San Cristobal De La Habana Mercaderes Feb 06

[Gryphon]

Thanks for the review. They really are a good looking cigar.

[Moglman]

Thanks Rob. While I like the size of the Oficios, this is my favorite of the three late 05 releases. I remember the preponderance of black cherry notes in your previous reviews. I am somewhat surprised those notes have dissipated.

[El Presidente]

San Cristobal De La Habana Mercaderes Feb 06

The Mercaderes is a La Casa De Habana release which was destined for LCDH only but is relatively easily found.

Simply gorgeous red brown hued wrapper with a sweet cocoa aroma at cold. Clipped the cap and took a long slow draw.....Cuban tobacco and cocoa molasses. Draw is perfect.

Fired up the foot and immediately there was no doubt that this was a sweet stick. Cinnamon stick, cocoa and cream all wrapped up in a light to medium body profile and yet there is a core of Vuelta Abajo toasted tobacco. Through the nose only the slightest note of white pepper. This is a well engineered cigar for those seeking the sweeter spices of life. Cool burning, immense flavour definition but with a refined level of class.

Well past the first third and the cigar has increased in body to medium but still there are no hints of tannin or bitterness. The Mercaderes is all cinnamon, cream, cocoa and increasing hints of espresso coffee. At this point I would like a lick of something wild but I am enjoying the delivery of the flacoure mentioned and wonder to myself if I am not being too judgemental.

Into the last third the intensity of the cigar has increased but the flavours remain the same. More Molasses now which a benchmark of the San Cristobal range and I an happy to see the Marque flagship flavour shine through. Still loads of cinnamon, cream and coffee and this would be a wonderful morning cigar but as a late afternoon cigar somewhat lacking in the cojones department. Medium bodied still...perfectly balanced and behaved. I was considering opening a bottle of wine at this stage but went and brewed up a Merlo Coffee (fresh espresso, balck and strong) which complimented the cigar perfectly.

The Mercaderes is an excellent cigar for those seeking the sweeter flavours of life and who have a molasses bent. Light to medium body in the main it will entertain you in a manner of the Principe or La Punta. It is a morning cigar in my opinion and if smoked later in the day may disappoint lovers of fuller bodied cigars.

Blend consistency in the Mercaderes is superb. I have never had one that has varied form the the flavour profile described. If you are searching for a large format cigar which indulges the sweet tooth in you ......look no further.

89/100 5/6 smokerings.