danthebugman
BoM Nov '10
This is the second 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.
The Colorado version of the Holy Lance is a beautiful cigar featuring an oily, mottled reddish/brown colored wrapper. There are a few small veins present and the seams are tight, almost invisible. Has a harder feel to it when pressed between the fingers compared to the Candela. Looks well packed, finished with a neat triple cap featuring a fan tail. The cigar puts off a rich, slightly salty, slightly earthy tobacco aroma.
The cap cuts easily and again reveals a perfect draw. The cold draw contains flavors of rich, slightly peppery tobacco.
The cigar toasts and lights easily. Initial flavors are a burst of pepper with a slight leather and meatiness to it. Straight burn, medium-light gray ash, and great smoke output.
Second inch brings thick clouds of smoke with flavors of rich tobacco, spice and a bready flavor on the retro hale. Burn continues straight and ash holds in 1/2-3/4 clumps.
The third inch continues much the same as before. The burn remains straight with an occasional hiccup, but quickly catches up.
The cigar went out in the fourth inch while I was walking around inspecting some things in the yard. Upon relighting I was met with a much sweeter spice on the retro hale, but the bready flavor wasnt as strong. The rich, peppery, meaty tobacco flavor remained though.
Toward the end of the fifth inch I was picking up some egg-like off flavors (I smoked a few others and did not experience this). I wasn't able to get rid of them by purging so I ended up ditching this one in the ash tray which was a pity as I really like 'em.
Dan
Part 1: HL Candela
Part 3: HL Maduro
The Colorado version of the Holy Lance is a beautiful cigar featuring an oily, mottled reddish/brown colored wrapper. There are a few small veins present and the seams are tight, almost invisible. Has a harder feel to it when pressed between the fingers compared to the Candela. Looks well packed, finished with a neat triple cap featuring a fan tail. The cigar puts off a rich, slightly salty, slightly earthy tobacco aroma.
The cap cuts easily and again reveals a perfect draw. The cold draw contains flavors of rich, slightly peppery tobacco.
The cigar toasts and lights easily. Initial flavors are a burst of pepper with a slight leather and meatiness to it. Straight burn, medium-light gray ash, and great smoke output.
Second inch brings thick clouds of smoke with flavors of rich tobacco, spice and a bready flavor on the retro hale. Burn continues straight and ash holds in 1/2-3/4 clumps.
The third inch continues much the same as before. The burn remains straight with an occasional hiccup, but quickly catches up.
The cigar went out in the fourth inch while I was walking around inspecting some things in the yard. Upon relighting I was met with a much sweeter spice on the retro hale, but the bready flavor wasnt as strong. The rich, peppery, meaty tobacco flavor remained though.
Toward the end of the fifth inch I was picking up some egg-like off flavors (I smoked a few others and did not experience this). I wasn't able to get rid of them by purging so I ended up ditching this one in the ash tray which was a pity as I really like 'em.
Dan
Part 1: HL Candela
Part 3: HL Maduro
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