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Old 07-09-2010, 12:13 PM   #1
kaisersozei
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Default Acid Opulence 3

Okay, before you boo me off the stage, hear me out!

Earlier this year, I asked for one of these in a MAW, and I offered to review it here. Kelmac07/Mac granted that wish (and beat me with some other questionable sticks ) so I’m staying true to my end of the bargain. You may be surprised by the results of this little experiment...

The Acid Opulence 3 is one of the more recent blends from Drew Estates. Here’s how it’s being marketed:
Opulence 3 sports a jet-black, oily maduro wrapper from San Andres, Mexico that provides a rich and creamy character with a pronounced sweet nuance noticeable in the finish. This wrapper is perfectly balanced with a hearty blend of Nicaraguan tobaccos grown in Esteli, where some of the strongest Nicaraguan tobacco is grown. These tobaccos were harvested in three separate crop years including 2005, 2006, and 2007, making Opulence a rare, incredibly limited treat. Not only is the cigar infused with oils and botanicals chosen by Jonathan Drew himself, but also each individual leaf is infused to provide a full-flavored, uniquely enjoyable experience each time this cigar is lit.


For starters, this was as well constructed a cigar as I’ve smoked in a long time. Great roll, quality wrapper and cap, no hard or soft spots. The burn was sharp, never needed a touch-up or relight, put out a copious amount of smoke, and the draw was absolutely perfect. I typically don’t smoke straight from my 70/70% cooler, but this cigar didn’t have any of the problems I usually get when I don’t dry-box.

Like other Acids, the cigar has a sweetened tip. But it wasn’t overbearing like the Blue line, instead it was more like a Flor de Oliva. It’s hard to describe the individual flavors of the infused DE lines. But what was remarkable about the Opulence 3 is that the primary flavors seemed to come from the tobacco instead of the “alternative substances”--this is reverse of most DE blends I’ve tried. For example, I find the San Andres wrapper to be pretty distinctive, I like it very much and can usually pick it out pretty readily in most cigars using it. That was the case with this cigar, too--the infusion didn't overpower the wrapper's flavor.



Here’s how I would describe the first half of the cigar: chocolatey & fruity, no discernable spice, very easy to nose exhale, leaving a creamy, floral finish. It was definitely an infused stick but it was subdued and pleasant, not the kind that makes you feel like you swallowed your grandmother’s perfume bottle. In fact, the second half of the cigar seemed to lose its infused quality altogether, turning into a very good Nicaraguan similar to the Liga Privada: full-bodied & strong, earthy, with a peppery spice that suddenly appeared in the last couple inches.



Yes, I nubbed it! Surprising, I know, but this was a very good Drew Estates blend, probably my favorite so far. The sweetness of the first half was still a little strong to make this an everyday smoke, but I can definitely see keeping some on hand. Especially if I want my wife’s company when I hit my smoking lounge—the aroma was very pleasant and wouldn’t run her off, like many of my other usual cigars.

Mac, thanks for sending one of these my way!
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