danthebugman
BoM Nov '10
This is the first in a 3 part series of reviews that I started because I wanted to see for myself exactly how wrapper affects the flavor of a cigar. In order to do this kind of thing one needs to have a cigar of the same vitola, same blend of filler, same binder, but different wrapper. There area a few that come to mind, but the one I decided to concentrate on was the Illusione Holy Lance. Not only is it available in 3 distinctly different wrappers, but the Lancero shape really lets the flavor of the wrapper influence the cigar.
To start this series off I decided to go with the Candela. Candela wrapped cigars are not as popular today as they once were. From the 1950's through the 1970's the Candela wrapper was so popular in this country that it was termed the "American Market Selection", but today you're more likely to see them gracing a cigar you got from the local gas station or low quality bulk cigar retailers than you are on a premium hand rolled at your local B&M. But this is changing with a few companies like Illusione and Arturo Fuente putting out high quality blends featuring the Hulky green wrappers. The process of making a Candela wrapper is interesting and I thought you might find the following article from CA informative:
The Holy Lance Candela (HLC) measures 7.5 x 40 and features a pale to Kermit green color, depending on the light in which you’re viewing it. It has a soft, slightly velvety feel…very much akin to a good quality Connecticut wrapper. There are a few small veins present and tight, nearly invisible seams. There is a slight give when pressed between the fingers, but still feels well packed. Nice looking triple cap finished with a fan tail. The cigar emits a slightly sweet, aged hay aroma with occasional hints of cantaloupe.
The cap cut easily and reveals a perfect draw. This is not a minor concern to me and if you’ve read some of my reviews or comments on Lanceros you’ll know why. The cold draw features flavors of light, sweet hay/grass with a slight peppery feeling in the back of my throat.
The cigar toasted and took off without much instigation. I was immediately greeted by a great deal of pepper, more than I had expected. Beneath this peppery assault on my senses loomed a sweet hay/grassy flavor. The burn started a little funky, but soon caught up and was sharp. Great smoke output.
The second inch was much the same as the first except the pepper began dropping off in intensity and the flavors became creamier overall.
By the third inch, the pepper has died completely away leaving a woody/grassy profile. The burn is slightly temperamental and needs some babysitting to keep it straight. The ash has been a little flowery also.
Now four inches into the cigar and past the half way point. Main flavors are very woody...like going to Lowe’s and licking a piece of hardwood. The burn and ash consistency have improved though.
The fifth inch is much the same as the fourth. The very woody profile continues and there is a stark absence of anything else to break up or add to it. I put it down shortly after this point. The taste profile wasn’t really doing it for me.
Dan
Part 2: HL Colorado
Part 3: HL Maduro
To start this series off I decided to go with the Candela. Candela wrapped cigars are not as popular today as they once were. From the 1950's through the 1970's the Candela wrapper was so popular in this country that it was termed the "American Market Selection", but today you're more likely to see them gracing a cigar you got from the local gas station or low quality bulk cigar retailers than you are on a premium hand rolled at your local B&M. But this is changing with a few companies like Illusione and Arturo Fuente putting out high quality blends featuring the Hulky green wrappers. The process of making a Candela wrapper is interesting and I thought you might find the following article from CA informative:
Now that you have a better appreciation for green wrappers let's begin...
The Holy Lance Candela (HLC) measures 7.5 x 40 and features a pale to Kermit green color, depending on the light in which you’re viewing it. It has a soft, slightly velvety feel…very much akin to a good quality Connecticut wrapper. There are a few small veins present and tight, nearly invisible seams. There is a slight give when pressed between the fingers, but still feels well packed. Nice looking triple cap finished with a fan tail. The cigar emits a slightly sweet, aged hay aroma with occasional hints of cantaloupe.
The cap cut easily and reveals a perfect draw. This is not a minor concern to me and if you’ve read some of my reviews or comments on Lanceros you’ll know why. The cold draw features flavors of light, sweet hay/grass with a slight peppery feeling in the back of my throat.
The cigar toasted and took off without much instigation. I was immediately greeted by a great deal of pepper, more than I had expected. Beneath this peppery assault on my senses loomed a sweet hay/grassy flavor. The burn started a little funky, but soon caught up and was sharp. Great smoke output.
The second inch was much the same as the first except the pepper began dropping off in intensity and the flavors became creamier overall.
By the third inch, the pepper has died completely away leaving a woody/grassy profile. The burn is slightly temperamental and needs some babysitting to keep it straight. The ash has been a little flowery also.
Now four inches into the cigar and past the half way point. Main flavors are very woody...like going to Lowe’s and licking a piece of hardwood. The burn and ash consistency have improved though.
The fifth inch is much the same as the fourth. The very woody profile continues and there is a stark absence of anything else to break up or add to it. I put it down shortly after this point. The taste profile wasn’t really doing it for me.
Dan
Part 2: HL Colorado
Part 3: HL Maduro
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