Cohiba Esplendido MAR DIC 19 (FS1124)

[rcarlson]

These are considered one of Cuba's finest.  And with good reason.  Never had a bad one, a few mediocre, most stellar.  This was stellar.

Smooth flawless wrapper. Perfectly constructed. Hallmark cold aroma: barnyard, sweet cedar. Easy light, excellent burn.

First third, Cedar, leather, light honey sweetness, grassy, some floral. Classic twang. Below medium.

Second third, sweetness builds considerably, light cocoa, honey, creamy AF. Moves to medium strength and body.  

Final third, sweetness and grassiness recedes. More cocoa, cedar, slightly burnt bread, cedar.  You know, classic Esplendido flavors throughout. Stayed medium body and strength even as the smoke warmed.   

Well-deserved A+. Everything I'd hoped for.

[Ford2112]

That's one silky wrapper. 

[RDB]

Great to see one perform. This is the thing about Cohiba: so often disappointing relative to expectations, but occasionally brilliant. 

[rcarlson]

7 hours ago, Ford2112 said:

That's one silky wrapper. 

Yup. Gorgeous. Perfect roll to boot. El Laguito [lives] matters.  

[MrBirdman]

I always wonder whether there's a special occasion behind breaking out an Esplendido. It's not my favorite Cohiba, but it is the quintessential celebration cigar to me. Then I remind myself that when you light one up, that is the special occasion!

Nice review.