A slightly premature pufferation of the Desnudo Lancero N1

[JDoughty]

Managed an early archery season double score on some fine fat deer, which has filled my dry aging cabinet to capacity. No more venison chasing till those are done to perfection, which gives me a week or so to smoke before returning to my sadly cigarless de-scenting regimen. Could not resist hitting one of the Desnudo Lanceros despite them only having had 10 days resting since arrival. The smell had mellowed out quite a bit from the first day of putting them away, though I suspect they have even more potential to get better with more resting. The good thing about having 25 of them is that I don't feel too bad about possibly committing infanticide on one. 

It did not disappoint. There was a surprising amount of power and backbone in this stick, with notes of leather, pepper, cedar, walnuts, raisins and coffee muddled together. The intensity ramped up as the smoke progressed, with a beautiful lingering ash. It was a bit of a nicotine bomb and I was feeling it by the time I reached the end. I am tentatively predicting that some age on it or at least a proper resting period may bring out greater sweetness, more distinct flavors and a clearer flavor structure. Still not sorry I had the smoke. Cleared my palate afterward with venison chops in a bear demiglace soubise with a handful of foraged mushrooms and fresh pasta. Actually quite a good flavor pairing. I was sniffing at some recently arrived Bond Roberts 109 for dessert - those magnificently buttery peach pie and cream notes would have been a perfect finish - but sadly those did not quite smell well enough rested enough to crack into. If someone invents a humidor sized time machine, that would be awesome. Until then, patience it must be.