A Compare and Contrast: Nudie Lancero Maduro 2021 v. Cain F Lancero

[Glass Half Full]

Decided to compare & contrast a 2021 Nudie Lancero Maduro (NLM) to Cain F Lancero (CF)  Hopefully, the first pic explains why:  they looked a bit similar to me, in all ways except that the NLM is the bit longer one on the right.  In fairness, the CF was purchased last year, and I do not know when it was made.  

Cold draws:

• Nudie Lancero Maduro (NLM):  bit of nougat; some “freshness” hay, etc.; this is a young ‘un after all; just a bit of tightness, as CC’s often have in this size.
• Cain F (CF):  Cold draw’s much easier, much freer flowing. Nilla wafers is the predominant “cold” taste to me here.

First Light/ 1st /3rd:

• CF - slight pepper on first light, but builds.  Into the 1st third it turns to light leather and fruit woods.  It’s very nice as an NC, though not Cubanesque, if that’s a word.
• NLM - By contrast, and not surprisingly (I guess), the Nudie has no pepper (except perhaps a bit of residual, I think, from my tasting the C5 first).  Picks up a bit of bitterness (on its own); not as smooth as the 2019’s I’ve had after aging, but still quite nice.  …The Nudie is smoking a good bit slower than the Cain F though I keep them both at the same RH (70-72%)

2nd / third

Not a whole lot of transition, though the CF is smoking much faster.  The Nudie has that pleasant, just perfect draw that I enjoy about CCs.  Both want to drop their ash a bit earlier than ideal.

• NLM - picks up a bit of mint to add to the cocoa bits.
• CF - picks up some spearmint and adds to the subtle woody flavors.

CF needs a re-light (no doubt due to inattention with the 2 cigars at once); NLM stays lit like a champ (though drops another 1/4” of ash on the floor).

IMO, the flavors in the NLM so far are hands down more appealing to a person who favors CCs (not surprisingly).  I don’t need to keep track of which is which:  It’s clear from the flavors and the draw.  That said, by mid-point the CF has stepped up in subtle complexity in a very good way.  This cigar will definitely appeal to folks who enjoy NC lancero’s in my opinion.

CF Transitions Again

• There’s a very pleasant, almost “musty” CC flavor that comes in now for the CF.  While it’s not twang; it’s almost an essence of twang.  Draw on the CF becomes a bit more like the NLM, in a good way, and then the CF picks up lots of cocoa nibs, again in a good way.

Overall note:

To my taste, these are not powerful cigars, just very enjoyable ...but you must take some time.

• The NLM doesn’t have the same complexity as the CF, but the flavors are always enjoyable, and the draw and feel are part of what I enjoy.  (Age may bring more for those.)
• The Nudie also picks up essences of twang, …but then it drops another 1/4” of ash on my deck.  (You’d think I’d learn by now   …Bread notes come in for NLM as we near the end of the 2nd 3rd.

3rd / 3rd

• CF brings a bit of short cake to the mix, adding to the essence of twang, IMO.  This one has really stepped up in complexity, in a subtle but very enjoyable way.  (BTW, in my limited experience, only very aged NC’s have any semblance of twang, so this is a welcome surprise.  ...That said, this does not hold a candle to an aged AF in that department; those are akin to 93+ pointers in CCs — and that is not this.  Still that aspect of the CF is very welcome, and appreciated.)
• The CF is bringing baking spices upon baking spices in the last bit, and very nice retros.
• NLM brings some baking spices too, albeit more subtly, though it’s retros bring a tad more CC-like power, which I love, …and then there's a bit of unwelcome bitterness, a less pleasant surprise.  (Reminds me of how great NC's often need age to truly balance out and become more perfect, …again my opinion.)

Tonight, the end of the last of the 2nd third was the best all around, and that gives the nod to the CF.  It was an interesting contrast.  Worth a re-visit in a year or two, especially to see what more the NLM brings. 

Good fun in any event, and good cigars too

Hope this is helpful to some.  All the best,

[clickbangdoh]

Love the Cain F lanceros, it's a very good, consistent cigar, and absolutely dirt cheap for what it is. I've generally been able to score box at about $3.80-$4 a stick, which is just great value!

[Glass Half Full]

5 hours ago, clickbangdoh said:

Love the Cain F lanceros, it's a very good, consistent cigar, and absolutely dirt cheap for what it is. I've generally been able to score box at about $3.80-$4 a stick, which is just great value!

Thanks for highlighting that!  I should have led with the fact that they're both such good values.  

[Low]

Thank you for this side to side comparison. This is an outstanding post, but I do wonder if doing them side by side would influence each other? Also, how long did this take? I feel like I'd have to smoke them so slowly to not burn out my tongue 

[Glass Half Full]

2 hours ago, Low said:

Thank you for this side to side comparison. This is an outstanding post, but I do wonder if doing them side by side would influence each other? Also, how long did this take? I feel like I'd have to smoke them so slowly to not burn out my tongue 

It took about 2 1/2 hours.  The weather was warm last evening, with just enough chill to allow a fire.  I agree that they can influence each other, though I drank quite a bit of soda water (plus a little bourbon) as palette cleansers   I've done it before, and find it helps me figure out what appeals when.  Lanceros / Panetela Largas take time any way, IMO.  I think of them kind of like a "sipping" cigar.  

Maybe overkill for some, but I find it fun once in a while.  Worth trying, if you have the time one evening!  Just need to pick what would compare.