Alec Bradley Family Blend VR1
The Specs
Manufactured: Honduras
Length/Gauge 5.0 x 50 Robusto
Wrapper/Filler: Honduran wrapper with Dominican & Honduran long leaf filler
Price- $6.50/stick
This stick was originally made exclusively for the top executives and came only in Roubusto size. There are several versions of this stick, now in various sizes; this review is for the original VR1 in the original size, Robusto.
Appearance
Gorgeous very dark brown wrapper with a silky look and feel. Several good size veins, but nothing Im overly concerned with.
Grade: B
Flavor
Pre-light draw is deep, rich aged tobacco flavor with just a hint of spice.
Stick lit quickly, tons of thick smoke. That rich tobacco flavor is upfront, and then fades to a black pepper on the finish. More of warmth, than a punch of pepper, but its definitely got some spice. Solid medium to full right now.
The deep, rich meaty flavors continue; burn after the first inch is a little wonky and had to touch it up a bit. Flavors are consistent though and I would say a solid medium strength.
Unfortunately, I got about half way through and had to fully relight twice already. Still same meaty flavors, but burn is very inconsistent. When burning well, great flavors and tons of smoke, but I was fighting it all the way
Grade:B+
Construction
The stick felt well packed, and seems heavy in the hand. Visible seams but no soft spots, or issues with the construction that I can determine. Nice looking triple cap with a little tail. Several issues with the burn as Ive stated.
Grade: C-
Value
For the price, the flavor profile is well worth it, however for $6+ I think the burn should be much more consistent.
Grade: C-
Final Thoughts
Loved the rich, meaty flavors when it was burning well. Ill definitely try again with the Family Blends.
Final Overall Grade:C
The Specs
Manufactured: Honduras
Length/Gauge 5.0 x 50 Robusto
Wrapper/Filler: Honduran wrapper with Dominican & Honduran long leaf filler
Price- $6.50/stick
This stick was originally made exclusively for the top executives and came only in Roubusto size. There are several versions of this stick, now in various sizes; this review is for the original VR1 in the original size, Robusto.
Appearance
Gorgeous very dark brown wrapper with a silky look and feel. Several good size veins, but nothing Im overly concerned with.
Grade: B
Flavor
Pre-light draw is deep, rich aged tobacco flavor with just a hint of spice.
Stick lit quickly, tons of thick smoke. That rich tobacco flavor is upfront, and then fades to a black pepper on the finish. More of warmth, than a punch of pepper, but its definitely got some spice. Solid medium to full right now.
The deep, rich meaty flavors continue; burn after the first inch is a little wonky and had to touch it up a bit. Flavors are consistent though and I would say a solid medium strength.
Unfortunately, I got about half way through and had to fully relight twice already. Still same meaty flavors, but burn is very inconsistent. When burning well, great flavors and tons of smoke, but I was fighting it all the way
Grade:B+
Construction
The stick felt well packed, and seems heavy in the hand. Visible seams but no soft spots, or issues with the construction that I can determine. Nice looking triple cap with a little tail. Several issues with the burn as Ive stated.
Grade: C-
Value
For the price, the flavor profile is well worth it, however for $6+ I think the burn should be much more consistent.
Grade: C-
Final Thoughts
Loved the rich, meaty flavors when it was burning well. Ill definitely try again with the Family Blends.
Final Overall Grade:C
