cuaba pyramide LE 2008

[Ken Gargett]

Rob and I knocked off a few of these a week or so before our first video review. I lost the notes but they re-appeared and I promised Rob I'd post. Apols but I do not have a code.

Lovely appearance, though not nearly as dark as the one from Havana earlier in the year. Lovely gentle evocative aroma while cold.

Opened with spice, nuts fruitcake. Tight draw (then some words I can't read but which appear positive). A most un-Cuaba cigar (and that is a massive positive).

Only real problem was that this one was seriously tight. Others smoking at the same time did not find this a problem and the one from video day was fine, although it was necessary to wind Rob up just a little.

Overall, those flavours dominated throughout and the cigar did evolve. Lots of potential. This one would have been better if not so tight but very promising and surely the best Cuaba ever (though I have not tried the Millennium release which is very highly regarded). 90.

Raises the question, we touched on it in the video, of what the hell went wrong with Cuaba? What are they trying to achieve and why do they get it so badly wrong so often? A shame when one considers that they can release something this good under that name.

[shrink]

I've only sampled one, but I agree that this is the best Cuaba I've ever smoked. Lots of rich, dark spices; with a molasses-like finish. The only thing missing for me was complexity. Maybe some time will bring out the hidden treasures; we'll see. But I agree with the 90 rating.

[Ken Gargett]

I've only sampled one, but I agree that this is the best Cuaba I've ever smoked. Lots of rich, dark spices; with a molasses-like finish. The only thing missing for me was complexity. Maybe some time will bring out the hidden treasures; we'll see. But I agree with the 90 rating.

the complexity issue is an interesting one and we have discussed it at length. the general consensus seems to be that for young cigars, such as this, it is really difficult for them to exhibit complexity. i sometimes feel that a good young cigar will show what i think of as 'early complexity' which i guess is another way for saying has everything in place to move to the next stage or perhaps is showing just a little hint of complexity. i do think that true complexity probably is partly a function of age.

it would be interesting for any other thoughts on it to be posted.

[Ken Gargett]

Knew that I had notes to at least two of those Cuaba LE 08 Pyramides. The second one I enjoyed even more, for what it is worth. They look great, though a bit of a wrinkly old thing. Cold, a spicy, old leather note. From memory, I smoked it with Rob immediately after the first one or within a day or two. Both came from Rob – much ta – so I am assuming same box code.

This one leapt straight into the creamy caramel thing. It was dense and full flavoured. A stubby cone and a more even burn.

Loving these and I think anyone with a box of these in the 'dor will be more than rewarded, whether they smoke them young or old. This time, the caramel faded a little mid way but was replaced by spices, cloves and pepper. Finished powerfully and moved into the old leather, earth and nuts phase.

Terrific smoke and this one I happily gave 92 points to it. Seriously good future.

[shrink]

Ken, I agree that young cigars don't exhibit "complexity" in the way that we might appreciate it in aged smokes. What I should have written is "nascent complexity" or even "potential complexity". In younger cigars, this potential is often demonstrated by disharmonious elements in the flavor profile, often including bitter or citrus notes. Rob often refers to a "mongrel" quality that he believes bodes well for future development. Potentially complex cigars will tend to show elements from different parts of the "flavor wheel". A trained palate can also identify different places in the mouth and nasal membranes which respond to aspects of the smoke differently; for example, I sampled a young Partagas Corona that was sweet on the front of the tongue, sour on the sides of the tongue, spicy on the back of the tongue and mouth, and peppery on the lips and in the nose when exhaled. I would say that this cigar would develop a real complexity as it matures.

[Ken Gargett]

Ken, I agree that young cigars don't exhibit "complexity" in the way that we might appreciate it in aged smokes. What I should have written is "nascent complexity" or even "potential complexity". In younger cigars, this potential is often demonstrated by disharmonious elements in the flavor profile, often including bitter or citrus notes. Rob often refers to a "mongrel" quality that he believes bodes well for future development. Potentially complex cigars will tend to show elements from different parts of the "flavor wheel". A trained palate can also identify different places in the mouth and nasal membranes which respond to aspects of the smoke differently; for example, I sampled a young Partagas Corona that was sweet on the front of the tongue, sour on the sides of the tongue, spicy on the back of the tongue and mouth, and peppery on the lips and in the nose when exhaled. I would say that this cigar would develop a real complexity as it matures.

agreed - i think what you are talking about is exactly what i am trying to get at with 'early complexity'.