This One Is For Nino: Alex Custom 109 Acquired July 2022 (FRW)

[cgoodrich]

Wanted to have a smoke to honor Nino. Decided on an Alex Custom 109. Have no idea when this cigar was rolled. It feels well built, firm with a nice supple claro wrapper. It measured 52rg x 6 1/8” (155mm). Since I was smoking some Texas style ribs for myself and the better half, I knew I had plenty of time to enjoy uninterrupted.

Prelight aroma off the wrapper was a sweet honey/caramel. Draw was perfect.

It opened up with that wonderful Cuban twang, which lasted half way through the first third. Mild-mid bodied, lots of smoke but easy on the palate. Coffee, walnuts, a bit of oak.

Getting into the second third it changed to more of toasted wood with distinct sourdough, much like a Partagas. Lost the walnut and Cuban twang, but very good toasted tobacco.

The final third became fuller, more medium-full in strength and body. It lost the sourdough profile and developed more of the coffee/chocolate taste. I felt like I was smoking a good Monte #2 through to the end. Decent complexity, good potential to improve with time. Scored it 90/100.

I sure wish I was smoking this with Nino, he will be missed.