A review of the Bond Roberts' Petit 109

[Stanislaw]

For those of us who have had the good fortune of smoking numerous Cuban cigars we've had the experiences both unforgettable and forgettable sometimes so much so that we expect the worst and when we get that great stick or (hopefully) that great box we cherish every moment of them. For me at least, I have always been less focused on the blend and more on the experience - a good Cuban cigar takes me places, recalls memories long forgotten, people we have shared cigars with, where you were the last time that Punch Punch tasted as good as it does right now.  

Having sampled nearly all of the blends from the Fabrica 5 lineup I have learned to see cigars a bit differently, appreciate the craftsmanship that Hamlet shows in his abilities to blend fantastic cigars and those talented palates of our forum members who assisted in the final blend decisions. I have my favorites: the Canonanzo, the Ninfas, Churchills - okay I like all that I've tried. I am a fanboy.  

The Bond Roberts, however, specifically the petit 109, has changed how I see all cigars. For me, it is an absolutely perfect cigar. I have smoked three from the box I was so fortunate to have won in the recent raffle and all three have taken me on the same journey I long for when lighting any cigar. We all know how disappointing that can be to expect something to be great and come up short and when it's this special d@mm!t you want it to last.

A good Cuban I can smoke without the assistance of a drink and the same is the case with the petit 109. The smoke is so creamy and not harsh, the constant flavors in the mouth and in your nostrils when you catch that accidental retrohale is brilliantly dynamic and worth every moment. They don't waiver. There is something happening at all times and you find yourself not drifting into past memories but instead being absolutely present in the moment and enjoying what's happening. Like that first time you experience The Godfather and you almost regret not being able to have that first time experience again.  

Calling this a petit cigar is a misnomer. It's a slow burn which I appreciate because you can take your time with it and nothing about what it gives you in return is "petit".

I've been enjoying cigars since 1995 and not once did I ever consider a non Cuban so highly as I do this - I would be genuinely hesitant to consider a Cuban in exchange for this. There, I said it: this is the best cigar out there today. I know that I've only had three and still have 47 more to go but if those remaining sticks smoke as well as the others I am giddy with anticipation.

First light and the initial first puffs are so aromatic and flavorful you almost think that you're smoking a flavored cigar but that quickly settles into a rich sweet and spicy creamy smoke. As you get to the last third it becomes more dynamic with deep leathery nutty flavors that work well with the constant richness and my god there's an elegance to what is going on that reminds me of old Hoyo de Monterrey Double Coronas from the 90's back when they were at their peak.  

How in the hell has Hamlet pulled this off so brilliantly?

Hey, maybe I just got lucky and the few cigars I've smoked have been good fortune but that's the lifelong Cuban cigar smoker talking. No I won't stop searching for the perfect Cuban smoking experience. I'm a different smoker now though, these sticks have changed how I see this whole cigar thing we all enjoy so much.  

As I finish typing this I find myself once again nubbing a cigar and thinking about what just happened, like those moments in our lives when we are dragged to an event that turns out to be an experience we always remember.  

I remember my first good Montecristo No.2 (one of my all time favorites) and that moment when you set down what's left of the cigar and the expletives fly - not because you're angry that it's over with but because g*dd@mn that is a good cigar.  

G*dd@mn that was a good cigar. What's that? You want to offer me an aged Monte for my petit 109...hmm, I don't think so. Not right now, at least. I'm going to stay in this new moment for as long as I can.

I suggest that you give them a try. Let the expletives fly. 

[JDoughty]

Question - how long did you let yours rest for after receiving them? I tried one of mine at the 10 day mark and sadly it was much too early, the cigar was very muted and didn't have much going on. 

[gormag38]

I just purchased a cab from a BOTL actually. I'm looking forward to seeing how they turn out. 

[JDoughty]

Iheartcigars.com is dropping the price on singles of these, this week only fyi. Grab them while the grabbing's good!