San Cristobal de la Habana El Principe - Unknown (MM&SRW)

[justince]

Purchased as a single, I don't know the box code/date. But I freaking wish I did!

Paired with a sparkling water since this was the first time I was trying the stick and wanted to have a good palate cleanser. Draw is perfect, cigar seems really well made.

Upon first light, I'm immediately blown away. I get a strong, sweet licorice flavor, almost artificial but not quite. Then, immediately after, a heavy smoke flavor...I've never quite had anything like this. When I say smoke, think smoked meat, but not meaty...just that smoked flavor. Ever have liquid smoke? Think that. Finish is a smooth, woody finish with the licorice lingering. The smoke flavor doesn't last too long, but I've never had anything quite like this. The Cuban twang is heavily present; that nice, almost acidic flavor. Rich, creamy textured smoke. WOW!

Unfortunately, the licorice and smoke fade pretty quickly, after about 5-10 minutes or so. The licorice begins to morph into a stewed fruit which comes on with the draw. Smoke flavor is completely gone and doesn't return.The fruit is accompined with strong woody notes that last until the finish. Cuban twang remains. Smoke texture remains the same.

Towards the end, the licorice begins to return, along with a burnt grass flavor. The licorice is nowhere near as sweet or potent as in the beginning, but it's there. The wood begins to fade. This is by far the most transitional Cuban I've ever smoked -- most tend to be straight shooters; this is quite a surprise. I'm absolutely digging this stick...what a sleeper in the Habanos portfolio.

Medium bodied, no strength whatsoever. Just how I like it. I reviewed a Lusitania a few weeks ago and gave that a 9.5....this deserves an equal score. I'm absolutely blown away and am looking to pick up a box ASAP. I'm not sure if this is par the course or I just so happened to luck out and get a great stick. 

I highly recommend you try this if you never have. 

9.5/10

[Focal_Banger]

This is one of my favorites! cannot go wrong with a box or two in your collection. Great review!

[Meesterjojo]

5 hours ago, Focal_Banger said:

This is one of my favorites! cannot go wrong with a box or two in your collection. Great review!

Totally. Even with my relatively short time in CCs I have a couple of boxes. 

 

They remind me of tootsie rolls. I'm not a fan of the chocolate flavor of tootsie rolls, but given my completely off palate I am delighted that I can actually taste something chocolatey.

 

They're so cheap there really is no reason not to have some on hand.