RA Estupendos RE \'06 (Edicion Regional Review #5)

[Mike33]

Rob's review really made me want to spark my lone estupendos up. So I decided this lazy Sunday afternoon would be a good time to fire it up. The cigar has a near perfect wrapper that is smooth and glistening in the sunlight. The roll is very tight and right above the RE band it is damn-near rock solid. The bunch at the foot is very compact and after clipping the cap and taking a dry puff, it is evident this cigar will have a very firm draw.

Immediately upon lighting there is hardly any smoke coming out. I work a toothpick into the cut cap of the cigar and it loosens up a little bit. When I am finally able to get enough smoke to get some flavors, I am pleasantly surprised. There are hints of nutmeg, caramel, and light cedar initially. These are very balanced and meld together beautifully. As I get a little further into the smoke, light floral notes became present as does a creamy, buttery undertone to the flavors. If only this cigar drew better :-(

As the cigar progresses, the smoke becomes more plentiful and the draw a tab bit better. Still having to force the smoke out though. Around half-way, the Ramon Allones flavors hit me. Very light coffee bean and rich, dark chocolate are now the central elements to this cigar. Still no bitterness present which is remarkable for this big of a cigar that is this young. The wrapper is also somewhat brittle as small tears develop near the burn. I am constantly having to correct the burn as well which is a little frustrating.

As I enter the last several inches, the draw becomes a lot better. The smoke, which is now finally coming plentifully, is chewy and thick. Strong, black, coffee notes come out of the RA now and are paired with hints of leather. Once again, great balance and complexity to this cigar. The finish is very long and becomes more pronounced towards the end. With about an inch and a half left, the wrapper begins to unravel slightly. I still smoke it down to a little under an inch and it has left a very good impression on me.

Overall: 90-91 because of the construction issues. If it was rolled properly, easily a 94-95. Amazing complexity and pronounced flavors throughout the cigar. The Estupendos never gave a hint of it's youth and showed wonderful balance throughout. I am on the fence about getting some of these......but I can see why a lot of people love these. It was a shame this cigar had a terrible draw for the better part of it. Whoever blended this cigar should be given a raise and whoever rolled it should be shot!

[Guest cohiba]

I smoked one of mine last night. Damn thing just wouldnt draw real well. Very firm in general, but as you said, around the band a definate hard spot. I put mine out around the 2 inch mark and went for a CoRo to finish the evening on.

[bassman]

Been lucky so far. I've smoked a few & each has had a perfect draw & wonderful flavor. A most enjoyable cigar.

[anacostiakat]

You had better luck than I did. :-(

The one I picked out, I fought with but eventually gave up and had to pitch it. :crying: