CNY Alex Custom Talisman NOV 17

[Guest Nekhyludov]

Dimensions: 6" x 54

Roller: Alex, Hotel Comodoro

Purchased: November 2017

I've decided to try one fresh to get a sense of the blend before aging the remainder. Paired with an Italian latte at Stanza Dei Sigari.

Appearance: This cigar is beautiful to look at, darker and oilier than any custom I've had before. The construction is obviously extremely good - it feels perfectly firm and spongy through the entire length of the cigar. The cold draw is ideal, although the aroma at cold is a fairly nondescript heavy leather and tobacco. 

First Third: The profile emerges right from the first draw, full of leather and earthy floral notes. The draw, combustion, and burn line are perfect. The richness of the flavors makes it obvious that this is made with very high quality tobacco. The aroma has a rich leather and Partagas-like twang to it. The ash is solid, flaky, and gray.

Second Third: The leather base begins to recede, and the floral aspect deepens and expands, developing a candied sweetness. Performance remains impeccable. Just a bit of baking spice shows up on the retrohale. By the end of the second third, the sweetness is gone just as quickly as it emerged. What remains is the leathery base and a nice fungal earthiness. The finish is long and oily. 

Final Third: The smoke begins to heat up, so I start the final third with a purge. After the purge the sugar sweetness pops back in briefly. The cigar goes out and needs to be relit, causing some momentarily heat and char, but it recovers well. Flavors persist, but don't evolve. 

Summary: This cigar doesn't bear any resemblance to any Cohiba I've ever had, so I gather the Talisman name refers to the size only, and not the blend. More than anything, it reminds me of the Tatuaje The Michael in the basic array of flavors, meaning that I think this a very good cigar. Although this cigar has a far greater depth than the Michael, at this young age it doesn't have much of a characteristic Cuban twang. I've thoroughly enjoyed it, but the atmosphere left something to be desired. Stanza had Vanilla Ice on the stereo, and some dipshit at the next table was smoking some rancid Acid garbage. But considering the weather, it's the best available option. Luxury problems 

 

 

 

[madandana]

Thanks for the review. Alex gave me one when I was down there before Christmas. With all of the Mojitos I don't quit remember specifics other than I really enjoyed it.??

[Customsfan]

Yes.  Thank you.  Nice review.  Smoked most of mine young.  Enjoyed the construction more than anything.  

[BuzzArd]

Thanks for the review.   Good stuff.