blessednxs65
Is it Nicaraguan
So as I sit here i my garage staring out at the neighbor's fence I opted for this stick over an LP No. 9 for no other reason than I've never had one before.
I am pairing this with water since it is my first time as I want to judge it on it's own merit.
I remove it from the cello and inspect a nicely rolled stick with nary a blemish. Light on the oils but plenty of nostril-pleasing aromas.
I clip the head with my trust Palio and the pre-light draw is a bit loose; not so much that I'd not want to smoke it, just loose.
The initial flavors are somewhat bread-like with just a hint of spice. Not the typical Pepin spice though.
I toast the foot and I mean this thing is smoke ready in no time.
First impression... Not bad. I am picking up a bit more spice but the finish is somewhat harsh.
More to follow as I smoke.
Just about nearing the end of the first third and so far, I am not impressed. A harshness to the dense smoke coming from this stick with little to no complexity; just leather and a muted cashews taste in the undertone.
Again, not a bad smoke, just one that is not ready for prime time yet. I am giving it the benefit of the doubt based on it being young, it is one that I hope benefits from some time with its brethren in the humi.
Again...more to follow.
Ok, maybe the ash needed to fall off in order for complexity to show up. I am picking up some dried fruit (Black Cherries) along with the leather, especially through the nose. I am now almost certain that age is going to be kind to this varietal.
I'm at the halfway point now and the stick well, it's just a stick and it is losing its luster again. Not quite as harsh, not quite a "Brown Label" either. Perhaps the comparison is unfair.
Plenty of smoke and the occasional "wow" moment so I'll plow on.
More to follow...
A PURGE TURNS THE TIDE
So the stick goes out and I purge it and the effect at least at this point, is magical.
I am picking up raisins and apricots and zero, you read it right, zero harshness. And man, the spice is on full display.
Purging is your friend!
The cigar gods are smiling on me now. The rain has ceased and I am blissfully happy.
This has turned into a "hate/love" relationship. While I am going to let the remaining four rest a bit (I'll revisit in three and six months respectively) I think I am going to be pleased. I just hope by that time Abe still has some on the shelf.
Damn, I go to stand up and this sneaky bastid snuck up on me and no, it was not the Single Malt from earlier, I have a nicotine buzz. What the Hell!
Well, after a second purge the flavors are only getting better. I mean damn, now I am tasting molasses and honey. Sweet mother of cigars. This is getting to be a really good smoke!
Well, down to the nub and all is well. Some coffee and nougat flavors showed up near the end.
Final thoughts:
Good but not great. Fine aging potential. Worthy of a fiver? Yes indeed.
Thanks for putting up with the ramblings of an old man.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I am pairing this with water since it is my first time as I want to judge it on it's own merit.
I remove it from the cello and inspect a nicely rolled stick with nary a blemish. Light on the oils but plenty of nostril-pleasing aromas.
I clip the head with my trust Palio and the pre-light draw is a bit loose; not so much that I'd not want to smoke it, just loose.
The initial flavors are somewhat bread-like with just a hint of spice. Not the typical Pepin spice though.
I toast the foot and I mean this thing is smoke ready in no time.
First impression... Not bad. I am picking up a bit more spice but the finish is somewhat harsh.
More to follow as I smoke.
Just about nearing the end of the first third and so far, I am not impressed. A harshness to the dense smoke coming from this stick with little to no complexity; just leather and a muted cashews taste in the undertone.
Again, not a bad smoke, just one that is not ready for prime time yet. I am giving it the benefit of the doubt based on it being young, it is one that I hope benefits from some time with its brethren in the humi.
Again...more to follow.
Ok, maybe the ash needed to fall off in order for complexity to show up. I am picking up some dried fruit (Black Cherries) along with the leather, especially through the nose. I am now almost certain that age is going to be kind to this varietal.
I'm at the halfway point now and the stick well, it's just a stick and it is losing its luster again. Not quite as harsh, not quite a "Brown Label" either. Perhaps the comparison is unfair.
Plenty of smoke and the occasional "wow" moment so I'll plow on.
More to follow...
A PURGE TURNS THE TIDE
So the stick goes out and I purge it and the effect at least at this point, is magical.
I am picking up raisins and apricots and zero, you read it right, zero harshness. And man, the spice is on full display.
Purging is your friend!
The cigar gods are smiling on me now. The rain has ceased and I am blissfully happy.
This has turned into a "hate/love" relationship. While I am going to let the remaining four rest a bit (I'll revisit in three and six months respectively) I think I am going to be pleased. I just hope by that time Abe still has some on the shelf.
Damn, I go to stand up and this sneaky bastid snuck up on me and no, it was not the Single Malt from earlier, I have a nicotine buzz. What the Hell!
Well, after a second purge the flavors are only getting better. I mean damn, now I am tasting molasses and honey. Sweet mother of cigars. This is getting to be a really good smoke!
Well, down to the nub and all is well. Some coffee and nougat flavors showed up near the end.
Final thoughts:
Good but not great. Fine aging potential. Worthy of a fiver? Yes indeed.
Thanks for putting up with the ramblings of an old man.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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