HUSW MGL DIC 20 (C&DRW)

[gormag38]

Had the house to myself so thought I would see how this box of SW is coming along. Last one I had was more or less ROTT about 11 months ago, they were pretty damn good then but I remember them being a bit milder than what I was expecting. Keeping that strength in mind I decided to pour a glass of Hibiki Harmony to pair. My thought being the lower proof wouldn't overpower the smoke. 

1/3

Some noticeable resistance on the cold draw. Not enough to use the perfecdraw but definitely noticeable. When feeling along the cigar there are definitely some 'tighter' sections along the cigar. I light it up and get a very mild enjoyable smoke. Crushed almonds and/or cashews with some toasted sugar notes come in. The burn is just 'okay' and because of that it ashes a little early imo for a large format stick. 

2/3

The slight sweetness from the burnt sugar begins to fade. There is a noticeable shift to bready and creamy notes. Still very nice, but if I'm being honest with myself, it's almost too light for the drink. As I mentioned above, I picked the Hibiki as it was an 86-proof spirit and typically pretty light compared to some of the other brown water I drink. However, it still was starting to dilute the cigar's flavor. No worries. I make quick work of the rest of my glass and decide not to pour another. A couple relights are needed in this third as the burn started to get a little off kilter and the cigar went out once as well. 

3/3

The flavors have definitely started to ramp up and now this stick is a little more medium instead of light medium. Coupled with the waning tastes of the whiskey and this is what I was looking for when I chose this stick.  Any cream has disappeared and we're right back to burnt toast, almonds and some sugary notes. The stick goes out with a little more than an inch remaining and I decide to call it there. 

Score: 89 out of 100. Good but not (yet) great. The stick definitely had some transitions already but my drink choice was a bad call imho. It probably was the reason I didn't give this a 90+ score. The slight resistance in the draw and the funky burn at times took away from the stick as well. If I don't decide to crack the box again this summer I'll probably wait another year before trying them again. 

[MagicalBikeRide]

Enjoyed reading that. Thanks. 

[El Presidente]

Excellent review 

I hate it when expectaion doesn't quite meet treality. 

it is a continuing lesson in the practice of equanimity. 

[westg]

Great review nice beverage to have with 

[Rhinoww]

Thanks for the review. I have a box resting. I think I’ll let them rest a bit more now

[gormag38]

1 hour ago, Rhinoww said:

I have a box resting. I think I’ll let them rest a bit more now

I would recommend it.   We've all heard the stories of glorious 10-15 year old winnies. I want mine to get there. haha. 

 

16 hours ago, El Presidente said:

I hate it when expectaion doesn't quite meet treality. 

Absolutely. Too many times the scarcity of a stick (or value of it) almost puts a pre-requisite on it. (eg. it should be THIS good and burn razor sharp, etc.) I too find myself with this mindset sometimes but try and look at each experience as objectively as possible. Easier said than done. 

 

16 hours ago, westg said:

nice beverage to have with

My brother in-law found this near Chicago and bought it for me. I've only ever had it on the rocks before and was never crazy about it. (tasted too peaty for my liking) When smoking this cigar I drank it neat and found the flavors much more enjoyable imho.