AF Anejo #50

[BlackIrish]

I had the good fortune to smoke this cigar as a result of a generous blind tasting from Sauer Grapes -- thank you! (And thank you to NeoFlex, who apparently was Sauer Grapes' source).

I smoked this one out at my local haunt, so I don't have photos. The wrapper was dark, almost maduro, somewhat splotchy, with some veining. It's a beautiful, dark, well-wrapped and -filled smoke: solid, with a firm feel, triple cap, and hints of spice amid the deep rich manure scent from the foot.

I sliced it, just skimming the head, which took the cut perfectly. The draw was just right, with some slight resistance, and notes of dark, spicy tobacco.

It lit easily, producing lots of spicy aromatic smoke. The firm ash was stark white against the dark wrapper.

As expected, I got some pepper -- chili not black -- upon lighting. The deep, rich flavor contained some slight sweetness at the core, and a peppery heat in the back of the palate, like a chipotle. I am liking this! It has the same kind of flavor profile as a dark chocolate bar with cinnamon and chili, which, to my tastes, is a great flavor profile. Much deeper, darker, and richer than I usually associate with Dominican tobacco.

As I progressed into the second third and then into the third, I didn't get a whole lot of new flavors, just the same good flavors in a deeper, richer and rounder form. The cinnamon, chili, and chocolate blended quite well, like a mole sauce, always in balance. There were occasional woody notes that drifted through. The spice mellowed in the last inch and a half, coasting into a smooth landing. I was sorry when I ran out of cigar to smoke.

One of the best cigars I've smoked. Now I understand the hype.