La China Pyramide – AUG 2019 (CM)

[StogieSteve23]

This La China Pyramide is young but excellent. This cigar brings great memories of my third and most recent trip to Havana when I went for a long weekend with my younger brother.  His first time in Havana and the first vacation we have ever taken with just the two of us. His two favorite things (aside from our Cuban brothers who have now become like family), were sitting in the backroom at the Partagas store smoking a La China custom, drinking Santiago 11yr and excellent Cuban coffee, and smoking at Conde Villanueva with Reynaldo.  These are two of my most favorite places in the world and to hear him say those were his favorite memories, is excellent. Here is a picture of us at Partagas LCDH with China picking up a few sticks. She was a lot happier and more friendly than she looks in the picture LOL! 

Opening Remarks:  I have said it time and time again that a pyramide is not my go-to vitola, but I wanted to give this a try for what it reminds me of.  A nice rounded head instead of a traditional pointed one and a closed foot accentuate the body of this lovely Cuban custom-rolled cigar.  The wrapper is semi-rough in veins but silky/velvety to the touch. 

Cold draw gives a little less resistance than wanted but nice notes of honey and cedar fill the mouth with the scents of barnyard and fresh cut grass wafting off the foot. 

First Third: After toasting the foot, combustion is very nice and the burn is flawless. Nice white ash. The first few puffs were peppery and slightly harsh but mellowed out to a graham crackery milk chocolate flavor. Moving into the second third, smoke production picks up and the semi wind-tunnel like draw somehow seems to work itself out to a slightly more restricted feel.  Smoke is a clean cedar barnyard smell.

 

Second Third: Draw, combustion, burn still perfect.  A few puffs into the second third and I get notes of wet cedar.  This dissipates and a hint of molten white chocolate appears for a few puffs then makes way for biscuits and honey. Cedar is back and still a perfect burn.  Honey persists for the rest of this third and turns to a slightly spicy chocolate moving into the final third

 

Final Third:  Draw, combustion, burn still perfect. Notes of muted hay and milk chocolate are back. This remains until the last few puffs I take then the cigar gets hot and a bit spicy. The smoke still smells nice and clean.

 

Closing Remarks: Fantastic construction with an interesting transition of flavors throughout. An enjoyable smoke but I won’t smoke another for a while to let some of the flavors mellow a bit.  I love the memories this cigar brings with it. Living in Florida and he in South Carolina, I can’t wait to make more memories over a cigar with my brother whenever I get to see him next.

 

Burn: 5/5 (Perfect – no touch up/relight ever needed)

Construction: 4/5 (Draw was odd at first but fixed itself)

Flavor: 4/5 (Satisfying – chocolate – honey – spice at certain points was not welcomed)

Smell: 5/5 (Pleasant – clean cedar smelling smoke)

Wrapper: 4/5 (Smooth/Velvety – small veins)

Overall Score: 22/25

[Goodfortune]

Thanks for the review, very well written. Sounds like you and your brother had a blast in Havana! Love that ashtray!

[StogieSteve23]

7 minutes ago, Goodfortune said:

Thanks for the review, very well written. Sounds like you and your brother had a blast in Havana! Love that ashtray!

Thank you sir, we certainly did have a blast! 

[Viva Vegas]

Love going to see La China, and smoking a stick there too.

[StogieSteve23]

6 minutes ago, Viva Vegas said:

Love going to see La China, and smoking a stick there too.

Yes. She, Vladimir, Grecia and the rest of the staff are wonderful hosts. Sitting in the back smoking is a treat in itself and while the climate control isn't the best in that walk-in, its sure fun going box hunting there.

[Monocle]

That was the first stop on my trip in February with co-workers and my brother. Enjoyed a Siglo II in the back room with some coffee. I’ve already burned through most of the customs I picked up from La China but have a coupe Pyramides and Salomones left from her. Awesome place! 
 

 

[StogieSteve23]

2 hours ago, Monocle said:

That was the first stop on my trip in February with co-workers and my brother. Enjoyed a Siglo II in the back room with some coffee. I’ve already burned through most of the customs I picked up from La China but have a coupe Pyramides and Salomones left from her. Awesome place! 
 

 

Now that's a work trip I'd like to be on lol.  Nice pics and thanks for sharing! 

[Monterey]

Anyone been to their upstairs humidor?  Every time I get the rarer stuff, they always seem to go upstairs to go get it.

[Theophilus]

Great review!! Thanks

[StogieSteve23]

15 hours ago, Monterey said:

Anyone been to their upstairs humidor?  Every time I get the rarer stuff, they always seem to go upstairs to go get it.

Nope.  I've wondered the same thing because that's where the real goodies are.