JohnS' Smoking Diary 2019

[JohnS]

Montecristo Especiales No.2 REG Nov 2018

When it comes to Montecristo, you either love the marca, hate the marca, put up with the marca, or possibly a combination of all three, at various times. You see, a Montecristo cigar can represent the very best of what charms us about Habanos cigars, yet it can also represent that which is the very worst of what makes us grumble about Habanos cigars. I find this is true when it comes to the Montecristo No.4, but when it comes to the Montecristo Especiales No.2; well, that's a different story.

The Montecristo Especiales No.2 is a special Montecristo cigar because it's thin (38 ring gauge), has a pig-tail (like other higher-quality premium Habanos cigars) and (at least for me) it constantly delivers. This had the typical Montecristo cocoa, coffee and nut perfectly balanced with a cedar and vanilla finish. There was a gorgeous 'citrus twang' note throughout the cigar which made it easy to smoke and nub down to my fingers.

The Montecristo Especial is the same ring gauge, only 40 millimetres or 1½ inches longer, and it shares the same long-term aging quality that the Especiales No.2 has. For my personal tastes, the cocoa and milk coffee core that is evident in Montecristo doesn't generally lend itself to long-term aging, but I will gladly make exceptions for the two aforementioned Laguito-sized cigars. How awesome is it to smoke an Especiales No.2 at around 12 months of age and find it as spectacular as what an aged-offering of this cigar can be? Yes, in my view, the Montecristo Especiales No.2 deserves to be in a class of its own within the Montecristo marca.

[Gamehawker]

On 11/11/2019 at 2:42 PM, JohnS said:

Indeed I have, only just a few days ago. There were some construction issues but at least the flavour/s redeemed the cigar somewhat. I will have that review up in detail late next week.

Hi John,

Have you written the review of the H.Upmann Magnum 56 EL 2015 that you recently smoked?

Thanks

[JohnS]

Romeo y Julieta Churchills ASO Nov 2016

The Romeo y Julieta Churchills has been a revelation for me since at least 2016. Mind you, I wouldn't say Romeo y Julieta as a marca has earned a reputation of bypassing scrutiny in my eyes, in that time, but the famous and iconic Churchill has stood above the other vitolas these last few years (within the marca), in my opinion.

What I have loved about it is its consistent delivery of mild, yet complex flavours. Flavours such as chocolate or cocoa, toasted tobacco (at times), cherry (or berries/fruit), anise (or licorice sweetness), rosewater and turkish delight. At three years of age, this cigar was refined enough to preclude a description of having toasted tobacco whilst smoking it, yet it started off with a huge hit of cherry and turkish delight from the 'get-go'. In the middle third it picked up some anise sweetness and rosewater, in the last third there was stronger hints of cocoa/chocolate.

It's very easy to understand why El Pres included a Romeo y Julieta Churchill in this year's 2019 Xmas Sampler for many of you to enjoy. It's not because Sir Winston Churchill helped to make this an iconic cigar, rather it's because lately it's been an excellent cigar.

[JohnS]

Montecristo No.4 UEB May 2018

I have just gone through half this box and all of them bar one have been outstanding to stellar. The cold draw was so exceptional that it delayed my lighting the cigar! This Montecristo No.4 again continued the trend of a citrus twang spine enveloped by nut, milk coffee, cocoa and a hint of cream.

I have no plans to extend the life of this box by saving the remaining cigars, they are simply smoking great now. In case you are wondering, yes... I have another UEB 2018 box on the way.

[JohnS]

La Gloria Cubana Revolution 2015 - Edición Regional Asia Pacifico SGA Nov 2015

As I wrote in my previous review, the La Gloria Cubana Revolution is an Asia Pacifico Regional Edition release that followed the Diplomaticos Bushidos. Although listed as a 2015 release, like the Bushidos, it didn't hit the market until the following year, in the case of the Revolution, around mid-2016. Following the actualised hype of the Bushidos, this was a tough act to follow. Not unsurprisingly, the Revolution is not as acclaimed as the Bushidos, but reviews haven't been that bad either, flavour-wise.

I had my last one six months ago. The ash was inconsistent, there were issues with the wrapper and I had to pitch the cigar early. At least the flavours were coming along nicely. At the time I intended to smoke my next one at the end of 2020 but was intrigued to smoke another when I read an excellent review on our forum recently.

The cold draw on this cigar was exceptional, (it was) all quality barnyard and sweet hay. The cigar again started out perfectly mild, smooth and floral. What pleased me next was the melding of typical fruity La Gloria Cubana flavours into what I can best describe as 'cake', which is something I look for in LGC cigars after long-term rest. There were also flavours of cream coffee, wood and only a hint of some pepper this time. In comparison, my last LGC Revolution six months ago had much more pepper evident.

I was very satisfied after finishing this cigar. At four years of age it's coming along really well in the flavour department. I have two left...I wonder how long I can resist smoking them?

[JohnS]

4 hours ago, Gamehawker said:

Hi John,

Have you written the review of the H.Upmann Magnum 56 EL 2015 that you recently smoked?

Thanks

Indeed I have! ? As requested...

H. Upmann Magnum 56 2015 - Edición Limitada SOM Dic 2015

My last H.Upmann Magnum 56 was disappointing in comparison to the ones I had within a 12-month window in 2016. As a result, I figured it was time to smoke another to gauge a better idea as to whether the last one was an anomaly or not.

Again, I found the ash flaky but more importantly, the wrapper was a touch dry. Even when I used my Credo 3-in-1 punch cutter to open up the draw on this behemoth, it still induced a crack in the wrapper which unwound it after the midway point. Thereafter I smoke it with just the binder. What can I say? What a shame!

At least the flavours were better than last time, which I concerningly noted as muted overall. This had a strong combination of light chocolate and Upmann shortbread, with sweet licorice and decent notes of white pepper. The flavours were good...if only the construction of this cigar did not let me down I envisage that it would have been a decent cigar.

[JohnS]

Cohiba Espléndidos MOL Jul 2018

I consider the Cohiba Esplendidos a guilty pleasure; a delicacy to be consumed and savoured on occasion. If only I could have them more often, alas, like for most of you, the cost is prohibitive. What marked this Esplendidos in relation to others I've enjoyed (and I mean really enjoyed) was the cracked foot, which caused the foot to mushroom slightly. I've seen this before in cigars and usually it's not a problem once the burn goes past the crack. Today's Esplendidos was different however.

You see, the wrapper was a little dry and when I lit the foot I noticed another crack in the wrapper around the end of the first third. As I smoked through this cigar the wrapper cracked a little more and expanded to go through the binder. At this point one is inclined to think that the enjoyment of the cigar is over. Thankfully, this was not the case today!

Once I got past the crack, which expanded to about half an inch in length (10 to 12 millimetres), the cigar settled and was intact until I finished it well into the last third. To say this is a rare occurrence for me is an understatement, but what helped was not touching up the wrapper with my lighter at all and letting the cigar self-correct.

So what caused all this? I believe that this Esplendidos had a pocket of excess moisture which expanded upon lighting. Once I got past the crack, as aforementioned, I had no issue. In regards to flavour, this was brilliant all the way (mocha coffee, honey and butter mainly) and the ash was consistent and spot on too. So overall, it was a fun ride for a little under two hours on a pleasant Spring afternoon.

[JohnS]

La Gloria Cubana Serie D No.5 2017 - Edición Regional España LAT Dic 2017 (Thanks @Luca)

When a Habanos distributor orders a run of 50000 boxes of a Regional release it seems to me to indicate a brazen confidence in their market and their product. Welcome to the La Gloria Cubana Serie D No.5! Make your product a cigar on the smaller size in length, yet still large in ring gauge and you're guaranteed to succeed, right?

If I appear somewhat cynical, it doesn't belie the fact that this new(ish) Regional Edition release out of Spain is a quality cigar. I would like to pause the review here to acknowledge my dear pal, @Luca in gifting this to me. There have been a number of reviews (both video and text) on-line of this cigar, and indeed a number of you have sampled it already, so it wouldn't surprise you to say that this was like smoking a chocolate fudge stick crossed with some age on it. Oh, by the way, did I indicate that I had some burn/construction issues with it too? No?

Yes, the flavours were chocolate, earth, wood and leather with a huge hit of baking spice in the first half which was replaced with some aged floral notes in the back half. In between, the cigar needed re-lights and the wrapper tore around the end of the second third, so I had to pitch this into the last third. Incidentally, @Luca did likewise (and had the same burn issues). At least the aged, mellow fudge-like texture to this cigar was nice...yeah, real nice!

Look, it's La Gloria Cubana and well may you say that I might be a little precious about it, after all, there is only one regular production vitola left in the marca (the La Gloria Cubana Medaille d'Or No.4) and that has barely been seen in the last 12 months or so. Did the leaf go into this release possibly? In a possible win-win scenario perhaps it would have been better for the Spanish (and worldwide) market to get 5000 boxes of a La Gloria Cubana Tainos or Medaille d'Or No.2 and still have leaf left over for the regular LGC 4? Heck, you could even consult the people behind the recent El Rey del Mundo Tainos release for Taiwan or the Punch 8-9-8 release for the Asia-Pacific markets. I'd bet they'd tell you it would be a no-brainer!

[JohnS]

Vegas Robaina Famosos AEM May 2015

Vegas Robaina...it's not exactly a marca that would be in your rotation right now, right? Did you know that supplies of the Vegas Robaina Unicos (yes, the piramide) were in hiatus at the moment and the Famosos is low? Probably not, but if you manage to smoke a Famosos, Unicos or dare I say, a recently-discontinued Double Corona Don Alejandro, maybe you might be seeking these out!

This Famosos was very much like the rest of this box thus far, which is to say, simply sensational! At four-and-a-half years of age, these are in their prime for my tastes. Again, the raisin-sweet/licorice and cocoa flavours intermingled with some baking spice around a luscious grass core signified some 75 minutes of pure smoking pleasure.

I can see myself having another one before the week is out and then checking how I can acquire another box!

[JohnS]

Diplomáticos No.2 EML Ago 2014

Of all my stock from 2014, this humble Clearance-graded box purchased from our generous host in 2015 could possibly be the best. Well, I've certainly being pleased with half the box almost consumed thus far!

This was only the second cigar from this box that was very light on sourdough, in fact, it was almost undetectable! Instead, the spine of this cigar was pretty much a combination of wood and toasted tobacco combined with a core Diplomaticos capsicum or bell pepper and paprika spice. You'd agree, I'm sure, that if you are agreeable to enjoying a Diplomaticos cigar then these flavours would certainly resonate with you.

The only caveat I have to add would be that the strong plumes of smoke necessitated a shorter puff and longer intervals in-between, so my cigar required a re-light a few times. It still didn't negate how good this cigar was, however!

[JohnS]

Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo du Maire TEO May 2018

I smoked this when I had a short 30 minutes window prior to dinner with friends. I knew my luck ran out with this vitola when these cigar buddies pointed out how tight these can be. And so it proved so, it was a little tight and I had to re-light a few times. This meant that the flavours were not as crisp, although I still got some nice cocoa, wood and vanilla spice at times. However, overall this cigar turned out just average and not as endearing as the first two from the box. Still, I'm eager to smoke my fourth before the end of the year.

[JohnS]

Partagás Culebras 2007 - La Casa del Habano Exclusivo circa 2013 (thanks @IanMcLean68!)

The Partagas Culebras...when was the last time you had one? It's not exactly the type of cigar that will pop up in your rotation, but it is the perfect cigar when you want to share something with friends. And so it was that @IanMcLean68 graciously shared this sub-40 ring gauge crooked and 'mangulated' Habanos that seems to invariably always get glowing reviews with myself and @Luca. (Mangulated is an Australian colloquial term which means 'bent out of shape'.)

Did it disappoint? Of course not, but it did surprise. You see very now and then you'll encounter the strange phenomenon of enjoying a mild Cuban with distinct and pleasant flavours which, for no seemingly logical reason, will give you nicotine kick that cannot be envisaged or prepared for.

This Culebras from circa 2013 had lashings of sourdough, leather and coffee, was mild and for the longest time, had no pepper or spice. That was until we went past the halfway point, started to retrohale the cigar and found that the usual tingle you expect was actually a pepper blast to awaken the senses and temporarily overload the olfactory system. It's funny that when this happens one's palate (or tongue) awakens too!

So what does one do? You see, the taste was exquisite but the senses from the nicotine were a little diminished at this point and so my palate told me to continue but my mind was adamant in ceasing the smoke. In the end, I went as far as I could as the nicotine strength started to make the cigar taste 'harsh' and I couldn't proceed.

Any regrets? No way...I'm grateful for any Culebras I smoke. Trust me, they're a class above. The presentation of a twisted cigar wrapped three-in-one is surely Habanos S.A's long continuing tradition of an in-joke. But you and I get it, don't we?

[Derboesekoenig]

37 minutes ago, JohnS said:

Partagás Culebras 2007 - La Casa del Habano Exclusivo circa 2013 (thanks @IanMcLean68!)

The Partagas Culebras...when was the last time you had one? It's not exactly the type of cigar that will pop up in your rotation, but it is the perfect cigar when you want to share something with friends. And so it was that @IanMcLean68 graciously shared this sub-40 ring gauge crooked and 'mangulated' Habanos that seems to invariably always get glowing reviews with myself and @Luca. (Mangulated is an Australian colloquial term which means 'bent out of shape'.)

Did it disappoint? Of course not, but it did surprise. You see very now and then you'll encounter the strange phenomenon of enjoying a mild Cuban with distinct and pleasant flavours which, for no seemingly logical reason, will give you nicotine kick that cannot be envisaged or prepared for.

This Culebras from circa 2013 had lashings of sourdough, leather and coffee, was mild and for the longest time, had no pepper or spice. That was until we went past the halfway point, started to retrohale the cigar and found that the usual tingle you expect was actually a pepper blast to awaken the senses and temporarily overload the olfactory system. It's funny that when this happens one's palate (or tongue) awakens too!

So what does one do? You see, the taste was exquisite but the senses from the nicotine were a little diminished at this point and so my palate told me to continue but my mind was adamant in ceasing the smoke. In the end, I went as far as I could as the nicotine strength started to make the cigar taste 'harsh' and I couldn't proceed.

Any regrets? No way...I'm grateful for any Culebras I smoke. Trust me, they're a class above. The presentation of a twisted cigar wrapped three-in-one is surely Habanos S.A's long continuing tradition of an in-joke. But you and I get it, don't we?

I shared a Culebras this past year with friends that was between 6 and 8 years old, and I'll be damned if it wasn't top 5 of all cigars I smoked in 2019. Surprised me for sure. It was magical

[JohnS]

H. Upmann Magnum 46 AUM Mar 13 (Thanks @IanMcLean68!)

It's been a little over two years since I've had my last H.Upmann Magnum 46. I know, that's an incredibly long time for a quintessential Habanos cigar such as the Magnum 46 but I guess I have my reasons and these, in general, have to do with H.Upmann as a marca.

I would like to thank @IanMcLean68 for gifting me this cigar. At six years old, it was definitely within my peak period for smoking it. I find H.Upmann needs time for my taste to reach its peak and I definitely favour the softer shortbread-laden varieties such as the Connossieur A, Connoisseur No.1 and Sir Winston rather than the powerhouse, when young, espresso-laden Magnum 46, Half Corona and (now deleted) Petit Corona. In any case, I will tend to age my Upmann stock, except I'm partial to smoking the aforementioned 'softer' cigars (in terms of flavour intensity) younger.

At this stage, this Magnum 46 had no harshness or intense power in its flavour delivery whatsoever, and this is exactly the way I prefer it. Shortbread, a touch of espresso coffee, vanilla and licorice sweetness is the best way to describe it, according to my palate. In short, simply delectable and delicious!

I have a few boxes of H.Upmann Petit Corona resting for the long-term. If only they turn out like this I would be elated! Perhaps I should check on them in 3 or 4 years time!

[JohnS]

Diplomáticos No.2 EML Ago 2014

What a contrast this Diplomaticos No.2 was in relation to the last one. And yes, they came from the same box! The last one was strong on capsicum or bell pepper and paprika spice, was toasty and I had to sip it slowly due to the strong smoke output per draw. This, on the other hand, was replete in sourdough goodness, was woody, had a little capsicum (or bell pepper) and paprika spice and the texture of the cigar on the palate was completely different, more akin to an older cigar than my last one.

Would I prefer one or the other? I would prefer this one according to my preference. However, if the next Diplomaticos No.2 from the box is like this one or the last one, I'd be perfectly fine with either.

[JohnS]

Por Larrañaga Montecarlos LGR Ago 2018

It gladdens my heart to spruik how great these Por Larranaga Montecarlos have been for me in 2019. Sure, mainly it's been my LGR Oct 2017 box that has been exemplary and my younger LGR Ago 2018 box, although quite good, needed time mainly to develop more caramel. Well, today was the day when I noticed an alteration for the positive.

It happened immediately. I think you know what I mean...that waft of caramel sweetness from the first few puffs after you light one of these Montecarlos up and instantaneously a grin envelops your face. Coupled with some elements of honey and the first third was starting to look like I had a 90 to 95 point cigar on-hand.

The middle third saw some throwbacks to its youth though, when I picked up some wood and spice. Heck, it was just a little, and it was actually quite agreeable, but it did mean that this box needed more time.

The final third saw a return of the caramel and honey sweetness I craved and approved of from the beginning of the cigar, only a little less defined. Late in the night @Fuzz lit up the same vitola and remarked what a good pick-up this was earlier in the year. I merely nodded in agreement, for there was little more I could add to his affirmation.

[JohnS]

Punch 8-9-8 2018 - Edición Regional Asia Pacifico LMB Jul 2019

So what is all this fuss with the latest Asia-Pacific Regional Release, the Punch 8-9-8? Why all the hype? Why should you seek this cigar out? Questions, questions, questions...

The Punch 8-9-8 is the 2018 Regional Edition for the Asia-Pacific market. What is exciting about it is its dimensions, 43 ring gauge by 170 mm (or 6.7 inches) in length, an uncommon dalias of which the only two regular production cigars, the Cohiba Siglo V and the Partagas 8-9-8 are produced sparingly at the current moment, and this despite the fact that they are global brands.

Now, beside its vitola dimensions, the packaging for this product has broken tradition in relation to its name. You see, an 8-9-8 cigar is so named because it usually comes in a (varnished) cab ribboned with eight cigars at the bottom, nine cigars in the middle and eight cigars at the top. Well may some of you say why not a 3-4-3 varnished cab. Since when has Habanos S.A. listened to consumers anyway? However, in this case its the Regional distributor who decided to bring this out in a glorious varnished 10-count box with a clip or latch. I hear you though...if only this came ribboned in a 8-9-8 partition in a cab!

How was this cigar in regards to other Punch cigars? For me, it strongly replicated the Punch 48 Habanos Specialist release from 2016. It had strong notes of roasted peanut and citrus with a touch of chocolate fudge or marshmallow. The marked difference was the strength, which for me was around medium and the slight hint of baking spice at the start and floral notes in the middle.

At four months old, it had its construction issues as it was a little 'wet'. It needed re-touching a few times as it went out but at least the retrohale was easily the most pleasant I've experienced in a young cigar for some time, and as you may know, I'm not inclined to retrohale every cigar, but for this one I gladly did multiple times.

If you are amenable to Punch as a marca then I'd suggest you seek this out and do so within the six to twelve month window that these are around.

[JohnS]

Montecristo No.2 GOS Ago 2018

I don't have too many Montecristo No.2's left in my humidor, something like 4 cigars each of these GOS Ago 2018 and PMS Abr 2015 sticks. These are light-wrappered and very different to the darker-wrappered 2015 box.

This cigar was light cocoa, milk coffee, nut, cream, a little leather in the back half and had a citrus twang akin to the Montecristo No.4's from 2018 I've been raving about this year. My 2015 box has had much stronger cocoa and coffee flavours, I think I will smoke one soon to compare the difference.

At the very least, I was grateful that it wasn't bland and it smoked well. After all, it is a Montecristo Habanos cigar!

[JohnS]

Trinidad Robustos Extra OUS Sep 2009

The last time I smoked one of these I shared it with Trevor Leask, the founder of Cuban Cigar Website. He hadn't smoked a cigar for a little while due to colder weather but having done so, he profusely thanked me for the opportunity, purporting that the Trinidad Robusto Extra had re-claimed his passion for smoking Habanos cigars. I reflected on that statement, concluding that it was quite an accolade. After smoking one today, Trevor's statement took on a new meaning.

The next time I shared this cigar it was with the proprietor of Cuban Cigar Website, Alexander Groom. Despite the poor weather (Sydney has been struggling with air pollution this summer season due to bushfire smoke from its surrounding vicinities), Alex and I both nubbed our cigars to our fingertips. The Trinidad Robusto Extra was sadly discontinued in 2012, but what a cigar it was. It doesn't share the trend of the latest Trinidad offerings, which are strong in coffee and dough, rather this was more mild barnyard hay, tea, honey and butter. An exquisite cigar to smoke from beginning to end, it was quite a shame to put it out.

Well may you ask if I included this cigar in El Pres' recent Xmas Sampler gift from the Sydney members? You bet I did!

[JohnS]

Punch 8-9-8 2018 - Edición Regional Asia Pacifico LMB Jul 2019

This is the second Punch 8-9-8 I've had in a week and yes, it was again a case of committing 'infanticide' and so many of our forum members so aptly put it. I shared this one with Alexander Groom, the proprietor of Cuban Cigar Website and gave him some background knowledge on this Asia- Pacific Regional from PCC. It was only four months old, a bit 'wet' as we're inclined to phrase it, and it will require a few re-lights. This all proved true.

One thing that Alex pointed out to me, which I hadn't noticed in the week that I had acquired the box, was the curved edges of the varnished box that the 10-count Punch 8-9-8 cigars came in. Alex stated that this was a reference to the original 8-9-8 packaging as these come in boxes with curved sides. I immediately agreed with Alex, and was well-pleased to have given him one of the cigars from the box to sample and the box itself, so that he could photograph it and use it to update the Cuban Cigar Website listing on the Punch 8-9-8.

The flavour this time was similar to my first one last week. Roasted nuts, a chocolate fudge or marshmallow texture, around medium strength but much less citrus twang. After smoking these two 8-9-8s I can easily conclude that this release is related to the Punch 48 in flavour and not the Punch Punch, which in my opinion is different. Yes, if you've tried the Punch 48 then the Punch 8-9-8 will most definitely appeal to you due to the similar flavours, only it's a touch milder due to its dalia vitola dimensions.

[Fugu]

On 11/1/2019 at 3:28 PM, JohnS said:

I still don't know how these can pack a quality Cohiba grass/hay and honey flavour in them, time after time!

So true. Just had one the other day that I found rolling around. Still from first release (now must have bout three years on them?). Flavourwise, I really couldn't say it was much different to a full-grown Cohiba. They seem to even profit from some down time. Being fully aware these are decent lil' sticks, but that still was a pleasant surprise.

[JohnS]

1 hour ago, Fugu said:

So true. Just had one the other day that I found rolling around. Still from first release (now must have bout three years on them?). Flavourwise, I really couldn't say it was much different to a full-grown Cohiba. They seem to even profit from some down time. Being fully aware these are decent lil' sticks, but that still was a pleasant surprise.

The Cohiba Shorts, right? Yes, amazing pockets of flavour in those little sticks!

[Fugu]

15 hours ago, JohnS said:

The Cohiba Shorts, right? Yes, amazing pockets of flavour in those little sticks!

Yep, sorry, wasn't clear from the cited bit, the CoSho indeed!

[JohnS]

La Gloria Cubana Taínos LRE Dic 2009

It was my very great pleasure to share this much-missed Churchill-sized vitola with some dear friends, Trevor Leask and Alexander Groom, who together represent the reason we have Cuban Cigar Website as we have it today. What a delightful time it was to reminisce over current Habanos cigar culture and the changes to Cuban Cigar Website over the years.

This cigar, at ten years of age, smoked wonderfully well. The ash-length was consistent, as were the rings (or ridges in the ash). There was a slight coning off every ash, which for me, is a sign of proper rolling. In terms of flavour, La Gloria Cubana can be complex when young. When older I've found that these LGC Tainos aged varieties meld into a distinctive fruitcake flavour. Previously, I've found some nut, floral notes and cream in these too, but today's cigar from the box had only a hint of cream and was more abundant in leather.

In any case, all three of us enjoyed our Churchill-sized cigars immensely. After all, where else can you lay claim to quality fruitcake in a cigar this size?

[JohnS]

Cohiba Siglo IV circa 2006 (thanks @Trevor2118!)

The Cohiba Siglo IV, a Corona Gorda at 46 ring gauge by 143 mm in length (or 5.63 inches) is the one Siglo cigar I smoke the least of the linea 1492 series, even more so than the Siglo V which has been harder to source in the last few years (well, at least for me). The reason? No specific reason other than this cigar really deserves some time down to savour it, in my opinion.

When these come up on 24:24 listings they will invariably sell quite quickly. El Pres wrote in his last write-up of them thusly;

"Stalks of dry hay/honeycomb/clean tobacco/spiced cream. Bold, deep, rich, classy.

Worth every cent."

I don't think I could put it better myself. Graciously gifted by Trevor Leask, the founder of Cuban Cigar Website and shared with Alexander Groom, the current proprietor, this Siglo IV from 2006 was simply glorious from start to finish. Those flavours that El Pres mentioned above were ever-present, maybe less bold but every bit as rich.

As I mentioned in my previous review on the La Gloria Cubana Tainos, I think the sign of a 'classy' cigar is a consistent ash-length, well-formed rings (or ridges on the ash) and a slight coning after every ash. That was evident here in all three cigars smoked for each of us. What a cigar this was!