Fresh Jonny O WF Lancero (SBRW)

[teamrandr]

  Life has been a bit hectic lately. I am still reeling from the loss of my beloved Grandmother. Lately I find myself just wanting to be outside chopping wood, hanging with my Golden retriever Rye. Usually I settle in at some point to reflect. What better way than to grab a fresh lancero to review for the FOH heads.

   1/3 I must remark that this is a beautiful specimen. A nice smooth wrapper with classic Colorado darkness. Just right for me. When I got the bundle they were downright barnyard freshness. I love them this way. The aroma at cold is pure Havana tobacco. Toasting the foot follows suit. Beautiful aromas of the rich tobacco with cocoa and coffee! First couple draws are smooth. Right up front is the Havana tobacco. Of course I immediately find roasted coffee coming in. This is combined with a certain amount of spice. More on the nutmeg/clove spectrum. This is all mixing in well with the roasted coffee. The draw is a bit tight. Not bad though. This sample is ROTT. Yeah yeah I know about resting. I often smoke cigars that are 30+ years old. I am fully aware!

   2/3 The flavors have remained the same with the addition of dark chocolate coming now. There is a certain creaminess to the smoke now. Many mention saltiness when it comes to Havana tobacco. There is a mild salty pretzel just lurking on the back end. The progression is wonderful. It is as if Starbuck's did a salted caramel pretzel latte. They better not steal my idea now.   

  1/2 way now. The flavors are outstanding. Creamy mocha espresso collides with the salted pretzel aspect. This is pairing nicely with a local wine that I aged for 10 years. It was a gift in when I served as best man at my best of friends wedding. Their marriage has ended. I intended to drink this with them years down the road. Well I figure I should put it for rest. The flavors were outstanding. Michigan grapes can make some great wine. The cork had beautiful crystals that had formed with age. No plume controversy here.

  2/3 Flavors are getting what I believe Rob refers to as Mongrel. It is a bit of old school tobacco. The mocha dark chocolate aspect is full tilt now. That is the dominant flavor. A bit of an oak flavor I dont like has come in.

  Final 3rd. I had to step off the gas so to speak. The draws are full volume now. I have taken my time to let it rest between draws. The flavor is full blown rich creamy mocha. Of course the richness of the Havana tobacco is still playing it's part.

  Just a solid smoke especially at the price point. 90 points 

KC- 17

SF- 14

[leapingknown2]

Great review! Is this the same Johnny O from 10yrs ago? I bet it is! Excellent smokes. Greg B.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

[RDB]

Really nice review. Captures the way smoke keeps us sane and happy. Sorry for your recent loss, brother, and keep on trucking.

[Chucko8]

Fantastic review. The picture of that bundle sure does look amazing. Well done

[Bram Smoker]

Great review. Good looking dog. All the best in your difficult times. Keep up the top notch cigar reviews!

[teamrandr]

Thanks for the kind comments brothers.  It is something we all go through.  It is never easy to say goodbye to such incredible humans.