spanish), with a 52 ring gauge x 150 mm or 5⅞ inches length. Released in 2002 to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the Linea 1492 series (or Siglo line), it didn't come to market until the next year in 2003, but to this day those initial run of 2003 Cohiba Siglo VIs are considered still to be the very best example of this cigar. The Cohiba Siglo VI has always attracted a premium value within the Cohiba marca and the recent price structure changes by Habanos S.A in 2022 has ensured, in my view, that the greater majority of cigar enthusiasts would only enjoy a Cohiba Siglo VI to celebrate a special occasion. Alas, whether we like it or not, this is the type of cigar this has become.

I'd like to thank @jay8354 for gifting me this aged Cohiba Siglo VI today.

The cold draw painted a picture of grassiness, cedar, spices and leather. The wrapper had a wonderfully consistent colorado maduro hue and smelt of coffee and barnyard.

In the first third, this Siglo VI right had a medium-mild body with flavours of coffee and wood, together with some leather and citrus. The body intensified toward the end of the first third, becoming more closer to medium.

The second third of the cigar induced a complex mix of spice and citrus tang to the cigar. There was a fine balance between sour, sweet and savoury flavours with those core coffee and wood flavours still strongly evident at this point.

The last third saw the addition of some discreet 'earthy' flavours. The strength of the cigar stayed around medium. The burn line was consistent throughout the smoke and the ash had a nice brownish-grey colour which produced a generous amount of smoke throughout.

In summary, this Cohiba Siglo VI had an interesting and complex array of flavours. I would opine that the very best Cohiba Siglo VI I've had have been milder and less complex than this one today. Still, I'm grateful for sampling it and I look forward to the next time I will celebrate a special occasion with a cigar because that is likely to be the next time I smoke a Cohiba Siglo VI!

[JohnS]

Hoyo de Monterrey Pirámides 2016 - Selección Pirámides BRE Sep 2017

As I wrote in my recent review on the H.Upmann No.2 from this multi-brand selection, in 2003 Habanos S.A. introduced the Habanos Selection (Selección Habanos) releases, which consist of a selection of cigars of the same vitola from a number of different brands, presented in a small partitioned box. The initial 2003 Piramides multi-brand Habanos Selection (Selección Habanos) offering had five cigars; a Montecristo No.2 and four cigars unique to the release...a Cohiba Piramides, a Hoyo de Monterrey Piramides, a Partagas Piramides and a Romeo y Julieta Piramides. The 2016 re-release had a different packaging, swapped the Partagas Piramides for a regular production Partagas Serie P No.2 and added a sixth cigar, a H.Upmann No.2.

I've also stated previously that amongst cigar enthusiasts, these were never held in high-esteem, however, after sampling a Petit Robusto Selección Habanos last year from early 2019, I can vouchsafe for their change in quality as five of those ten cigars sampled (thus far) were outstanding to excellent except for one which was above average. The H.Upmann No.2, being the first cigar smoked from this Piramides multi-brand release of six cigars from late-2017, continued that trend as did this second cigar, the Hoyo de Monterrey Piramides.

The Hoyo de Monterrey Piramides is unique to this Seleccion Piramides Habanos Selection Release. In other words, you can't acquire it as a separate standalone regular production acquisition. For that reason, there are actually very few reviews on this cigar. I've had two of the initial release 2003 HdM Piramides around four or five years ago and they were faithful to the Hoyo de Monterrey marca but I can attest that this HdM Piramides was better. In fact, much better!

Why so I hear you ask? Simply put, this Hoyo de Monterrey Piramides had more complexity to it and it smoked like a quality aged cigar. From the get-go there was a cedar and leather aspect to the cigar similar to what you'd find in a Le Hoyo line cigar. The creaminess in the cigar was not distinct as in the H.Upmann No.2 cigar from this release.

You'd expect that I would state that there was some cocoa flavours to this cigar at some point but I must unequivocally confess that this was not the case. The vanilla sweetness on the edges made the lack of light cocoa a moot point as it simply didn't matter.

I was impressed with how well this smoked today as the burn, ash-length and smoke volume were all consistent over a one hour and forty-five minute duration. I'm sure there is no surprise to the fact that I'm now looking forward with anticipation to the next cigar from this Habanos Selection Piramides release.

[JohnS]

Romeo y Julieta Pirámides 2016 - Selección Pirámides BRE Sep 2017

The Romeo y Julieta Piramides...have you actually heard of it? It was released in 2000, remained on Retailer shelves because they were a poor cigar and subsequently Habanos S.A discontinued them in 2003. You may be not be aware of this, but one can actually sample a current version of this release, but only if you acquire the Combinaciones Seleccion Piramides box of six cigars, which is a Multi-brand release popular as a gift and usually retailed at Duty Free Stores in Airports.

El Pres and I were discussing these releases last month and honestly they were fairly mediocre when they came out in 2003. However, their re-branding in 2016 had been quite something else as I have been going through one of these boxes and thus far every piramides I've sampled has been sensational, yes...even the Romeo y Julieta Piramides.

The problem with the initial run of Romeo y Julieta Piramides was the timing. Quality control around 2000 was abysmal for Habanos S.A so this cigar never stood a chance. It was bad. In my research, I consulted my review copy of Alex Groom's upcoming reference work on Cuban cigars, 'El Habano Moderno' and apparently the Romeo y Julieta Anejados released around 2014 was purportedly an attempt by Habanos S.A to sell these off. That didn't work either. I especially enjoyed our dear recently departed hermano, Nino Munoz's take on the RyJ Anejados on his Flying Cigar blog a few years ago. According to him, it was like "smoking hot air!"  

This RyJ Piramides, from this Multi-brand release of Piramides cigars I have been going through, was very much 'old school' Romeo y Julieta. It contained next to no cocoa. It had an anise sweetness like Turkish delight, a cherry fruitiness and a herbal quality to it, like the grass you get in Cohiba but without those other Cohiba flavours. Imagine that type of blend! It was so finely-balanced that I'm convinced that if it was blended incorrectly it would have been an ordinary cigar. Alas no, it was a masterpiece example of how exemplary a Habanos cigar can be. It didn't transition much over two hours and five minutes of smoking time but in my opinion, it didn't have to as it was quite superb as it was. (It's a) Pity we don't get to experience this more regularly!

[JohnS]

Partagás Serie D No.4 ROP Feb 2020

This is the third Partagas Serie D No.4 from a 10-count box I acquired six months ago. The Partagas Serie D No.4 is considered the number one selling Habanos cigar in the world today, overtaking the Montecristo No.4. It's certainly come a long way since, because of its size (50 ring gauge x 124 mm or 4.9 inches), it sold only 5000 boxes annually as recently as the mid-1980s.

In general, I prefer Partagas on the mild side and well-rested, unless it's a Lusitanias because these Double Coronas are usually big on sourdough, light on spice or pepper and medium-mild or less in strength, even when young.Therefore, I haven't had many Partagas Serie D No.4s in the last few years. However, as I mentioned, this is my third Party D4 in from this box, and at just on two-and-a-half years of age, this was again excellent and obviously similar to a young Lusitanias; this was big on sourdough, coffee and leather flavours, had no real spice or pepper unless I was drawing too often and too quickly and was medium in strength. Every time I noted a smidgen of pepper or spice on the draw I simply slowed down on my smoking and the wonderful quintessential Partagas Serie D No.4 blend on display here returned to encompass my palate!

I wrote in my last few reviews that the first two cigars from this box were probably some of the best Partagas Serie D No.4s I've ever had and I could easily smoke them more regularly when they are like this. I'd add even further that this third one confirms that this cigar continues to be currently one of the best or 'hottest' cigars in my humidor right now. I don't think it should surprise you if I reach for a fourth one soon!

N.B: This cigar was smoked in Athens, Greece

[JohnS]

Punch Punch RAT May 2020

The Punch Punch is a Corona Gorda, 46 ring gauge x 143 mm in length. I find this medium ring gauge ideal (or even a little lower as I consider 42 ring gauge, which coincidentally is 2/3 of an inch, perfect). The last Punch Punch I had was around two months ago. It was the second cigar of a newly acquired 10-count box of Punch Punch Tubos and it was okay which frankly was better than the first cigar from the box which was quite 'run-of-the-mill' or average. However, despite having said this, I still maintain Punch Punch at the present time is worthy of one's attention simply for the fact that at present it's reputably smoking so well, in general.

To me, the Punch Punch (Punch - yes, it actually has three 'Punches' in its name!) is always a cedar and classic 'Cuban Twang' affair when its at its best. I esteem it as perhaps one of the few Habanos cigars to encapsulate the ideal of perfect 'Cuban Twang' within a cigar which makes Habanos cigars so distinctive.

This Punch Punch did have notes of sour cream and leather, cedar and that quintessential sour citrus 'Cuban Twang' we all know and love when it comes to Punch was there too. Just like my second cigar, it wasn't complex, it stayed fairly much the same throughout the thirds and I quite enjoyed it nonetheless.

So, in summary, my first cigar from this box was ordinary whilst the next two were similar in been simple-blended typical Punch-flavoured cigars, perhaps marginally better than average. What more could one ask for? After smoking this Punch Punch today I am curious as to how much moisture the cigar was holding overall. Experience tells me that it may have benefited from a little more time outside its Tube packaging, which was three days in total this time. Next time, I'll dry-box a little longer (perhaps a week) and see if the cigar is a little more 'crisper' on the palate.

N.B: This cigar was smoked in Athens, Greece

[JohnS]

Montecristo Petit Edmundo ESO Sep 2014

The Montecristo Petit Edmundo is a Petit Robusto (52 rg x 110 mm or 4⅜ inches in length), released in 2006. It was the second regular production Petit Robusto-sized cigar (and by that I am referencing its Common Name) after the Hoyo de Monterrey Petit Robusto was introduced in 2004. The Cohiba Magicos came soon after in 2007. After a spate of Regional Edition cigars were released from 2009 to 2011 utilising this vitola there's been a number of additions ever since to the regular production catalogue.

I only opened this ESO Sep 2014 box of Montecristo Petit Edmundos late in 2021. Overall, they've been consistently mild and smooth. Today's Montecristo Petit Edmundo was more medium-mild and medium-bodied so a little fuller in strength and body than normal.

I wrote in my last review on this cigar last month that in general, as this box enters its eighth year, the fullness of flavours (especially when it comes to the Montecristo cocoa and coffee) has greatly diminished and now these have been mainly been nutty, leathery and there's been more room for any citrus twang to 'shine'.

These aged Montecristo Petit Edmundos have also acquired an additional creamy texture to the cocoa, nut and light coffee blend, which I quite like. If you desire stronger coffee and/or cocoa in your Montecristo cigars, then you are best to have them before the 3 to 5 year window, depending on the specific vitola of course. This is a generalisation of course. Bear in mind that today's Monte Petit Edmundo was replete in quality milk chocolate and milk coffee and had much less leathery and nutty flavours. I still appreciated it very much, even though it smoked more in line with a three year-old Monte Petit Edmundo.

If it wasn't for a tear in the wrapper, which ultimately undone its subtle attachment to the binder towards the last third, I think I would have enjoyed a superlative example of this cigar today. As it was, the flavours held it in good stead until the end.

At the 10 to 15 year mark, the Montecristo brand can begin to develop floral notes and the nuttiness becomes more generic and less savoury, something akin to walnut or similar. At that point, you aren't likely to be enjoying any dominant coffee flavours. I have no desire to let this box age that long, though.

N.B: This cigar was smoked in Athens, Greece

[JohnS]

Arturo Fuente Hemingway Work of Art

It's no secret that I've been exuberant of the Arturo Fuente Hemingway line of late. Every single one I've sampled in the last few months has been stellar (according to my tastes) and this Work of Art continued that fine run.

The Arturo Fuente Hemingway Work of Art was ranked no.6 in Cigar Aficionado's Top 25 cigars of the year in 2018. Now, these lists can be subject to scrutiny, but it was Cigar Aficionado's take on the cigar that intrigued me below...

"Year after year, Arturo Fuente unapologetically creates perfecto after perfecto in his Hemingway series and unabashedly wraps them in Cameroon—sweet, spicy, tasty Cameroon. While the perfectos in the Hemingway series range in size, we had particular affection for the Work of Art, a charming little smoke with considerable curves and tapers. It’s one of the smaller models in the line (though not the smallest) but it’s very big on flavor.

Perfectos like this one are difficult to make, and in the 1980s they were few and far between. After coming across some old perfecto-shaped cigar molds, Fuente was intrigued and decided to start producing these shapely cigars. The first Hemingways came to market in 1983.

The Work of Art was a later addition to the line, and like all perfectos its combustion can be a bit slow in the beginning, as it takes a little while to fully light the skinny foot. But once the burn gets going past the bulbous taper, it really loads the palate with nutty, toasty smoke before blossoming with baking spices, citrus notes and the sweet-and-spicy properties that Cameroon wrapper is known for."

So yes, in my opinion CA got it right on this one in more than one area. Yes, it's difficult to roll yet Arturo Fuente still finds a way to maintain consistency in construction with these perfecto-shaped cigars. The Cameroon wrapper does indeed impart a wonderful sweetness to the blend and the shape of the cigar induces fantastic transitions on the palate.

The ring gauge of the Work of Art is 60 rg at its most widest, hits 56 rg at the midway point, and decreases to 46 rg around the band. It takes great skill for torcedores to create this complex vitola. That, there is no doubt! It's available in Natural and Maduro varieties. The wrapper, as mentioned, is of the Cameroon sweet variety and both the binder and filler contain aged Dominican tobacco.

Once you manage to patiently light up just the small point at the foot, the flavour at the beginning of this cigar is consistent with expectations. That is: sweet shortbread, hay, nut and a touch of honey that is quite endearing. The cigar opens with a mild strength and body. Honestly, if the cigar stayed like this I would be happy enough but the transition that occurs as the cigar burns around its widest girth just past the middle of the opening third is highly impressive.

In the middle third, I got a cedar and leather combination coming into the blend more with a touch of spice. The spice was only minor, it was much less than what you'd get in a AF Hemingway Short Story, for example.

The last third changed again. At this point the strength had increased a bit to medium-mild but I really appreciated the combination of chocolate, cedar and hay that I got at the end of the cigar. I had no problems whatsoever with the construction as the burn-lines were spot-on, ash-lengths were regular and despite its 124 mm length (or 4⅞ inches), this cigar was only nubbed after I smoked it for 1 hour and fifty minutes. Yes, it was quite incredible to reflect on how long it lasted.

So, in summary, I really liked the AF Hemingway Short Story and Classic (even the Best Seller too) but this Work of Art lived up to its name. It was a brilliant, sweet, complex and mild cigar that I will have no hesitation in acquiring more of when the opportunity avails itself.

N.B: This cigar was smoked in Athens, Greece

[JohnS]

Cohiba Petit Robustos 2012 - Selección Petit Robustos LAT Mar 2019

In 2003, Habanos S.A. introduced the Habanos Selection (Selección Habanos) releases, which consist of a selection of cigars of the same vitola from a number of different brands, presented in a small partitioned box. They are produced every year, and are available worldwide. The initial releases came in Piramides and Robustos sizes and the greater majority of these cigars are drawn from standard production models. In 2016, these two initial multi-brand offerings were re-released in newer, updated formats.

In 2012, Habanos S.A added a Petit Robustos multi-brand Habanos Selection (Selección Habanos) offering which differed from the Robustos and Piramides versions because apart from the regular production Romeo y Julieta Petit Churchill, all the cigars were unique to this special release. In other words, you can't get a Cohiba Petit Robustos, Montecristo Petit Robustos, H.Upmann Petit Robustos and Partagas Petit Robustos anywhere else. Incidentally, the immensely popular regular production cigar, the Hoyo de Monterrey Petit Robustos is not included in this release.

The Cohiba Petit Robustos is 50 ring gauge x 102 mm (or 4 inches) in length cigar. This is the second Cohiba Petit Robustos I smoked from this 10-count multi-brand selection box after smoking the first one around ten months ago. Again, it was easily evident after smoking it that it was not like a Cohiba Medio Siglo which is the same length and has a slightly bigger ring gauge (52 rg). This cigar had nowhere near the same buttery texture as one would expect from a Cohiba Medio Siglo. Instead, it was much more akin to a smaller Cohiba Robustos, in my view.

The cigar smoked fine over a decent length of time (80 minutes) but just like last time, it didn't offer that much beyond a dominant Cohiba mocha coffee and some honey sweetness. This was fine, just don't expect that complexity of Cohiba that one can experience when you smoke this brand and you can get flavours of grass/hay, citrus and vanilla bean, which was not to be found here.

So, all in all, it wasn't bad for Cohiba but it wasn't a Cohiba Medio Siglo or Cohiba Esplendidos in class. If it had some more complexity and range in its flavours I would think that I would have rated this cigar higher today.

N.B: This cigar was smoked in Athens, Greece

[JohnS]

Montecristo Petit Robusto 2012 - Selección Petit Robustos LAT Mar 2019

In 2012, Habanos S.A released a Petit Robustos multi-brand Habanos Selection (Selección Habanos) offering which differed from the 2003 Robustos and Piramides versions because apart from the regular production Romeo y Julieta Petit Churchill, all the cigars were unique to this special release. In other words, you can't get a Montecristo Petit Robustos anywhere else.

The Montecristo Petit Robustos is 50 ring gauge x 102 mm (or 4 inches) in length cigar. After smoking it, I can tell you that it is not like a Montecristo Petit Edmundo which is slightly longer at 110 mm (or 4⅜ inches) and slightly bigger in ring gauge (52 rg) or a Montecristo No.5 which is the same length but has a 40 ring gauge. This cigar had nowhere near the same intensity or complexity in coffee and dark chocolate flavours as one would expect from a Montecristo Petit Edmundo or Montecristo No.5. Instead, much like the last time I had this cigar from this 10-count multi-brand release around ten months ago, it was more akin to a smaller special release Montecristo Leyenda, Maltes or Dantes, in my view...although without the same quality marshmallow soft texture as you can get in those Linea 1935 cigars.

This Montecristo Petit Robusto was very simple in its flavours, basically being a mixture of milk chocolate and cream, with perhaps a tiny bit of milk coffee. It smoked well over 80 minutes and it did not need anymore complexity in my view to deliver quality and satisfaction in that time.

So, in summary, this Montecristo Petit Robustos might have lacked that 'citrus twang' that has become synonymous with the marca of late but it didn't need it. It was simply a brilliant cigar and like I stated last year when I smoked the first Monte Petit Robusto from this box, I still wouldn't hesitate to acquire it for my humidor if it was available in a 10-count and/or 25-count regular production offering.

N.B: This cigar was smoked in Athens, Greece

[JohnS]

H. Upmann Petit Robustos 2012 - Selección Petit Robustos LAT Mar 2019

As I've mentioned in my last few reviews, in 2012, Habanos S.A released a Petit Robustos multi-brand Habanos Selection (Selección Habanos) offering which differed from the 2003 Robustos and Piramides versions because apart from the regular production Romeo y Julieta Petit Churchill, all the cigars were unique to this special release. In other words, like the Montecristo Petit Robustos I smoked prior to this cigar, you can't acquire a H.Upmann Petit Robustos anywhere else.

The H.Upmann Petit Robustos is 50 ring gauge x 102 mm (or 4 inches) in length cigar. After smoking this second one from this 10-count multi-brand release, I can again confirm that it is not like a H.Upmann Half Corona which is slightly shorter at 90 mm (or 3½ inches) and slightly smaller in ring gauge (44 rg). This cigar had nowhere near the same intensity in toasted tobacco flavours as one would expect from a H.Upmann Half Corona. Instead, it was more akin to a smaller H.Upmann Connoisseur No.1, in my view.

Whereas the first H.Upmann Petit Robustos smoked from this box ten months ago was a simple combination of shortbread, cedar and a little espresso coffee, this second one was dominant in white pepper. I guess you can get that in a H.Upmann Connoisseur No.1 sometimes too. It was a very simple cigar which didn't take me anywhere near as long to smoke, perhaps around forty minutes.

So, in summary, this H.Upmann Petit Robustos was milder than the similarly sized H.Upmann Half Corona. Just like the Montecristo Petit Robustos, it was another very good cigar which I wouldn't hesitate to acquire for my humidor if it was available in a regular production offering.

N.B: This cigar was smoked at a cafe in Chania on the island of Crete in Greece

[JohnS]

Partagás Petit Robustos 2012 - Selección Petit Robustos LAT Mar 2019

In 2012, Habanos S.A released a Petit Robustos multi-brand Habanos Selection (Selección Habanos) offering which differed from the 2003 Robustos and Piramides versions because apart from the regular production Romeo y Julieta Petit Churchill, all the cigars were unique to this special release. In other words, like the Montecristo Petit Robustos and the H.Upmann Petit Robustos I smoked prior to this cigar, you can't acquire a Partagas Petit Robustos anywhere else.

The Partagas Petit Robustos is 50 ring gauge x 102 mm (or 4 inches) in length cigar. This is the second Partagas Petit Robustos I've had from this box and just like ten months ago when I smoked the first one, I can tell you that it is not like a Partagas Shorts which is slightly longer at 110 mm (or 4⅜ inches) and smaller in ring gauge (42 rg). This cigar had nowhere near the same type of coffee flavour as one would expect from a Partagas Shorts. Instead, it was more like smoking a mini Partagas Lusitanias or Serie E No.2 in its flavour, in my view, if you could believe it.

This is a very simple cigar, basically a combination of Partagas Sourdough, leather, with perhaps a little coffee and some Partagas Spice on the edges. Unfortunately, this Party Petit Robustos had significant construction issues to contend with that involved uneven burns due to bunched leaves and slight tunneling. Despite that, it still retained its flavour but I couldn't make it last longer than 40 minutes, which was a shame.

At least I could appreciate the setting where I smoked this cigar today at Balos Beach on the westernmost part of the island of Crete, Greece. That indeed was magic. (It's a) Pity the cigar today wasn't quite so.

N.B: This cigar was smoked at Balos Beach on the island of Crete in Greece

[JohnS]

Romeo y Julieta Petit Churchills 2012 - Selección Petit Robustos LAT Mar 2019

The Romeo y Julieta Petit Churchills is the only cigar of the 10-count Multi-brand Selección Petit Robustos release from 2012, which also includes two each of the Cohiba, Montecristo, H.Upmann and Partagas Petit Robustos, that is available as regular production cigar. It is the same Petit Robustos size as the other cigars with a 50 ring gauge x 102 mm (or 4 inches) length.

The RyJ Petit Churchills was made available in 2012, incidentally the same year that it was also packaged in a Petit Robustos selection, replacing the poor selling Perlas-sized RyJ Petit Princess. If you've never heard of this cigar don't feel too bad. Re-marketing it from its former name of Petit Prince did not ward off its demise either.

Of the five Petit Robustos varieties I smoked from this Multi-Brand Petit Robustos release, both RyJ Petit Churchills were by far the most complex. Again, don't expect a RyJ Petit Royales which is slightly smaller in ring gauge (47 rg) and slightly smaller in length (95 mm or 3¾ inches). The RyJ Petit Royales has much more cocoa to its blend.

This second RyJ Petit Churchills started off like a mini Romeo y Julieta Exhibicion No.4 in its mildness and fruitiness. You would classify this RyJ fruitiness as a cherry flavour but it's not as intense as you would get in a RyJ Petit Royales. Just after the beginning off the cigar there was a bit of spice to the cigar which took me by surprise. In the middle of the cigar this spice, wood and bitter chocolate settled in until the last third of the cigar when the spice dissipated and it became more nutty, like walnut. It was a complex cigar cigar indeed and this time it only lasted forty minutes!

So, if you are favourable to Romeo y Julieta as a marca then this cigar will certainly please you and is well worth seeking out for a 'change-of-pace'. As for myself, I'm still content to smoke more RyJ Petit Royales but I would not be adverse to smoking this cigar from time-to-time.

In general, this 10-count multi-brand selection box of Petit Robustos was definitely a winner, in my opinion. Three of the five marcas had excellent vitolas (Montecristo, H.Upmann and Partagas) and the other two were good introductions to their marcas. (Cohiba and Romeo y Julieta) It would make a good gift to someone new to Habanos cigars to serve as introductory guide or alternatively; it would be fine for a seasoned cigar enthusiast to sample from time-to-time. You're also likely to get a box from a retailer, if you can find one currently, with some age on it. Either way, I'm glad I have another box on hand!

N.B: This cigar was smoked in Chania on the island of Crete in Greece

[JohnS]

Cohiba Panetelas LGR Dic 2017

The Cohiba Panetelas has been around since 1967 but it oft-forgotten in comparison to other Cohiba vitolas. Even amongst cigar enthusiasts who know of it, it garners dichotomous reactions. In other words, it tends to be greatly admired or dismissively derided.

Along with the slightly bigger Cohiba Exquisitos, the Cohiba Panetelas is a thin ring-gauged cigar. Recent changes to the pricing of the Cohiba and Trinidad marcas by Habanos S.A., denoting both as luxury brands, has meant that cigars such as the Cohiba Panetelas and Exquisitos have become better known.

The Cohiba Panatelas is just 115 mm long (or 4½ inches) and carries a minuscule 26 ring gauge. At such a thin ring gauge, it probably wouldn't surprise you to know that it can suffer draw issues and be prone to 'plugging'. Personally-speaking, I was only prompted to get a box of these on account of the recent price changes to the Cohiba brand, and fortunately I did so at the old pricing. What's more, I was even luckier to receive these with four-and-a-half years of age on them already. I didn't press my luck expecting to receive them in a varnished boite nature box of 25 cigars. No, I was just happy to have them in the more usual display box of 25 cigars in 5 cardboard packs of 5 packaging.

I had my first cigar from this box ten weeks ago and it was quite good and the second one six weeks later which was servicably okay. So how did this third cigar fare? Well, I'm happy to say that this cigar packed some quality Cohiba flavours. It also once again drew well for a small, thin ring-gauged cigar.

The cigar opened with a solid mocha coffee, honey and Cohiba grass combination and stayed that way throughout. The flavours were certainly bold (like the other two) and the body was within the medium to medium-full range.

In summary, these three Cohiba Panetelas that I've had in the last few months have had plenty of strength and distinctive Cohiba flavours. If you acquire a box I advise you to smoke them slowly to prevent potential spicy and bitter flavours.

N.B: This cigar was smoked at a restaurant in Chania on the island of Crete in Greece

[JohnS]

E.P. Carrillo Encore Celestial

The E.P. Carrillo Encore line debuted at the 2016 IPCPR Convention and Trade show. It differed from the La Historia line in that it was created with an aged, all-Nicaraguan blend using tobaccos from Estelí, Condega and Jalapa. It was withdrawn to allow for additional fermentation time on the wrapper and was released two years later in 2018. The Encore line was the first Nicaraguan puro that E.P. Carrillo. ever released, which you would think is rare and unique for a factory based in the Dominican Republic.

The Encore line is available in regular production in four different vitolas, each of which comes in 10-count boxes. The Encore Majestic (the 2018 Cigar Aficionado cigar of the year) is a 52 ring gauge x 135 mm (or 5⅜ inches) in length box-pressed cigar. The Encore Celestial and Valientes are both 155 mm long (or 6⅛ inches) but the Celestial is a 50 ring gauge parejo whereas the Valientes is a 52 ring gauge piramides. The El Primero is a large 54 ring gauge x 175 mm (or 6⅞ inches) in length parejo. There are also two limited edition releases; the Encore 656, which is a 56 ring gauge x 152 mm (or 6 inches) in length Double Robusto and 10th Anniversary Perfecto, which has the same ring gauge but is half an inch longer.

I smoked the Encore Majestic three months ago and this Celestial, being essentially 20 mm longer (or four-fifths of an inch) meant that the cigar smoked even milder than the Majestic, and trust me, the Majestic was mild for a cigar that utilises all-Nicaraguan tobacco leaf.

The first third started off with some cedar, walnuts and surprisingly pepper. I didn't pick up any pepper in the Encore Majestic but I understand that the E.P Carillo Encore series can be peppery and this certainly started off that way.

In the middle third, this Encore Celestial settled, became interestingly milder and lost all its pepper. Instead, I got a blend of oak wood, light coffee and a hint of sweet caramel. I must say, this was a pleasant transition.

The last third did not intensify in body or strength and stayed much the same as the middle third. I had no issue nubbing this to its conclusion.

The construction and burn were impeccable. Like the E.P Carillo Encore Majestic, this Celestial is a quality cigar, albeit with a little more complexity. Like the Majestic, I wouldn't hesitate to smoke it again if given the opportunity to do so.

N.B: This cigar was smoked at the GDM Megaron Hotel in Heraklion on the island of Crete in Greece

[JohnS]

Partagás Serie P No.2 2016 - Selección Pirámides BRE Sep 2017

This Partagas Serie P No.2 is my fourth cigar from this 2017 combinaciones piramides box after sampling the H.Upmann No.2, Hoyo de Monterrey Piramides and Romeo y Julieta Piramides. In brief, they've all been brilliant.

I've mentioned previously that the initial 2003 Piramides multi-brand Habanos Selection (Selección Habanos) offering had five cigars; a Montecristo No.2 and four cigars unique to the release...a Cohiba Piramides, a Hoyo de Monterrey Piramides, a Partagas Piramides and a Romeo y Julieta Piramides. The 2016 re-release had a different packaging, swapped the Partagas Piramides for a regular production Partagas Serie P No.2 and added a sixth cigar, a H.Upmann No.2.

The Partagas P2 has received positive appraisal amongst enthusiasts on our forum this year (I would propose that it is currently the piramide with the highest critical standing amongst our members) and it does stand out within its marca due to its flavour profile. El Presidente has remarked in the past eighteen to twenty-four months that the Partagas P2 has been outstanding in 2020 and 2021 and he has been enjoying them due to their milk coffee, raisins and salted nuts profile. I would concur that this description is a wonderful parameter or guide to help us understand as to what tasting notes an average Partagas P2 has to offer.

Adding further to the flavour profile of an average Partagas Serie P No.2, I would offer that it can vary between highlighting either its sweet or savoury flavours and it can also vary in its strength. For example, I've sampled some that have been full-bodied in their flavour, spicy or peppery and not lacking in strength. On the other hand, I've sampled some that have not been like that at all. Today's Partagas P2 was one such example.

This Partagas P2, having reached five years of age, opened with a hint of creaminess (yes...creaminess!) milk coffee and sourdough. As I smoked through the cigar there was no indication whatsoever of any spiciness or pepper. Towards the end of the first third I picked up some notes of honey and oak wood. In the final third, the honey sweetness receded and the oak wood became more prominent but the core milk coffee and sourdough flavour remained until the end. This made the cigar relatively easy to smoke down to the nub, which of course I did.

Unlike my last early '22 Partagas P2 which was quite flaky, slightly under-filled and needed touch-ups and re-lights, this mid-to-late '17 Partagas P2 was consistent in its ash-lengths, did not need touch-ups or re-lights at all and was rolled well as the draw was ideal.

After having four piramides of six from this multi-brand release I can confidently state that all four piramides (H.Upmann No.2, Hoyo de Monterrey Piramides, Romeo y Julieta Piramides and Partagas Serie P No.2) have been exceptional examples of their marcas. I hope that the remaining Montecristo No.2 and Cohiba Piramides can continue this 'run' of excellence.

N.B: This cigar was smoked at the GDM Megaron Hotel in Heraklion on the island of Crete in Greece

[JohnS]

Cohiba Pirámides 2016 - Selección Pirámides BRE Sep 2017

Prior to the regular production release of the Cohiba Piramides Extra in 2012, there weren't just two special Limited Edition Cohiba Piramides releases in 2001 and 2006. No, in that time prior to 2012, there were in fact another 7 special Piramides releases in the Cohiba marca. Yes, seven! And all of these were your standard 52 ring gauge x 156 mm in length.

All these releases usually came in expensive limited-run humidors. There was one way, however, to sample a Cohiba Piramides without 'breaking the bank', so-to-speak, before we got the CPE in a slightly larger format and that was via purchasing a Multi-Brand Selection gift box of Piramides cigars. This box consisted of 5 cigars (Cohiba, Montecristo, Partagas, Hoyo de Monterrey and Romeo y Julieta) but was updated in 2016 with slightly different cigars and the addition of the H.Upmann No.2. This cigar comes from an updated Piramides 2017 Multi-Brand Selection box which consists of six cigars.

This mid-to-late 2017 Cohiba Piramides was unlike any Cohiba Piramides Extra I've smoked. The Cohiba Piramides Extra tends to be stronger on that mocha coffee flavour and lighter on any grass/hay, with the stronger mocha flavour tending to invite spice at times too. This five year-old Cohiba Piramides was like a Linea 1492 cigar from the mid-2000s to early 2010s in that it was quite 'grassy' from the 'get-go' and very much remained that way. It was not overly complex; along with the Cohiba grass there was also honey, milk coffee and wood all-entwined in a medium body and medium-mild strength.

The construction, as per all the piramides cigars smoked from this box was faultless...no touch-ups, re-lights, consistent burns and ash-lengths.

While I wouldn't rate this Cohiba vitola as highly as the the other four (H.Upmann No.2, Hoyo de Monterrey Piramides, Romeo y Julieta Piramides and Partagas Serie P No.2) cigars smoked thus far, which were all superlative in my view, I would still say this Cohiba Piramides was a worthy introduction to the Cohiba marca for someone not familiar with it. Then again, it would be quite something to expect this Cohiba Piramides to match a quality Esplendidos, Lanceros or Siglo VI!

N.B: This cigar was smoked at the GDM Megaron Hotel in Heraklion on the island of Crete in Greece

[JohnS]

Cohiba Espléndidos GRM Dic 2021

Cohiba, as a brand it invokes a myriad of reactions depending on the respondant. For cigar enthusiasts, its the marca you connect with deeply as a premium Habanos product or you don't, for the layman Cohiba is the brand that is thought of when reference is made to luxury Habanos cigars. Either way, Cohiba lends itself to mythological stories on account of its premium brand status amongst cigars, both Cuban and Non-Cuban.

Alexander the Great's mother, Olympias cajoled her son that he would do great things because Zeus was his father, not Philip II. Jesus fed 5000 people with five loaves of bread and two fishes and Cohiba's origin involved a Revolutionary leader and a humble bodyguard. A few years after Cohiba was born in the 1960s production was moved to a symbol of the excesses of pre-Revolution life in Cuba; the El Laguito mansion located just outside Havana. Should I mention an all-female workforce, diplomatic gifts and the origin of the brand's name? You see, no-one is 100% sure when it comes to these elements that contributed to the Cohiba myth, but it certainly helps in maintaining a reputation of exclusivity which certainly exists today. The recent release of the Cohiba 55th Anniversary Limited edition is further proof of that.

When attention is turned to the idea of a flagship Cohiba cigar, invariably the Esplendidos and Siglo VI are the two cigars often nominated (maybe even the Lanceros, perhaps) but these two cigars didn't even exist until 1989 and 2002, respectively. Now with the the recent changes to pricing by Habanos S.A., especially in regard to their premium marcas Cohiba and Trinidad, I would opine that the Esplendidos and Siglo VI would be amongst those vitolas that Habanos enthusiasts would perhaps buy on a special occasion but would very rarely smoke from now on.

As it is, I find I smoke a Cohiba Esplendidos very rarely, not even once or twice a year. At that rate, I would surmise I have enough for a lifetime. It's understandable though, isn't it? We are talking about a cigar that would auction at around $US70 a stick on Bond Roberts in 2020 if it was more than ten years old to costing around $US130 a stick if auctioned on the same site today. (And who knows if they would auction for even more?) Heck, a brand new box of current Cohiba Esplendidos retails for just under $US80 a stick nowadays. Who can afford such a venture? Well...yes, there are people out there, probably just not you and me!

In light of all this, I would like to thank the anonymous benefactor who gifted me this cigar to smoke today (you know who you are!). This cigar comes a 3-pack acquisition from a recent 24:24 listing and despite its relative youth, it didn't lack for class or flavour.
 
It was a touch under medium in strength, but from the 'get-go' this relatively young Esplendidos was replete in mocha coffee and honey. Along the way it also had a semblance of a buttered texture on the palate and even some Cohiba grass/hay. Perhaps with some more time down this buttered texture will develop further. If so, it would make this cigar even more worthy of its premium status. As I smoked down the cigar the mocha coffee flavour dominated more, but other than that it stayed consistent in its flavours. I finally nubbed it after two hours and fifteen minutes.

The Esplendidos is the type of cigar I find that I don't have a preference for its age, I can equally enjoy it 12 months or under, at the 5 year mark and even well over 10 years. Today's cigar was evidence of that!

N.B: This cigar was smoked on the island of Santorini in Greece

[JohnS]

Montecristo No.2 2016 - Selección Pirámides BRE Sep 2017

This Montecristo No.2 was the last cigar of a six-count Combinaciones or Multi-Selection brand offering of Habanos cigars that I've recently smoked through which also included, in order consumed, an H.Upmann No.2, Hoyo de Monterrey Piramides, Romeo y Julieta Piramides, Partagas Serie P No.2, Cohiba Piramides and finally, the aforementioned Montecristo No.2. So, as you can see, it's an interesting release on account of the fact that half the contents contained within are exclusive to this Multi-Selection brand offering (Hoyo de Monterrey Piramides, Romeo y Julieta Piramides and Cohiba Piramides) whilst the other half are available as regular production acquisitions (H.Upmann No.2, Partagas Serie P No.2 and Montecristo No.2).

Now, when it comes to certain Habanos cigars, their reputation is so firmly ingrained into our collective subconscious that I don't think one could imagine being without them, no matter their state, their performance or their gratification. For example, I believe the Montecristo No.2 is one such cigar and is amongst the highest-selling Habanos cigars annually but would you necessarily reach for one if you wanted a Montecristo cigar? Perhaps yes and yet, perhaps no but one thing I do know is this...someone out there is buying Monte 2s on a consistent basis! Furthermore, the recent downturn in Habanos cigar production in 2022 hasn't diminished their availability it seems.

It's noted within cigar enthusiast circles just how inconsistent the Montecristo No.2 is. I think the reason for this lies in both their variance of performance and flavours profile. What I mean by this is that when it comes to the Montecristo No.2 it varies more than other Habanos cigars, in my view, in their wrapper shades, their construction quality, their dominant flavour characteristics that you want to smoke one on occasion, just in case you 'land on' a superlative example.

Personally speaking, my humidor has four different box codes of varying amounts (around five to ten sticks of each) of Montecristo No.2 so that I can take in and experience the differences one gets in Monte 2s that are dark-wrappered, light-wrappered, young, mid-aged or aged and a combination thereof.

So what are you looking for when you smoke a Montecristo No 2? You may be seeking a strong cocoa/coffee flavour profile, or maybe more leather, nut and /or citrus twang, for example. Perhaps a fuller-bodied cigar or a lighter one? The Montecristo No.2 is the type of cigar that can deliver this variance of outcomes.

This BRE Sep 2017 Montecristo No.2 cigar had a colorado/colorado rosado shade (i.e. one step short of colorado maduro) wrapper so I was expecting a strong cocoa and coffee hit when I lit it and this was indeed the case. There was no real nut and leather to this, but it did have a hint or two of a creamed texture, which surprised me, but of which I've had more in some lighter-wrappered Montecristo No. 2's I've had this past few years.

This cigar, much like every other piramides from this box smoked well and was consistent in its construction. It reminded of the varieties of Montecristo No.2s I had from 2014-17 that were more of a deep cocoa and coffee profile and fuller in strength and body in comparison to a number of Montecristo No.2s I've smoked post-2018 that have been lighter, milder and contained leather, citrus twang and/or nut.

Nevertheless, this was a fine way to finish an outstanding box of cigars that I would opine contained amongst the very best cigars I've smoked in the last few months. Thankfully, I have another box of the same box code which I intend to re-visit at some point soon!

N.B: This cigar was smoked on the island of Santorini in Greece