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BoM Jan '11
LG Lancero Review
Having received this unreleased stick from a rep at a recent LFD event, I decided I would be better off saving it until after I'd returned home for a review instead of just turning it to smoke and ash. As it would turn out, that wait went several weeks longer than I had originally anticipated, though according to the rep, LFD fans will still have to wait another month or two before they can get their hands on boxes.
The size looks to be 7 ½ x 38, though I can't be sure. I've no idea of the wrapper used for this particular vitola, so I wont go ahead and make any assumptions, but it is a rich, light caramel colour. There appears to be no stand out imperfections and only one mediocre vein running the length of the body, however, the pack does feel unusually soft or “fresh” specifically in the middle – I hope this won't be a hindrance.
Pre-light: Freshly removed from the cello, the body displays fragrances of cedar, earth and raisins, while the foot display similar nuances with the addition of white pepper. The cap gives way after one clean swipe from the blades of my drew estate cutter, despite the triple cap having been finished with a small pigs tail or “nipple”. The draw is more mild than I'd expected, continuing to display notes of cedar, raisins and spice.
Light: The smoke from the light is thick, creamy and sweet, almost vanilla like, though laden with spice. The ambient burn is VERY floral, though consisting mostly of the same vanilla notes shared with the draw.
First Third: 25 minutes in and the smoke output is incredible for a lancero! The draw is largely the same, though, the vanilla has become more prominent, with undertones of almond now present and spice following on the finish. The expelled smoke is quite heavy for the first third, giving off fragrances of leather almond and oak. The burn is relatively even, surprising given how soft the pack was on initial inspection and the ash continually drops in neatly conformed three quarter inch pieces.
Second Third: 45 minutes in and still no real change in the flavour profile, the spice has become more dominant however and the consistency is fantastic. Taking more smoke through the nose, almond, oak and leather are plentiful. Smoke from the ambient burn is wonderful, still bringing forth notes of spice and perhaps now a hint of cinnamon. The burn also keeps to its even tendencies, while the ash does the same leaving three quarter to one inch segments as it gives way.
Final Third: At one hour and 15 minutes, with two and a half inches left to go, the cigar strengthens more quickly. Vanilla has died away almost entirely with almond still vaugely present, but leather has made a strong appearance towards the finish with spice still heavily in tow. The nasal retro-hale continues to display very heavy leather and earthy notes, though the almond begun to diminish. The burn is even as it has been throughout and the ash again falls away at the better part of an inch through to the nub.
Final Thoughts: While not overly complex, there is something to be said for the intriguing onset of flavors – notably vanilla coupled with spice – that come together in this stick, melded with the bright floral aroma of the ambient smoke gives off. A well balanced cigar that builds steadily through to a strong finish, this is wonderful full bodied stick that LG fans will certainly enjoy – especially if you are a fan of the Lancero.
Total smoking time was roughly an hour and a half.
Cheers,
Shawn
Having received this unreleased stick from a rep at a recent LFD event, I decided I would be better off saving it until after I'd returned home for a review instead of just turning it to smoke and ash. As it would turn out, that wait went several weeks longer than I had originally anticipated, though according to the rep, LFD fans will still have to wait another month or two before they can get their hands on boxes.
The size looks to be 7 ½ x 38, though I can't be sure. I've no idea of the wrapper used for this particular vitola, so I wont go ahead and make any assumptions, but it is a rich, light caramel colour. There appears to be no stand out imperfections and only one mediocre vein running the length of the body, however, the pack does feel unusually soft or “fresh” specifically in the middle – I hope this won't be a hindrance.
Pre-light: Freshly removed from the cello, the body displays fragrances of cedar, earth and raisins, while the foot display similar nuances with the addition of white pepper. The cap gives way after one clean swipe from the blades of my drew estate cutter, despite the triple cap having been finished with a small pigs tail or “nipple”. The draw is more mild than I'd expected, continuing to display notes of cedar, raisins and spice.
Light: The smoke from the light is thick, creamy and sweet, almost vanilla like, though laden with spice. The ambient burn is VERY floral, though consisting mostly of the same vanilla notes shared with the draw.
First Third: 25 minutes in and the smoke output is incredible for a lancero! The draw is largely the same, though, the vanilla has become more prominent, with undertones of almond now present and spice following on the finish. The expelled smoke is quite heavy for the first third, giving off fragrances of leather almond and oak. The burn is relatively even, surprising given how soft the pack was on initial inspection and the ash continually drops in neatly conformed three quarter inch pieces.
Second Third: 45 minutes in and still no real change in the flavour profile, the spice has become more dominant however and the consistency is fantastic. Taking more smoke through the nose, almond, oak and leather are plentiful. Smoke from the ambient burn is wonderful, still bringing forth notes of spice and perhaps now a hint of cinnamon. The burn also keeps to its even tendencies, while the ash does the same leaving three quarter to one inch segments as it gives way.
Final Third: At one hour and 15 minutes, with two and a half inches left to go, the cigar strengthens more quickly. Vanilla has died away almost entirely with almond still vaugely present, but leather has made a strong appearance towards the finish with spice still heavily in tow. The nasal retro-hale continues to display very heavy leather and earthy notes, though the almond begun to diminish. The burn is even as it has been throughout and the ash again falls away at the better part of an inch through to the nub.
Final Thoughts: While not overly complex, there is something to be said for the intriguing onset of flavors – notably vanilla coupled with spice – that come together in this stick, melded with the bright floral aroma of the ambient smoke gives off. A well balanced cigar that builds steadily through to a strong finish, this is wonderful full bodied stick that LG fans will certainly enjoy – especially if you are a fan of the Lancero.
Total smoking time was roughly an hour and a half.
Cheers,
Shawn
