San Cristobal De La Habana El Principe OEB MAR 07

[Colt45]

Another cold weather cigar for me.

Well constructed, though slightly rustic in appearance. A medium colorado wrapper - the color of

fallen oak leaves.

Excellent (properly firm) draw and burn, with great smoke volume.

Taste-wise, for the first half, this was a very dense cigar, all molasses and nougat, with just a slight sharp tinge -

but not harsh or bitter. Just a hint of white pepper.

Just past the half way point, it started to loose this richness, showing more straightforward tobacco,

with the white pepper becoming more prominent. It continued to become lighter and less flavorful until

I put it down with a quarter to go. I don't know if it is just showing it's youth in this fashion, or if this

is a matter of how this was rolled.

Either way, the librarian decided to button up her blouse, put on her glasses and depart, saying

"maybe next time fella". Far from disappointed, I look forward to our next meeting.

[mailman]

i handed out a few of these when i was back stage w/ some rock stars, they absolutely loved them.

[El Presidente]

Nice review Colt :-)

It is exceedingly frustrating when a cigar "shuts down". If one more is the same it is an age issue. Unfortunately, you put them away for a year or so and they are more balanced...but often you lose that richness and "zing" you get from young cigars.

Dry box the next for a few days and see if it makes a difference. Sounds like a cracker of a cigar if you can manage to hold onto the first half profile.

[toasterhead]

Colt,

I had always heard how great these were and I was sort of disappointed with a 2005 box until this year (when I wiped them out)! At first they were harsh and I couldn't figure out what the big deal was but time sure made them come around. Definitely a sweet chocolate profile. I look forward to future reports.

Dave

[1f1fan]

I have some 01's that are fantastic, great cigar. :-D

[wp2]

With cold weather here, I tend to smoke smaller ring gage cigars & these are one of my favorites! My '04 are very nice now.