Cohiba Esplendidos Unknown (L&SRW2)

[Bijan]

Another cigar from the Christmas contest prize pack.

Cigar was a bit heavy and tightly bunched. I went with 12mm punch but draw was very tight so then repunched with 14mm. A little too big a punch so the wrapper at the head frayed a bit, but it smoked fine. Note to self 14mm is pushing it a bit at 47RG. Used the perfecdraw and draw opened up, mainly some tightness towards the head.

First third: Opened with grass. Then coffee. Then plain hay for about 10 minutes. A bit boring as hay by itself to me can have a bit of a dull tea flavour. Then became slightly creamy, grass again, coffee with cream. Finished with a combination of honey, mocha and ginger.

Second. third: Bit of citrus, coffee, grass/hay, mocha, ginger, a shot of espresso, then ginger and honey with ginger on the retrohale (one of my favourite flavours in the classic line, though I've only ever gotten it on Coronas Especiales and Esplendidos so far and perhaps Lanceros, but never Robustos) for a long while, finished with honey and mocha.

Final third: Grass, then hay, creamy and savoury, with hints of tarragon, mint, and some bitter herbs at times.

Almost an hour and 45 minutes to a nub.

Ash held very well an inch and a half or more each time. Ashed it three times in total. Needed 3-4 touch ups towards the end.

Weather was -9C to -10C (16F to 14F). Almost no wind. 60-70% humidity.

Solid cigar a good 4.5/5.