I took a trip to Lit Cigar Lounge to smoke this cigar blended by Rick Rodriguez of General Cigar that was sent to me to give a try. I was glad to finally give this one a smoke and see the flavors it had packed in it! It utilizes Rick’s beloved Connecticut broadleaf in a different way than the last two of his I’ve reviewed; instead of having it as the wrapper he uses it as the binder. I would learn what he had in store with this blend as I smoked through it as you’ll find out below!
The Cigar
- Origin – Honduras
- Wrapper – Olancho San Agustin
- Binder – Connecticut Broadleaf
- Filler – Honduran, Nicaraguan
- Vitola – Toro
- Size – 6.0 x 54
- Strength – Medium
Source: CigarsDaily
Cold Draw/First Draw
I took a cold draw before lighting and I was immediately hit with some very sweet and juicy flavors, most likely from the Connecticut broadleaf binder. Then I lit it up and took that first draw and I got tastes of Chocolate and spice that were enjoyable.
First Third 1.75/2
For this first third the flavors changed to an earthy and almost a wooden taste. I lost the chocolate but eventually got flavors of pepper and a nut taste, possibly what I’d identify as hazelnut. It was a very enjoyable start, but it didn’t exactly make my taste buds dance too much.
Middle Third 1.9/2
That’s where this part began to confuse me, normally you enjoy the beginning and you like it a little less as you go along, but for me it began to get better the further down I got in the cigar.
I started to get tastes of nutmeg as this section started, and those earthy flavors I had before began to soften up.
The pepper/spicey taste began to give way and relax as well and help to just create an overall very smooth smoke.
End of Cigar 2/2
Oh boy did it get even better! I wish I could give this section some bonus points because this was one of the best finishes to a cigar that I’ve tasted. I began to get notes I’d have to describe as dark earthy, a good darkness that wasn’t bitter, but instead matching the softness of the draw and experience I had in this section. The pepper note I had in the middle also went away. This isn’t to say I don’t enjoy a good bit of pepper on my palette, but it took a backseat and let me experience others, which is why it softening was good for me.
Overall Thoughts
I had a great time smoking this cigar, the transition of flavors and overall smoke experience I had was surprising, but really made me love this cigar. The burn continued evenly and I never needed to relight the cigar. I smoked this one down to the nub too! That isn’t a common experience for me so that goes to show how good this cigar gets towards the end. It is definitely one that I would pick up again, (actually smoked another the next day), and I eagerly await buying some more. I would recommend giving this a try to figure out if you’re able to have this same journey that I did with this cigar. When you do, be sure to let me know what you think!
Ratings:
1/1 Pre-light
1/1 Construction/Apprearance
1/1 Overall Lighting/Burn Process
5.65/6 Smoking Experience
1/1 Personal Enjoyment/Value
9.65/10 Overall
~ Connor Coles
Beforetheash 