HDM Elegantes 2023 - (C&DMar24)

[Cello]

Sorry for the lack of cigar information, but I bought it from a tray of singles at a lounge in the wonderful city of Ho Chi Minh. 

While on a work trip this past weekend I found myself with some time to kill, so as any lover of the Cuban leaf would do, I found my way on down to the local lounge. La Casa del Habano HCMC. I reference the place because that is where my wonderful drink (La Casa signature coffee) was made. After the latte I accidently ordered the first night, this was a huge upgrade. Sadly the drink was the star of the show tonight. 😕 

I found this HDM Elegantes sitting in a tray of singles just waiting to ruin my night lol. In the past, I've pursued boxes of these to no avail. Well tonight was my night to finally try one. To say things started off great is an understatement. I was feeling really good early on as I tested out the cold draw. The airflow was perfect. The nice tobacco flavor was refined and mellow. 

I took the torch to this fine cigar excited to see what I've been missing. The first few puffs were excellent. Almost love at first puff. Nice thick clouds of smoke with sweet floral flavors. I thought to myself, this could be the one. 

After spending 20 minutes together something changed. The Elegantes stopped giving me the same smoke output that I started with. I thought, maybe it's just me, maybe I did something, so I tried to touch things up with the lighter. A few more puffs in and I realize, it's not me, it's the Elegantes. Why would she do this to me? I thought we had something special. I snipped the top of to find the culprit. A tunnel has formed that was seriously interfering with my pleasure. Sadly I had to snip off about an inch all together to get to the end of the tunnel. 

I tried to re light the cigar, but the experience just wasn't the same. The rest of the cigar struggled not to let the tunnel back in. I was crushed as I tried to crush the tunnel. The opening flavors never returned after this ordeal. I continued to puff away until the end just to get my monies worth, but it wasn't the same. At least the coffee was excellent! 

Grade: 

Opening: A+

2nd 3rd on: F

[ha_banos]

Shame the last one off these I had was really good. Hopefully...

[Cello]

I regret not bringing a couple extra home with me, but I had other things on my list. Plus I'm holding out for the Fat Fundy!