Puro Desnudo Lancero (2023) (YBC2023)

[Pmo13]

Got these delivered the other day and had them sitting in the humidor for 5 days now. Got antsy as we got a surprise very nice day up here and felt the urge to try one out. I should color this with the full knowledge that 5 days isn’t even close to long enough o acclimate (and Rob’s personal suggestion is at least 30 days) but damn the torpedos, lets roll baby.

First things first, this is an absolute beauty of a stick. There’s just something about a classic 7.5x38 with a pig tail that sends you back to days of yore, smoking while on vacation in 1950s Havana. The light was easy, and smoke plentiful in a way that typically new worlds deliver in spades. I believe these are composed of Honduran and Nicaraguan leaf, but blended towards a Cuban palate. I have to say, I think they kinda nailed it. Obviously that classic twang was absent, but if you had told me Cuban leaf was present in the blend, I’d honestly have believed you.

First third opened up beautifully with rich creamy cedar and a bit of an ambiguous baking spice. One thing which was a pleasant surprise was that this stick was entirely devoid of black pepper spice. From there a bit of dry cocoa worked its way into the mix along with a really nice roasted cashew.

The second third kept on chugging with the cedar, but added a really pronounced milk chocolate sweetness. Sweet tobacco formed the backbone of this third, and it rounded out towards the end with a strong “tootsie roll” type flavor that I only tend to get with a broadleaf stick when paired with a Dr Pepper or root beer.

The final third again continued with the cedar and nuts, but the flavors because less identifiable and sort of blended together. This wasn’t a bad thing at all though, and actually worked well in my opinion. Also appearing towards the end was a black coffee note and one of my favorite notes of all, which is buttered and heavily toasted wheat bread.

Throughout the stick the burn was excellent (only touched up once and it was very windy) and smoke output was phenomenal. The draw had that perfect resistance and it wasn’t hard to keep from overheating the cherry in the slightest. I have to say, if this is how they’re smoking after 5 days rest, I’m ordering another bundle tonight. Absolutely phenomenal job by Rob and Hamlet, outstanding for $10 a piece, and I’d be willing to go much higher (please don’t go much higher) after taking one for a spin.

First third gave me distinct Bolivar vibes, with the second leaning heavily into notes I’ve gotten from recent Monte Edmundo’s. Final third was all its own, and I couldn’t point to a direct corollary. 

Final smoke time: 1:20

Grade: B+ — A-