danthebugman
BoM Nov '10
Size: 5 x 50
Wrapper: Mexican San Andreas Maduro
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Price: $4-5
Intro: The La Reloba line was released back in 2010. Initially it featured a Sumatra and Habano wrapped cigar with Nicaraguan filler/binder. The Seleccion Mexico came out more recently and features a Mexican San Andreas wrapper. The Mexican Maduro wrapper is becoming more popular being featured on the likes of the Padron Anni, LADC Mi Amor, and Nica Libre to name a few. I, for one, am all for it.
Prelight: Pulling the cigar from the cello I was greeted with a musty barnyard aroma. The wrapper is an medium brown color. A few small veins, but nothing major. There was more of a matte rather than oily look to the wrapper. The cigar has some weight to it and was rock hard when pinched. Clipped the cap with the Palio and it revealed a draw that was spot on. Cold draw flavors were an earthy/cedary mixture. Put the Ronson to work on the foot and away we go...
First Third: The first third started off with a suprisingly mild pepper assault. Mild in comparisson to some other Pepin offerings, but built some and was mostly present towards the back of the mouth. It tappered down after the first inch. Other flavors were a very earthy, slightly sweet and cedary. The burn line was straight and the ash fell in approximately 1/4-1/2" clumps.
Second Third: Much the same as the first third. The flavors remained unchanged. The burn continued unwavering. I had to leave it for a while to help the wife unload the car upon returning from the mall...since we found out we're having a girl she's been doing a lot of shopping, I hate to imagine the damage the two of them will do once she's born and gets a little older. Anyway, when I got back it was trying to burn out. Managed to get it going again, but soon it was dying out again so I succomed to the wishes of the cigar gods and pitched it in the Stinky.
Last Third: Didn't get there.
Final Thoughts: Construction and burn were great. Flavors left me a little wanting, I had anticipated a wee bit more complexity. It wasn't bad by any means, just not great. Probably not one I'll keep a steady supply of in my humidor, but I'd smoke another one if it came my way.
Dan
