HdM Rio Seco LGR AGO ‘19 (FFSOct24)

[Capn_Jackson]

Rio Seco was one I had not tried before this summer. To be honest, I stayed away due to the ring gauge. Not usually a fan of the jawbreakers. However, I got a few from a friend early in the summer, and immediately saw the big deal with these big sticks. I’ve since picked up several more, and they’ve earned a place in the rotation, easily. All I’ve had are from ‘19-21, and all have been a treat. Easy draw, never bitter, always smooth. I’m not sure how they’d be in another five years, but I’d love to find out, if I can keep my hands off ‘em.

Opening light has lots of coffee, hay, some dried fruit, and spice. Going on, this first third is mostly the rich coffee and lots of spiced holiday gingerbread. This is the kind of opening I wish all Habanos smokes had.

The coffee and gingerbread spice still dominate the first third. Some damp earth, and a little oak wood smoke as well. Strength is very low, and the smoke is voluminous. I get a few jolts of clove and nutmeg here and there, autumn flavors that go right in line with the Fall weather here in Texas… mid-60’s and perfect outside.

Second act is more nutty and less woodsy to me. Starts off a little muted, but flavor kicks in again at the halfway point. Still heavy on the spiced bread/cake, still some coffee, but lots of hazelnut goodness. Here and there I taste raspberry cream, or occasionally even a blueberry sweetness, with just a bit of tart yogurt here and there for fun. Burn line has been just about dead straight this entire time, no touchups needed.

No drastic changes going to the end. Not as much fruit here, but there are faint traces of pear or quince. Definitely more cream in the last act. Ginger, nutmeg, coffee, and nuts dominate all the way to the end, although seems to be more roasted walnut than hazelnut here at the finale.

As usual, great smoke, and I’m so glad I got turned onto these. Gets a 93 from me today.

[MrBirdman]

Nice review. While I loathe the size, this blend is so distinctive I don’t mind popping my jaw to smoke one. 

[loose_axle]

Great review thank you! I've got a box of 10 on the way to see if I prefer them to the San Juan. That was another surprise in the HDM portfolio. 

[Capn_Jackson]

15 hours ago, MrBirdman said:

Nice review. While I loathe the size, this blend is so distinctive I don’t mind popping my jaw to smoke one. 

Agreed!

[Capn_Jackson]

7 hours ago, loose_axle said:

Great review thank you! I've got a box of 10 on the way to see if I prefer them to the San Juan. That was another surprise in the HDM portfolio. 

I actually have never had a San Juan, so I couldn’t compare. Enjoy the Rio Seco!

[MrBirdman]

13 hours ago, loose_axle said:

Great review thank you! I've got a box of 10 on the way to see if I prefer them to the San Juan. That was another surprise in the HDM portfolio. 

Very different blends, though I like both for what they offer. 

[rcarlson]

I wanted to hate them. . . but dang. I'll suffer through a 54 rg for these. They're damn good. Need rest. Pricey. And the San Juan (still a bigun') are mighty tasty too. But wish I had a box or two of both for the long haul. So much sticker shock though.      

 

Oh, nice review, as always.  

[PirelliCndms]

Great review, I just got a 10er of the Hoyo San Juan and I am very interested to see if these smoke like yours!

[MagicalBikeRide]

I find the Rio Seco and San Juan produce quite different flavours. San Juan more typically of a HdM profile - lots of that creamy cream…