San Cristobal de la Habana El Principe LGR JUN 19 (49SRW)

[saltbox]

Another first for me, trying one from a box that's hit just over 3 months of rest now, 1 year 5 months of box age. This cigar was a bit banged up so it was volunteered as tribute for the first sacrifice.

First third: the draw seemed crazy plugged cold, but opened up quite well once lit. Opens straight into nice creamy twang and molasses sweetness with a bit of pepper on the retrohale. Touches of coffee appear on the finish intermittently and towards the end the sweetness picks up a light caramel note.

Middle third: more creamy molasses sweetness, and puffs seems to alternate between cedar, coffee, and cocoa on the finish. Halfway through some earthiness appears.

Last third: The earthiness stays throughout, and some peppery spice appears on the palate and lips.

Overall: not much in terms of transitions, it was basically the one tasty flavor profile all the way through with minor variations throughout. This is the fifth Cuban I've had now and I'm definitely seeing why a lot of people prefer the unique creamy twang Cubans have. I still foresee keeping a steady stash of non-Cubans, but can also see that proportion shifting heavily towards Cubans over time. 89/100

I also took a stab at holding the cigar against the thumb the way Halfwheel does it for a pic, I guess to better highlight the label.