r3db4r0n
BoM Jan '11
Ill say that there is something unique about reviewing a cigar that was rolled in the days during which my grandparents were still in their adolescence, or perhaps even younger. Since I took up cigar smoking, Ive often found myself pondering what it was like when they sat out to enjoy a morning cigarette, or possibly even a cigar. Naturally after some gestation I began mentally placing myself in such scenarios, wondering what it would be like to sit outside a cafe with an espresso and a period cigar. Unfortunately Ive not a time machine nor a cafe on hand which to sit outside of, although, thanks to Chris (Ctaylor), I do have a 1930s Van Dyck to put fire to.
As with most well aged cigars, this Van Dyck came packaged in cellophane that has become quite yellow with age, interestingly the band is affixed overtop of the cellophane rather than on the body. The cigar itself is a boxed pressed figurado that appears to measure 4 7/8 x 40 making it a tad on the small side, nonetheless it appears to come from good stock. The construction is outstanding, the seams themselves are nearly invisible and the filler exudes the spongy quality of a well packed cigar. Moving to examine the wrapper Im only further impressed; Coloured a rich caramel brown and adorned with plume, the veins are almost non-existent and there appears to be no sign blemishes or watermarks.
Pre-Light: Rolling the head of the cigar over my tongue, it quickly moistens
enough for a clean cut void of flaking or crushing, a good sign for a cigar this old. The draw is smooth, carrying notes of sweet grass along with hints of mild tobacco; The body and foot produce fragrances of cedar, mild tobacco and faint barnyard grasses.
The Light: Time to put fire to a piece of history. As I expected the this piece of antiquity cherries and lights quickly due to its age, although the flavours present immediately on the light are both surprising and stronger than I had expected. A meld of sweet floral notes and spice yes, spice immediately permeate the pallet.
The First Third: This cigar enters the first third with surprising speed, needing little more than 5 minutes to burn through the better part of an inch, the experience however leaves me astounded. Grassy-Sweet floral nuances wash over the palate with a hint of spice and toasty-leather touch that lingers thereafter. The retro-hale presents wonderful contrast to the draw; Taking in the expelled smoke, I sense sweet cedar fragrances predominantly which are followed toasted almond. Even the ambient burn carries a bouquet of sweet cedar, floral notes and almond. The burn itself only adds to this masterpiece in motion, having remained razor sharp and free of issues it even held ash for solid inch and a half before dropping.
Second Third: For the most part this Van Dyck appears to be maintaining consistency, keeping largely in check with the first third, however it has become somewhat darker. Grassy-floral notes are still abundant, however cedar is now also present, complimented by toasty almond - a nuance detectable on the finish in the first, though it remained veiled until now. The retro-hale is no more complex now than before, however, it is heavier having dropped the sweet cedar, leaving behind only heavy nuances of toasted almond. The burn maintains excellent form and progresses without a single hindrance, though, it only carries roughly three quarter inches of ash before dropping.
Final Third: Coming into the home stretch, this oldie keeps pace with any of todays premium sticks as it appears to be making a strong finish. Any trace of previously present floral or cedar nuances have dropped away from the draw, giving the heavy almond sole stake over the flavour profile along with just a hint of leather on the finish. The retro-hale offers little transmogrification from the previous third having actually become somewhat lighter on the finish and the ambient burn is consistent as it has been throughout. The draw is outstanding remaining so cool that I was able to nub this down to the last half inch without any aids, additionally, the burn continued hazard free through to the finish, although it dropped ash in quarter inch segments before going out.
Final thoughts: This little stick of aged tobacco was truly a wonderful example of how intriguing and magnificent the world of cigars really is, even after 70+ years Im dumbfounded as to how well this cigar has held on to such a wonderful flavours and fragrances throughout the decades. I would absolutely recommend this smoke as a definite must try to anyone who enjoys vintage cigars, or for that matter any person that can get their hands on one!
Total smoking time was about 40 minutes.
Cheers,
Shawn
As with most well aged cigars, this Van Dyck came packaged in cellophane that has become quite yellow with age, interestingly the band is affixed overtop of the cellophane rather than on the body. The cigar itself is a boxed pressed figurado that appears to measure 4 7/8 x 40 making it a tad on the small side, nonetheless it appears to come from good stock. The construction is outstanding, the seams themselves are nearly invisible and the filler exudes the spongy quality of a well packed cigar. Moving to examine the wrapper Im only further impressed; Coloured a rich caramel brown and adorned with plume, the veins are almost non-existent and there appears to be no sign blemishes or watermarks.
Pre-Light: Rolling the head of the cigar over my tongue, it quickly moistens
enough for a clean cut void of flaking or crushing, a good sign for a cigar this old. The draw is smooth, carrying notes of sweet grass along with hints of mild tobacco; The body and foot produce fragrances of cedar, mild tobacco and faint barnyard grasses.
The Light: Time to put fire to a piece of history. As I expected the this piece of antiquity cherries and lights quickly due to its age, although the flavours present immediately on the light are both surprising and stronger than I had expected. A meld of sweet floral notes and spice yes, spice immediately permeate the pallet.
The First Third: This cigar enters the first third with surprising speed, needing little more than 5 minutes to burn through the better part of an inch, the experience however leaves me astounded. Grassy-Sweet floral nuances wash over the palate with a hint of spice and toasty-leather touch that lingers thereafter. The retro-hale presents wonderful contrast to the draw; Taking in the expelled smoke, I sense sweet cedar fragrances predominantly which are followed toasted almond. Even the ambient burn carries a bouquet of sweet cedar, floral notes and almond. The burn itself only adds to this masterpiece in motion, having remained razor sharp and free of issues it even held ash for solid inch and a half before dropping.
Second Third: For the most part this Van Dyck appears to be maintaining consistency, keeping largely in check with the first third, however it has become somewhat darker. Grassy-floral notes are still abundant, however cedar is now also present, complimented by toasty almond - a nuance detectable on the finish in the first, though it remained veiled until now. The retro-hale is no more complex now than before, however, it is heavier having dropped the sweet cedar, leaving behind only heavy nuances of toasted almond. The burn maintains excellent form and progresses without a single hindrance, though, it only carries roughly three quarter inches of ash before dropping.
Final Third: Coming into the home stretch, this oldie keeps pace with any of todays premium sticks as it appears to be making a strong finish. Any trace of previously present floral or cedar nuances have dropped away from the draw, giving the heavy almond sole stake over the flavour profile along with just a hint of leather on the finish. The retro-hale offers little transmogrification from the previous third having actually become somewhat lighter on the finish and the ambient burn is consistent as it has been throughout. The draw is outstanding remaining so cool that I was able to nub this down to the last half inch without any aids, additionally, the burn continued hazard free through to the finish, although it dropped ash in quarter inch segments before going out.
Final thoughts: This little stick of aged tobacco was truly a wonderful example of how intriguing and magnificent the world of cigars really is, even after 70+ years Im dumbfounded as to how well this cigar has held on to such a wonderful flavours and fragrances throughout the decades. I would absolutely recommend this smoke as a definite must try to anyone who enjoys vintage cigars, or for that matter any person that can get their hands on one!
Total smoking time was about 40 minutes.
Cheers,
Shawn
