Cohiba Esplendidos UAO JUL 19 (CM)

[Chibearsv]

This was a no brainer selection for me.  The reason I delved into CCs is because of the first 2 real CCs I ever smoked: a Monte #2 and an Esplendido.  They were both given to me by friends sometime in the mid-nineties. I liked cigars in general and they had told me that I probably had never had a real Cuban cigar...they were right as it turned out.  They were proud to share them with me and I had no idea of the difference in price at the time.  At the time, I thought smoking any Cuban cigar was a little rebellious and that added to the enjoyment.  Even though I enjoyed both of them very much, the Esplendido was great on a whole other level for me; I thought it was spectacular.  It was a challenge for me to find real Esplendidos for many years until I found reliable sources on-line.  Fast forward several years.  After getting to know my future son in law a bit better, we found that we both had a fondness for smoking cigars and his CC universe basically revolved around Monte 2.  I shared an Esplendido with him and I wish I had a photo of his face when he took his first draws; it was obvious that Esplendido hit the right note with him as well.  I gave him a box for their wedding day and it will always be a cigar that he and I smoke whenever we get together.  

As for the review of today's cigar, it's much the same as ever for me.  Beautiful perfect looking cigar with sweet barnyard aroma.  Perfect draw and perfect burn throughout.  Opens with thick creamy smoke and flavors of straw, sugar cookie, orange zest, and maybe ginger.  Doesn't transition much but doesn't need to in my opinion.  This cigar is meant for 2 hours of relaxed bliss.  I know these are pricey and I know many would say I should be aging them but they have no chance.  I find them absolutely delicious right now.