Review: 5 Vegas Series 'A'

[Strickland]

The 5 Vegas Series ’A’ that I smoked was the "Archetype" size (6" x 50).

It's gorgeously built, with a smooth, dark maduro wrapper, well-packed fillers and excellent construction overall. Looks great. Feels great. Smells great. During the pre-light draw I immediately felt a spicy, peppery burn on my lips.

I lit it up and POW. Pronounced leather and black pepper, laid on thick. The first half-inch tasted so strongly of leather I thought I was smoking a belt. Just past the halfway point, either it toned down a little bit or my tongue went numb (I'm not sure which) and from there it was more enjoyable. By the time I got down to the final third I was picking up subtler notes of coffee and nuts that I hadn't previously noticed.

In summary, the Series 'A' is a seductively beautiful stick that's also brutally flavorful. It cut and lit easily, burned evenly and produced clouds of thick smoke. The draw was just right. In retrospect, I should have taken more time with this one. I think I rushed it, and as a result the flavor was a little too "too" for me.

Appearance and Construction: 14/15
Flavor: 20/25
Smoking Characteristics: 22/25
Overall Impression: 29/35

Total: 85/100

 

[surfish1961]

They are rather nice, aren't they. One of my favorite maduros. Nice bang for the buck.

Very good review, BTW. Thanks.

 

[SkinsFanLarry]

Strick, thanks for the review my brother!

 

[Gokian]

Thank you for the review.

 

[megladon8]

Are they CI only? Never seen them anywhere except the catalogs.

Yes, 5 Vegas is a CI/Cigar.com brand.

I haven't had much luck with them, myself, but there are still a few of their lines I am interested in trying.

I hear that the Miami is the best of their work, and with it being a Pepin blend, that doesn't surprise me.

The 5 Vegas Gold is a serviceable but bland connecticut.

The Gold Maduro I flat-out disliked.

The AAA was okay - burned well, great construction, strong flavours, just not particularly complex.


One thing I'll say is I have never, ever had a construction issue with a 5 Vegas stick. Their quality control is top notch, and at their price point that's pretty amazing.

 

[dpricenator]

The A is the only one worth smoking for me. Nice review.

 

[Bigdankcloud]

Have a box of the same size, and I'm not so happy with them. Alot of the ones I've got have wrapper issues once i take the cedar off and have muddled charcoal flavors. The good ones i have dont have too much complexity, but are still a good maduro flavor. I'd buy a 5 pack or two again but maybe not a box.

 

[traveller]

Megladon I would definitely agree that the 5 vegas gold is completely bland. I also had a 5 Vegas 'A' the other day and found it to be alright.

 

[cmhicksusmc]

You sound like Emeril POW!

 

[L8A]

Thanks for the review!

 

[Dave]

Used to enjoy these in all sizes.

Now, none do it for me anymore...EXCEPT the Anomaly (PC). This is an entirely different cigar than any of the other sizes. ALWAYS satisfying and always <$2/per on CBID. Rich, deep sweet and spicy - Anomaly has perfect balance and solid construction.

 

[Mr.Erskine]

I had a bit of apprehension the first time I tried one of these, but I was VERY pleasantly surprised. Like you, I should have taken more time, I smoked while playing pool with a friend.

Thanks for the review