sawyer16v
02-07-2009, 04:09 PM
http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr327/sawyer16v/La%20Aroma%20de%20Cuba%20Edicion%20Especial%20Beli coso/IMG_3444.jpg
Filler: Nic
Binder: Nic
Wrapper: Ecuador SG
Size: 5.5x52 Belicoso
Origin: DPG factory Nicaragua, distributed by Ashton
Price: ~$8
Beverage: Water
This stick was gifted to me by my local B&M about 3 months ago and has been resting at 60% in my humi. It finished #4 in CA's Top 25 for 2008 (a list in which I do not give much value). First impression is that this is a beautiful cigar that was constructed by an expert. The wrapper is flawless with slight veins and a beautiful milk chocolate color. The band is one of the most ornate and colorful I've ever seen. The foot smells 100% of sweet cedar and the toast adds a bit of black tea to the mix. Clipped cleanly with Xikar and prelight draw is quite firm but Henry's tool will stay in the box.
First 1/3
Intial flavors of grass, cedar, and strong leather. Not too much smoke production and a very firm, light gray ash. Burn is very good. One quick touch up required at about an inch and a half.
http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr327/sawyer16v/La%20Aroma%20de%20Cuba%20Edicion%20Especial%20Beli coso/IMG_3448.jpg
Second 1/3
The cigar is burning well but too cold so I pick up the pace a little. This remedies the smoke production, the aroma is very smooth. Flavor profile is remaining constant and producing more cedar flavor than I've tasted in any other smoke in recent memory. A little spice and cinnamon is appearing.
http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr327/sawyer16v/La%20Aroma%20de%20Cuba%20Edicion%20Especial%20Beli coso/IMG_3452.jpg
Last 1/3
The finish has been medium and dry throughout and definitely medium bodied to me. I really like the aroma of this cigar. I get a slight acrid taste about 2 inches to go and I really want to nub this baby so a cautious purge is performed. Only takes once to learn about burning your eyebrows! :ss
Luckily the purge returns the beautifully understated tobacco flavor. The subtle spiciness is still present and man what a smooth flavor.
http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr327/sawyer16v/La%20Aroma%20de%20Cuba%20Edicion%20Especial%20Beli coso/IMG_3457.jpg
I really appreciated the consistent flavor profile throughout this smoke. Once lit, it never strayed from the dominant cedar taste and teased my pallete with subtle spiciness. Thirty minutes after smoking I still have a faint taste of delicious cedar on my tongue. I will definitely sample this vitola again to compare and of course try out the other sizes.
Appearance: 10 (beautiful color and band design)
Construction: 9 (flawless construction, rolled a bit tight)
Burn: 9.5 (one slight touch up)
Draw: 8 (starts out quite firm, finished well after heating it up)
Aroma: 10 (gentle and appealing throughout)
Flavor: 9 (cedar was lovely, spicy undercurrents)
Final Score: 9.25
Highly recommended if you have the chance. Til next time.
Filler: Nic
Binder: Nic
Wrapper: Ecuador SG
Size: 5.5x52 Belicoso
Origin: DPG factory Nicaragua, distributed by Ashton
Price: ~$8
Beverage: Water
This stick was gifted to me by my local B&M about 3 months ago and has been resting at 60% in my humi. It finished #4 in CA's Top 25 for 2008 (a list in which I do not give much value). First impression is that this is a beautiful cigar that was constructed by an expert. The wrapper is flawless with slight veins and a beautiful milk chocolate color. The band is one of the most ornate and colorful I've ever seen. The foot smells 100% of sweet cedar and the toast adds a bit of black tea to the mix. Clipped cleanly with Xikar and prelight draw is quite firm but Henry's tool will stay in the box.
First 1/3
Intial flavors of grass, cedar, and strong leather. Not too much smoke production and a very firm, light gray ash. Burn is very good. One quick touch up required at about an inch and a half.
http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr327/sawyer16v/La%20Aroma%20de%20Cuba%20Edicion%20Especial%20Beli coso/IMG_3448.jpg
Second 1/3
The cigar is burning well but too cold so I pick up the pace a little. This remedies the smoke production, the aroma is very smooth. Flavor profile is remaining constant and producing more cedar flavor than I've tasted in any other smoke in recent memory. A little spice and cinnamon is appearing.
http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr327/sawyer16v/La%20Aroma%20de%20Cuba%20Edicion%20Especial%20Beli coso/IMG_3452.jpg
Last 1/3
The finish has been medium and dry throughout and definitely medium bodied to me. I really like the aroma of this cigar. I get a slight acrid taste about 2 inches to go and I really want to nub this baby so a cautious purge is performed. Only takes once to learn about burning your eyebrows! :ss
Luckily the purge returns the beautifully understated tobacco flavor. The subtle spiciness is still present and man what a smooth flavor.
http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr327/sawyer16v/La%20Aroma%20de%20Cuba%20Edicion%20Especial%20Beli coso/IMG_3457.jpg
I really appreciated the consistent flavor profile throughout this smoke. Once lit, it never strayed from the dominant cedar taste and teased my pallete with subtle spiciness. Thirty minutes after smoking I still have a faint taste of delicious cedar on my tongue. I will definitely sample this vitola again to compare and of course try out the other sizes.
Appearance: 10 (beautiful color and band design)
Construction: 9 (flawless construction, rolled a bit tight)
Burn: 9.5 (one slight touch up)
Draw: 8 (starts out quite firm, finished well after heating it up)
Aroma: 10 (gentle and appealing throughout)
Flavor: 9 (cedar was lovely, spicy undercurrents)
Final Score: 9.25
Highly recommended if you have the chance. Til next time.