Por Larrañaga Picadores: Single/Unknown code: Por Larrañaga & San Cristobal review comp 2016

[BuzzArd]

This was my first PL and is  of the Picadores size, received as a single from FOH.  It has been in my temp and humidity controled humidor at 60% for roughly two weeks.  The band is barely moveable on the stick so is probably right on for moisture IMO.  Not too loose, definitely not tight.  I have a box on hand and was able to compare this single to the box in general in terms of color.   This stick is a bit more walnut brown in color.  The box lot has a bit of a mahogany hue to it.  

It's firm and fully packed, but after V clip is free and easy on the draw.  Almost no smell discernible from the stick itself save a very slight tobacco note. Upon lighting I appreciate an immediate driftwood note.  Some earth and grass as well, but no sweetness.  Through the first third the burn becomes a bit uneven.  I note continued flavors mentioned above.

 

 As I pass the 1/3 mark I slowed down my pace and by the 1/2 the burn has corrected itself without assistance.  As I reached the 1/2 the smoke is really copious at this point.  Definitely more salt to the now stronger driftwood flavor also mixed in wit faint leather which I did not expect after reading other net reviews.  The scent at the head of the cigar is strong caramel, slightly overcooked, and the faintest note of same is sneaking through in the other flavors.  The cigar holds its ash very well.  I'm not seeing any flower petals on the black shirt I'm wearing which is always a good thing.  

 

As I reach the 2/3 mark I note a strong, acrid blast which disturbs the very nice, intense flavors I've been enjoying.  I'm in for about 45 minutes at this point so I don't think I'm smoking it too fast....  That taste did not persist for more than a few minutes and the stick finished with the driftwood, faint leather and a bit more caramel until I could no longer hold it.

 

 

Very pleased with the Picadores, and looking forward to the box on hand.  If they are all like this (minus the 2/3 surprise) I'll be very pleased indeed.  Total smoke time was 1:15.  Just right for 90% of my smoking occasions.

 

 

[TheMonk]

Nicely done! I quite like this one, although I don't think it's as good as I wished it was... but still a pretty nice Hermoso!

[luv2fly]

Thanks for the review!  Have yet to try one but may do so soon.  I do like PL.

[BarryNY]

Nice post - my 1st box arrives in a few days....how long do you think I should lay down the box for best result?

Do you know how old the single was?

[BuzzArd]

2 hours ago, BarryNY said:

Nice post - my 1st box arrives in a few days....how long do you think I should lay down the box for best result?

Do you know how old the single was?

No idea on the lay-it-down question.  Guess that's up to you.  Anyone chime in on aging Picadores...?

 I try to follow a 30+ day acclimatization strategy for everything, but some I just can't wait.  I've gotten boxes ROTT and pulled one stick for the dry box for a day or two then smoked.  Some, too early.  Some just fine. This was a single so I don't know the date.  I do know I liked it enough to bring some to a pal's house tonight and an looking forward to it immensly. 

[BarryNY]

31 minutes ago, BuzzArd said:

No idea on the lay-it-down question.  Guess that's up to you.  Anyone chime in on aging Picadores...?

 I try to follow a 30+ day acclimatization strategy for everything, but some I just can't wait.  I've gotten boxes ROTT and pulled one stick for the dry box for a day or two then smoked.  Some, too early.  Some just fine. This was a single so I don't know the date.  I do know I liked it enough to bring some to a pal's house tonight and an looking forward to it immensly. 

You're a GOOD pal!

[Bob M]

Nice review. I usually shoot for a 30 day nap, but I always like to have a stick ROTT.


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[FLB03TT]

Picadores need the least amount of time down, they start to get approachable about one year after the box date. They take the least amount of time down for any PL, IMO.