CRW Review - Sir Winston

[PADDYWHACK121272]

One of a few singles I picked up a few years ago – no box code but probably around 2005/6 vintage.

Aroma at cold – quite feint tobacco – bit worried about this – light cedar aroma – again this is probably due to the humidor lining masking whatever feint aroma the cigar has.

Construction: good without being exceptional to look at. No hard or soft spots, unlit draw is fine but giving little on the flavour front yet.

Lit up and took a good inch or so before anything other than nice medium tobacco began to show. Was getting worried at this stage however gradually some flavours began to show towards the middle of the 1/3 and the beginning of 2/3. In addition to very mellow, good quality tobacco a little woody and resinous note began to show, very subtle coming in and out but definitely building as things proceeded. Nice subtle sweetness present particularly when exhaled through the nose and a persistent and very pleasant bitter note – like a good espresso – is this the ‘mongrel’ character that Rob et al talk about – if it is I’m loving it.

Final third and the cigar builds in flavour and resolves itself into a fine, complex, satisfying and – at the risk of sounding like a pimp – classy smoke. Excellent burn throughout, huge volume of smoke in the final third and overall just under two hours of smoking at a fairly medium pace. Overall a beautiful subtle smoke – one for conversation or a good book and a whiskey and possibly not for those who like a cigar that jumps around in their face demanding attention. 92/100

A nice HQ or PSP box of Sir Winnies has been on my wish list for a good while now – but by the sound of Robs recent warehouse post I should have done the deed in the last year or two rather than very recent production.

[cigcars]

*Had a Sir Winston some time back - no idea what box code/yr. It was HEAVENLY I immediately had to post my shoutbox statement: "I see what you guys are talkin' about now!"

[thechenman]

I miss the old brown H. Upmann bands. Thanks for the great review...

[BolivarSmoker]

I miss the old brown H. Upmann bands. Thanks for the great review...

x2 on the old bands. I love the elegance and simplicity of the old brown band.

[winelover]

x2 on the old bands. I love the elegance and simplicity of the old brown band.

Ditto on the bands. It really is a shame that they have stopped doing them. The new bands (although they are going back to the former upmann bands) are just not too in your face for me. Particularly the newer smokes are just covered in bands which makes them really ugly to me - take the upmann mag 50 or the hoyo epicure especial. I had a box of connie no.1s from 2001 that were completely naked and just how they should be IMHO. Rant over.

[CanuckSARTech]

Great review and awesome pictures, Paddywhack. Very captivating.

I can't remember if I've smoked any of these years back or not. It would have been when I was a relative newbie, and it might not have struck enough of a chord with me for me to distinctly remember them.

I've just recently got a very beautiful one of these from another member on here in a multi-stick trade, a May 2003 Winnie. I'm very much looking forward to that one, but it may be until the spring, so as I'm better able to take my time and enjoy it in the nicer weather.

I'm looking forward to it, especially again after this review, Paddywhack. Thanks again for sharing!

[MIKA27]

Firstly, a great review Paddy, I'm really enjoying the reviews!!

Also, I was gifted one of these by Bster ( Thanks Brendan! ) and I think (Correct me if I'm wrong Bster) it's a 2004 Sir Winnie. I am yet to enjoy it, I'm awaiting the good summer weather. Once I smoke it, it's only fair to post a review and pics to thank a great friend!