I've seen other CA reviews for the Special Selection, but not this vitola.
Vitola: Rothschild (4½ x 50) “Coffee Break”
Wrapper/Filler/Binder: I have no idea—I’ve read everything from Nic, Costa Rican, Honduran & DR (doesn’t that pretty well cover it?!) I’ve also read where this was blended by DPG.
Kevin at Winston’s Humidor suggested that I give this stick a try at the VCM Holiday Herf this weekend. Unfortunately I had to leave for a family emergency right after I clipped it, so it went into my humi when I got home (emergency resolved) until I had a chance to smoke it today.
Appearance & Construction were top notch. The chocolate brown wrapper was smooth with only a few very fine veins. The tobacco was well packed & tightly rolled. The draw & burn were perfect—especially impressive because I smoked outside in the cold, very dry air.
This started out as a leathery, woody smoke, with a creamy sweetness like sugary coffee. Medium/full bodied, the first half was very consistent and tasty, but started to get boring. About halfway through, I made this note: “if there was some spice or pepper to this, it would be a very interesting cigar.” Almost as soon as I put the pen down, I was hit with a big change in the cigar’s profile. Spicy notes, like cinnamon and other holiday baking spices, over some rich baker’s chocolate and a fruity sweetness like raisin or cherry. There was still a woody core, and the flavors really complimented each other very well. Near the end of the cigar, hits of pepper started tingling my tongue & gums, but it wasn’t overpowering. I think this was a maduro--it certainly fit a maduro profile.
This cigar reminded me very much of a Rocky Patel Vintage—the first half was a 1990, the second half was more like the 1992. The cigar lasted just about an hour, and the slight nic kick left me very relaxed. I paid $7 for this, and think it was well worth the price.
I probably would have overlooked this cigar if Kevin hadn’t suggested it. Give it a try.