Nudies N3 Carlota Maduro 2021 (FSC2J25)

[david9985]

Having smoked and reviewed one of the best sticks I’ve had in a Monte No.2 last week, I wanted to follow that up with a review of something that is a day-to-day foundation. While Monte No.2s used to be a semi-regular part of my rotation, now they are a rare and occasional luxury.

The Nudies Carlota is the most regular stick in my current rotation. It’s a flavour profile I like and a favourite vitola. I preferred the lighter wrapper version of the initial release but rattled through those at pace and now only have the maduros. This one is from the 2021 batch.

Wrapper, feel in the hand and draw are consistent in these. This stick was no different, with top notch construction and just the right resistance in the draw.

Opening notes were raisin, cherry, leather and bitter chocolate.

As it moved to the second third, there was more of a burnt toast background, with some occasional sweeter pastry.

Approaching the final third, I picked up a bit more of the cherry and the combined flavours at this point reminded me of black forest gateaux.

Just prior to setting this down after around 50mins smoking time, I was given a parting shot of liquorice. There was another 20mins time left in the stick, but it wasn’t getting any better and I was satisfied.

Thoroughly enjoyable and highly representative of the typical Carlota experience. Not in the same league as last week’s Monte 2 experience, but not all Monte 2s are like that. Most Carlota are like this. They will continue to be a humidor mainstay along with several other of their Nudie and MoFOH friends.