Opus X 20th Anniversary Lancero (FFSOct24)

[Capn_Jackson]

Smoking a “unicorn” today. While I’m not a fan of most Opus X cigars, I’ve had some good experiences with examples from the 20th Anniversary line. The Father and Son, and the Believe, primarily. These were prizes, however, as I would not typically pay that high a price for the pretty “X” labels. The Lancero, as I understand it, is an event-only stick that goes for a few bills in the after-market. This one was also a prize, coming from a great BOTL who is no longer with us. Thinking of him today as I light up.

Opening light did almost nothing for me. Hints of berry, maybe, but sort of a vapid essence at first. This is my experience with most regular production Opus, so I’m not anticipating too much today.

After putting those thoughts into words, this cigar seems out to make me eat crow. After just about five minutes, the typical agave I expect from these is starting to come through. Not only that, the finish has a distinct fruit note. Something candied and darkly sweet, like black currant. Hackberry comes into my brain, but it’s not quite that earthy. Syrupy, and even a little dank, the mouthfeel is delightful. Getting a little bit of Mag 46 vibes, but without the stout, and not as ballsy.

Second third kicks in, heavier on dark agave than fruit, but the finish still retains that opulent mouthfeel. Around the midpoint, the two flavors converge with caramel for a great envelope of flavor.

Heading into the last third, I’m getting just a little bit of a letdown. What was syrupy before is now dry. Agave and/or dark honey is still hanging around, but the fruit I was enjoying all this time has left the building. A couple inches before the nub, though, a divine coffee aroma sets in. This, along with some damp earth, replaces the agave altogether. Good flavor, but I’m missing that dark, candied vibe. Just in the last inch, things turn slightly bitter. This stick has lasted a couple of hours, so I’m okay with putting it down. Overall an enjoyable smoke, but not really worthy, to me, of its “unicorn” status. Better smokes, NC and CC, can be more easily found, for far less coin than one typically has to spend to get this. However, memories of great conversations with George ran through my mind the whole time, rest his soul. Thanks for the smoke, and cheers buddy.

88 from me.

[RKPStogie]

Great review. Memories of your friend while smoking priceless. Cheers!


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