RyJ Cedros de Luxe No. 1 : ORA JUN 14 : RyJ Review Comp 2016

[Philc2001]

Vitola: Romeo Y Julieta Cedros De Luxe No. 1

Code: ORA JUN 14

Size: Cervantes / 165 mm / 6.4 inches x 42

Smoke Date: 09/25/2016

The CdL No. 1 is an attractive Lonsdale with a light nearly blonde Connecticut claro wrapper. It feels somewhat soft and a bit light, giving the impression it may be slightly under-filled. There are a couple of medium sized veins, but none too prominent.

I scalped it shallow, just enough to remove the cap. The wrapper feels thin, but looks well applied with barely visible seams. Cold draw is almost like sucking through a straw, no resistance at all, confirming the cigar may be under-filled. Pre-light taste is straw and cedar, no doubt influenced by the cedar wrapper.

For libation I selected a 2009 Cathar Crianza. A delicious firm but smooth, balanced red Spanish wine with superb cherry and blackberry notes.

Torch-fire was quick to jump-start the cigar and get the show rolling. Big volumes of white dense smoke filled the air with a cedar and hay aroma. Flavor is very light and mild, slightly sweet. The cedar is present, but barely discernible, with a slightly creamy finish and faint floral notes. But beyond that there is very little flavor present.

Shortly after starting the second third I had to re-light and purge. The second third started out pretty much the same as the first, but as I smoked past the first half the flavor started to come on. Hints of sweet creamy fruit emerged with a hint of cappuccino. Body strengthened a tad, making it a mild-medium profile. The cedar aroma faded out giving way to an earthy and roasted chestnuts aroma. I have to slow down my draws because the cigar is heating up due to the apparent under-fill.

The last third brought a touch of Cuban twang, and the flavors continued to intensify, kicking body up to medium. Hints of mild spices accompanied the taste, with a slight sprinkling of cinnamon. Up until now the cigar burned straight. The cigar is continuing to get hot, again a symptom of being under-filled.

Approaching the end the No. 1 continued to build in strength. Nuts and dry wood now dominate the flavor, with more spices coming out including a slight white pepper tingle on the tongue. The cigar is now exhibiting some youth, not rough or harsh, but a slight bitterness that was not there earlier. I decided to leave well enough alone and laid the nub to rest among the ashes.

An interesting cigar experience, it started out so mild and light I thought it would be underwhelming. But it did get very much more enjoyable in the second half. I think these need a little more time, but I do love a Lonsdale. I rate it a 7.5 out of 10 on my personal scale.

[TheMonk]

Nice job, mate!

[Sean3]

Well done, I always like to see how a cigar evolves.