ciggy
"TommyBoy"
FEDERAL 90th RESERVA (Limited Production)
To commemorate the 90th anniversary of Federal Cigar, of New Hampshire.
A traditional cuban size 109, 50 x 7 with a conical tip.
It is a verocu blend with a Connecticut Broadleaf Wrapper (reserva).
I was very lucky enough to get a Fiver of these at cost from a very nice brother who wish's to remail anonomous. I truely am greatfull!
I was very hesitant on lighting one of these up because I really wanted to hang onto them for awhile and let them age but the curiousity factor kicked in so I caved.
Just like the Rosado I reviewed this cigar really feels wonderfull in the hands. I love everything about this cigar with it's connie wrapper to the conical tip. I love a cigar that feels like a cigar!
I cut the cap off the head and singe to foot trying to capture the scent of the burning leaf. Then onto taking my first draws while torching it up. Once I got the foot good and going I started paying attention to what was hitting my pallet. The one thing I new and tasted was the strength of this cigar. Full in strength and loaded with Leather and some pepper I thought. Right away more different than it's Rosado counterpart. Anyways I figured I'd give it a half inch to inch to see if it settles.
After about an inch I am still bombarded with strong leather and some light creamy earth. The strength of this cigar hasn't settled at all and double checking to make sure this is a connecticut leaf. The burn starts a little off but after a quick touch up the cigar maintains a nice sharp burn. The ash is grey and not really tight or loose. The draw is perfect and the amount of smoke is nice. I keep waiting for this cigar to change in the first third or add something new but it stay's consistant with loads of leather and earth.
Kicking into the midway point on this cigar I have come to a conclusion that this cigar is not going to lighten up at all. The constant strength I feel is really overpowering any subdued flavors it might have. I don't know if it was the hype or that is was compared to some cuban flavor profile but I never got that at all on the first half. Again the flavor was just strong on the leather and the only change I noticed was a hint of saltyness. As I kept smoking away I was really waiting for something to happen with this cigar. However I was dissapointed. Even into the final stretch it burned solid in fullness and the flavor was just to much on the leatherside for me.
After about a 2hr 15min smoke I put it down. My final thought on this cigar was very much a let down for me. I thought with the Connie leaf this would right up my alley but I just didn't care for it. I don't think it's a bad cigar just not one I enjoy the taste of. The leather and dryness of it made my mouth taste like an ashtray so I needed some gum right afterwords. I am hoping my opinion will change after I let these age awhile. After smoking this one I can tell you I won't have any trouble letting that happen. Also I've had the Veruco Blends and to me this didn't have any of that flavor profile at all. I actually enjoyed the Rosado much better.
In fairness, I can't see truely rating a cigar if you've only smoked just one because we all know you can get a bad one in the bunch but first impressions say alot. For now I will just say this....Untill next time thanks for reading!!
