Trinidad Esmerelda - TLE Feb 20 (SELRW)

[Fezztone]

These arrived to me on Oct 20.  Been resting at 62% and 66F.  Love the barnyard smell with a touch of honey. Set up to be a good smoke. Twisted the pig tail off but no draw and used the V cut.  Great draw! The cigar lit well and then it went down hill from there.  

1st third low smoke production and the burn was not dependable.  Good flavors on the limited draws I got. A bit on the mild side with some almond notes

2nd third,  I was having to pay attention to the draws and not letting it go out vs. enjoying the flavors. When you have to double puff to keep it consistent the cigar just becomes a job.  Still notes of hay and cream but on the bitter side.. Using a pint of Guinness to clean my palate. Maybe a bad choice? As if Guinness can ever be a bad choice   These cigars have been stored in the exact same conditions as some other similar sized Cubans so I'm pretty sure it's not casing the issue.   The way I'm having to smoke this thing is probably creating the burn issues now. 

Final 3rd- Normally I'd see these burn issues when the cigar tunnels but this one isn't doing that. It's just a challenge to keep lit and then it gets hot now I just taste ash. I'm sure when they are on they are great and a perfect evening cigar. I'm not entirely convinced that it may not be too humid due to the wrapper now splitting, but since I have to draw on it so frequently it's just getting too hot. 

I have opened a tech support ticket with Trinidad. I'll let you know the outcome

I'll revisit in 12 months!

Hopefully the pics load in sequence

Cheers- Darren

[MrBirdman]

I’ve had the same problem with one or two Ezzie’s. When they’re on they’re on, but very inconsistent in my experience thus far. 

[Kaptain Karl]

Sorry to hear that man!! And from a Giants fan...please knock the crap out of the Dodgers this year!! I love your guy’s roster this year, most exciting team in the MLB! 

[Woody Hayes]

I got a box of the GLE April 20.  Hope they are better.

[Fezztone]

11 minutes ago, Kaptain Karl said:

Sorry to hear that man!! And from a Giants fan...please knock the crap out of the Dodgers this year!! I love your guy’s roster this year, most exciting team in the MLB! 

Thanks. I’ll put in a good word. San Diego teams are often like this cigar. Great in the beginning but find a way to disappoint.  But, this is our year. I’m a USF Alum, so the Giants are my backup team!

[Kaptain Karl]

5 minutes ago, Fezztone said:

Thanks. I’ll put in a good word. San Diego teams are often like this cigar. Great in the beginning but find a way to disappoint.  But, this is our year. I’m a USF Alum, so the Giants are my backup team!

Hahaha that’s hilarious. I think they may have a different juice to them now, SD has never had a roster and farm system like this!! 
And that’s awesome!! I played USF when I was playing at Davis and my grandma owned a 3 unit building just on the other side of the Panhandle so I’ve spent a lot of time over there, must have been a blast going to school in the city! 

[JohnS]

Indeed, it's a good time to be a Padres fan.

[Shrimpchips]

Padres have made such a big change into an awesome team to watch in the last few seasons. Hopefully the same can be said for the rest of your box of Esmereldas in a few seasons.

[jonnyfromiranny]

Thanks for the review. These are on my short list of must-try cigars as I've heard mostly good things. Hopefully the consistency will improve.