What a 100-Year-Old Cigar Tastes Like...

[lenguamor]

Old.

But that's not all, of course.

This was a Lord Romeo, which I have more pics of here.



Sorry, no pics; I smoked this on a run to Trader Joe's, ending up at my usual spot on Alki Point.

Upon cutting: funky. That's the word that best sums it up; funky, definitely old. It put me in mind of an old book.

Dry. Man, is this dry; I have to switch these to the 65% humidor, maybe even put them in their own Yukon at 70%, along with a couple other ancients that don't seem to absorb moisture like the rest anymore.

The wrapper is holding together like a champ, though.

Despite that, it lights slow, like a recent vintage.

Right off, flavors of ancient paper; like smoking papyrus, something out of an Egyptian sarcophagus. Not unpleasant, but I definitely would know I was smoking something old even if I was smoking blind.

Not bad; getting flavors, muted ones; can't discern any but they're there.

A sudden burst of acridness; just as suddenly, it's gone. But it leaves an acrid taste on my tongue. Coffee will wash it out.

Probably a 100-year-old dead beetle.

I'll tell you though...despite how dry this cigar is, it is smoking slow and straight like a new stick. Amazing construction on these.

Fifteen minutes in, and only about an inch of ash. And it doesn't taste dry at all.

Quality is quality, age be damned.

Now I'm getting flavor impressions that I can pick out: fruit, cut flowers, green produce.

Really, really ripe fruit - like the way you eat a persimmon; tropical fruit, like guava or passion fruit. A slightly bitter edge, like fresh hops.

The flavors intensify, blending together past the halfway point to a round, muted tobacco essence; through the nose, a honey-like sweetness; a little creaminess toward the home stretch.

Throughout, that hoppy undertone persists, and once in a while that acrid taste recurs, but recedes just as quickly as it arrives.

I nubbed this baby, to honor its long journey through time and distance to my enjoyment.

I take a moment to savor the last sip and hold it; in that moment I silently thank the roller at Kraus Cigar Company in NYC, who in 1909 used his skills to fashion this little bit of pleasure, never imagining that it would be 100 years before some Cuban guy in Seattle would enjoy it.

[tedrodgerscpa]

Nice review, bud!

[Rockestone]

Awesome. Great review. I can't believe you smoked a 100 year old dead beetle though!!

wow very cool mate ver very cool

Crikey! I wonder if this is the oldest cigar anyone here has ever smoked.

[Ratters]

Nice.

[DocLogic77]

Thats crazy...terrific review!

[Texan in Mexico]

Very nice review - I have had the opportunity to smoke a couple that were 55 - 60 years old and I believe you hit the nail on the head with the old book smell and the papyrus taste. I've never had papyrus but I can imagine what it would taste like.

Thanks for sharing y me gusto mucho lo del Cubano en Seattle, buena onda!

Travis

thats really cool. how do people find these super old smokes?

wow, loved the review. Thank you for sharing

[Footbag]

I love your vintage cigar reviews! Keep them coming!

[Texan in Mexico]

Originally Posted by Swampfox21

thats really cool. how do people find these super old smokes?

You can find them right here on the Asylum - check out the WTS threads - I just saw some 60 year old sticks for sale.

Hope that helps you!

[Snake Hips]

Awesome review!

@Swampfox21
There are certain places that sell vintage cigars, but for us plebs lenguamor occasionally puts some of these bad boys up in the WTS forum, like Texan said...

That is freaking awesome. Your my hero.

[Bax]

Great review, that 1911 Betsy Ross you sent me was very similar.

[karmaz00]

very nice

[SmoknTaz]

Nice review, thank you for sharing!

[HK3-]

I think you have a time machine.

Thanks to you I have really aquired a taste for old cigars.

[lenguamor]

Originally Posted by Texan in Mexico

You can find them right here on the Asylum - check out the WTS threads - I just saw some 60 year old sticks for sale.

Hope that helps you!

Here's a great source. Nick is a good guy.

There used to be a place on the west coast that had more of this stuff than you could imagine, but they seem to have gone out of business.

Originally Posted by leasingthisspace

That is freaking awesome. Your my hero.

Nah...I just have a bunch of old cigars. You and others in service to our country are the heroes.

it blows my mind that some one would keep cigars in good enough condition for 100 years