1999 SLR Lonsdale (REO EP00) Freestyle Review Comp.

[cfc1016]

1999 Saint Luis Rey Lonsdale (REO EP00)

 

This was just excellent. First half was like a high class s'more. The predominant flavors vacillated between marshmallow, milk chocolate, graham cracker, espresso, black pepper and paprika. There was always a light, peppery, toasted tobacco base. 

 

As one might expect from a lonsdale of any marca, the body and intensity gradually built as I progressed through the length of the cigar. That’s not to say, however, that it started out mild. No sir. 

 

I ran into some significant burn issues in the middle, which required some touchup and cost me some tobacco. I consider this a more-than-fair price of admission for the show I was about to receive though. Angels’ share. 

 

Second half was ALL cream. Like frikkin heavy whipping cream. The smoke coated every nook and cranny of my mouth. Even my teeth felt like Elvis’ suit. Crushed velvet, baby. Sublime. 

 

Complementary flavors varied throughout the second half. Nougat, nutmeg, chocolate, caramel, chile, clove, citrus, and something I can't put my finger on. Sort of a bittersweet savory thing. Maybe like a nicely marbled steak marinated in cocoa and molasses. I dunno. It escapes me. On the whole, the second half was like the olfactory sensory overload of a German christmas party. I burnt my fingertips trying to get ‘just one more...!’ draw before having to finally let it go to the Gods. 

 

The development of flavors wasn’t quite as subtle and elegant as that of an aged 898. If the 898 is a tasteful literary classic, this lonsdale was ‘Road Warrior’. One minute all is peaceful, and the next, a mongrel marauder is running over a shopkeep with his motorbike. The twists and turns on the flavor ride were like that of a roller coaster. It kept me more on the edge of my seat, than melting into it. It was very exciting. 

 

I’ve smoked a lot of good cigars this year, but this one is one of the greats. 2008 898; 2013 PCE; 2011 OR RG Perlas; 1999 SLR Lonsdale - these guys stand out as legends among heroes. I won’t soon forget this cigar.

[JohnInCleveland]

You should do more reviews, you're excellent at them.  

[alloy]

I have a box of 2001's. They are just like your review. The draw is a little firm, but smoke production is awesome! Thanks for your review. 

[joshhooper7]

When I start to wonder why I have 900 cigars and I'm still buying more boxes than I'm smoking, reviews like this put me at ease. Sure, I might spend $350 on a box and only smoke one or two of them now, but when I find that box again in 20 years, I will have a treat to take me back in time.

 

Excellent review! If you write 300 more reviews I will read all of them!

[TheMonk]

Excellent review, keep it up!

[ayepatz]

“German Christmas party” is my review phrase of the year. ?