danthebugman
BoM Nov '10
Size: 6" x 54
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade
Binder: Nicaraguan Pelo de Oro
Filler: Nicaraguan (Cuban Seed)
Price: ~ $7.00
Intro: In the last few years some manufacturers have set out to change people's perceptions of what a Connecticut wrapped cigar could be. When I was getting into cigars I tried a number of Connecticuts and found them wanting. It was kind of like eating salad when you really wanted steak. Sure the salad wasn't bad, but it doesn't satisfy like steak does. My Father Cigars started doing Connecticut and the world hasn't been the same since. At least mine. In a cigar related capacity. This cigar features the same blend as their original Jaime Garcia Reserva, but subs the Broadleaf for a Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper. I personally think it's a very good match.
Prelight: This cigar is firm and hefty in the hand. No soft spots, no blemishes, though there are just a few small bumps and veins in the wrapper. The wrapper is a uniform tan color with a nice sheen to it. The cigar is giving off a nutty, peppery aroma which promptly caused me to sneeze violently. Cap clipped easily, though there was a small twig of tobacco that needed an extra wack from the Palio. Yielded up a wonderful mixture of pepper with a hint of warm honey. Flicked open the Ronson and got to work on bringing this cigar to life. Didn't take long and produced a nice even start.
First Third: The first few puffs had a mily grassy note to them with a nice peppery finish. The grassy note quickly morphed into a nutty flavor with some sweetness to it...almost graham cracker, but a little more honey I think. At any rate it's freaking good. Burn was perfect through the first third. Ash can hold for days on this cigar, which is no small feat considering I was mowing the yard and it was getting bounced around quite a bit. Toward the end of the first third the flavors transitioned into a more woody/nutty duo with the pepper falling to the background.
Second Third: Into the second third the pepper was more noticable via retrohaling than on the draw itself. The woody flavor duked it out with the nuttiness and there was a creaminess to the smoke. Burn still great. Ash still holding well. Putting out smoke like a freight train.
Last Third: Chugging right along toward the finish line. The flavors remained much the same, though perhaps a little muddled. The cigar was getting a little warm toward the end, but it's probably my fault. I have a tendency to really smoke these on the quick side. Can't help it, they're that good. Still I was able, with a little patience, to take this down to a nubbin' with no problems.
Final Thoughts: Having smoked something like a couple boxes of these (between these and the Petite Robusto) I gotta say they're one of my favorite cigars. The quality of construction and flavors never fail. I would highly recommend them to anyone. My only gripe with this cigar is the size and that's only because they're a little uncomfortable to clench while mowing. The Petite Robusto size is a little more comfortable in the mouth.
Dan
