sancho panza sanchos

[Ken Gargett]

Picked up some singles from Rob around five years ago. He wasn’t exactly sure of their age then but if we give them an estimate of a year or two, then this makes them pushing seven years. They have matured and developed wonderfully. A couple over the last year or two have been excellent. That said, no rush. these are here for the long haul. What a tragedy that this line is being discontinued. Hopefully someone in Havana will see the light.

Reasonably dark wrapper. The smell when cold was a bit muted. Construction looked good. Opened with some lovely floral, gentle earth, slight citrus notes. Also some chocolate and dry vegetation. Right from kickoff, the burn was even. There were minor early notes of a charcoal character but never a problem. Some slightly drying tannins. The overlay of chocolate flavours worked really well with a Zacapa Centenario 23 year old rum. Reasonably slow burn and a nice little stubby cone. The burn did pick up a little pace, though the cigar last for well over two hours, and was consistent throughout. The flavours quickly moved to a toasty chocolate. The flavours are reasonably mild with a little complexity. The flavours stayed quite consistent for the first 2/3rds. The last 1/4 saw a little mint and earth and just near the end, it did get a little ragged but hard to fault it as stayed so even for about 8 of its 9 inches. At no stage, was there any hint of needing to be re-lit. Terrific smoke when you have the time, and a World Cup cricket semi was perfect. Firm evidence that the massive size is not always too overpowering. 92+.

[anacostiakat]

Pretty much my experience with the '97s. I think I have a couple left actually. Although they were a little inconsistent as one or two was flat.

[Cam]

you like them big, good too see a decent review of this great cigar up on the board, pity about it being discontinued, im surpised Rob hasn't flown to havana and kicked some ass, he reccommended it to me when I asked for a serious competitor to the Monte A or other large cigars.. thanks ken

[anacostiakat]

» you like them big, good too see a decent review of this great cigar up on

» the board, pity about it being discontinued, im surpised Rob hasn't flown

» to havana and kicked some ass, he reccommended it to me when I asked for a

» serious competitor to the Monte A or other large cigars.. thanks ken

It is a shame. I like them better than the Monte A. :-(