RyJ Belicoso : EAG SEP 14 : RyJ Review Comp 2016

[schubb]

For the RyJ review competition week, I was tempted to pull out a Churchill as they have been absolutely fantastic. However I’ve done a review of the Churchill for a previous contest, so today I dug out a RyJ Belicoso, sourced from a sampler from our host. I’ve never had one of these before, nor any belicoso in the Habanos lineup actually. The size is in between my usual preference, which is either smaller like a petit corona or larger like a Churchill or Lonsdale. The tapered head of the belicoso makes up for the fact that at 52 ring gauge it is on the thicker side of my preference. The only other RyJ I’ve had is the aforementioned Churchill, so I’m curious to see if this delivers the cherry and cream profile I enjoy so much from the Churchill. Gorgeous reddy-brown wrapper on this sample. I can only hope that it smokes as good as it looks.

Start: 10:06am

1^st third: Lighters are acting up on me, so the matches are coming out for this. I never use matches, so this may be an adventure. Thankfully I’m indoors for this one, as it looks really windy out. Three matches in and we’re good to go! From the very start the profile is all cherries and cream. Not the most complex to start out, but I’m not complaining as so far it’s a profile I enjoy and on the lighter side of medium. Perfect for a lazy morning. The cherry note is very sweet, almost a maraschino cherry flavor. A week and a half ago I reviewed an RASS which was giving me black cherry notes. This is much sweeter and lighter than the RASS so far. Construction is good so far. Burn is perfect, and draw is good. Smoke production is adequate, but I’m happy I’m inside rather than outside as I usually am. I suspect any wind would detract from this cigar as it is right now. Towards the end of the first third, another flavor is starting to develop but I can’t quite place it yet.

2^nd third: Chocolate and a touch of coffee have joined the cherries and cream profile. The body has moved solidly into medium for me, and may be pushing slightly higher. The entire profile works together very well.

Final third: Coming into the final third, the draw tightens up suddenly. A tiny speck of tar develops on the head. However both of these issues are solved by a small additional cut and purge. Draw is back to perfect. The construction is suffering in the final third however, as the cigar begins to tunnel due to a bit of underfilling towards the end. As a draw more frequently, trying to keep it lit, the cigar starts to become a bit harsh. Thankfully these issues clear up and the beautiful cherries, chocolate, and coffee profile returns. The profile is now medium-full and remains there until I’m forced to put the cigar now.

End: 11:41am

Overall I really enjoyed this. Bit more full than the RyJ Churchill, but same profile that I enjoy. I really need to try more RyJ I think. Only issue was the construction and burn in the last third, but that ended up fixing itself quickly enough. Despite not being my favorite vitola in general, I would seriously consider getting a box of these the next time they come up. This sample was two years old, and I think I would enjoy them both younger and with a bit more rest. Thanks for the competition!

[BuzzArd]

Nicely reviewed.  Don't have any of this marca/vitola.  Might see about finding some...

[TheMonk]

Nicely done! You seemed to really pick up on a lot of cherry flavours from it.

[Sean3]

Well done, haven't given much thought to this marca, but that may have just changed!

[schubb]

1 hour ago, TheMonk said:

Nicely done! You seemed to really pick up on a lot of cherry flavours from it.

It definitely was the most prominent flavor for most of the cigar, though I may just have been looking for it based on my experiences with the churchill. That's a question for a blind taste test though, which I've never done before. 

20 minutes ago, Sean3 said:

Well done, haven't given much thought to this marca, but that may have just changed!

I enjoy it as a change of pace. I wouldn't say its my favorite marca and I definitely have to be in the mood for that particular profile, as I've found it to be very sweet. When I am though, it definitely hits the spot!

[jcorona]

Nice review. Where's that note pad from? pretty cool for reviews and such.

[schubb]

3 hours ago, jcorona said:

Nice review. Where's that note pad from? pretty cool for reviews and such.

It is from this seller on Amazon. I've found it very helpful when I'm reviewing to help me focus. I actually need to order another one because mine is just about filled.

[alloy]

I had a box of these. They smoked just like the OP said. Cherry, cream, chocolate and coffee. Just a Great smoke. They unfortunately went too fast. Have to get me another box.

[Hurltim]

Great review! I have both the RyJ Churchill and the Belicoso as singles waiting to be smoked. Good to know that both of them are fantastic smokes.

 

Thanks!