Canonazo VI 2023 Review (NRWMO)

[AshesToExcellence]

Having been a member for several years now, I decided to give a review a go. I'd be remiss if I didn’t say thank you to all for what I’ve learned here on FOH. 

 

A Cigar That Makes You Puff, Puff, and Savor 

 

 

Intriguing Prelude: With a rough reddish-brown wrapper reminiscent of rustic builder's brick or sunlit soil, the Desnudo Cañonazo Amante VI (6 x 52, 2023) invites your senses. It is one of those cigars that you can smell even before you bring it under your nose. Aroma from the wrapper is a combination of hay, sweet barnyard, and leather, while the slightly-covered foot brings notes of leather and a touch of a molasses. After a subtle v-cut, this well-packed cigar offers a spot-on draw, dispelling any concerns about its firmness. The cold draw has notes of hay, earth, freshly brewed espresso, and peanut.

 

 

A Flawless Start: The opening act of this cigar is nothing short of remarkable. It unfurls with a surprising smoothness, weaving together earth and honey notes, reminiscent of a countryside meadow, with a touch of freshly baked bread. A subtle undertone of white pepper adds depth, though it veils a majority of the sweetness that teased our senses in the aroma.

 

 

A Smooth Ascent: The second third continues delivering generous smoke with flavors of smooth leather and light honey notes. Subtle white pepper undertones continue as they deepen the experience for the cigar's first flavor transition. The burn remains even.

 

 

A Melodic Middle: As we delve into the middle third, the white pepper takes a back seat to notes of dark roast and bread. A refreshing minty-link zing jumps out of the retrohale, surprising the palate with a flavor transition that's ninja-like. It's as if El Prez chucked a flavor grenade over his shoulder, and then just walked away whistling. This is where the cigar truly hits its stride as it maintains its medium body, leaving the mouth moist and flavors intact.

 

 

The Finale: In the final act, the cigar transitions once more with elements reminiscent of a Connie B, as hay and peanut rush to the forefront with a slightly tannic quality, pushing former honey, white pepper, and bread notes to the background. It's quite a finish, with these dynamic flavors leaving a lasting impression.

 

 

Craftsmanship and Aesthetics: Beyond earlier construction notes, the predominantly white ash occasionally reveals a flaky nature, while the slightly wavering burn line maintains overall evenness.

 

Conclusion: This cigar, while not a non-stop rollercoaster of transitions, offers a sublime and balanced journey. It embodies a smooth, flavorful, and enjoyable smoke, a testament to its creators' craftsmanship. Much like a piece of art, it rewards those who savor it slowly and cautions against rushing through its evolving flavors. The Cañonazo Amante VI is far from being a Maroon 5 experience - where people say they like it but can't tell you why. Rather, it is a cigar that beckons you to take your time, to savor every moment. 93 points.

[El Presidente]

.....not a bad review for a first timer 

[AshesToExcellence]

Appreciated, thank you sir!

[winelover]

Nice review. I have had best results when this cigar has been well humidified and poorer outcomes when it has been at a dryer RH. First and most recent have been best, middle two suffered from being a bit dry and harsh.

[ChangBang]

3 hours ago, winelover said:

Nice review. I have had best results when this cigar has been well humidified and poorer outcomes when it has been at a dryer RH. First and most recent have been best, middle two suffered from being a bit dry and harsh.

I agree, think these do better at a higher humidity level. Had a great one Rott, good one at 69%, mediocre one at 63%, and a better one at 69% that was still adjusting to the increased humidity. 

[AshesToExcellence]

Thank you @winelover. And good intel from you and @ChangBang. With several discussions on FOH about dry boxing, I was planning to experiment and see if the process has a material impact on the Cañonazo's flavor or on its transitions (whether dry boxing enhances those points of flavor transition or not).  And to @ChangBang's notes, I also wonder what other variables are at play - temperature, time (shedding any residual taste of ammonia), etc.  Given these are new smokes, and quite good already, it raises for me the difference between resting vs. aging.

[El Presidente]

21 hours ago, AshesToExcellence said:

Thank you @winelover. And good intel from you and @ChangBang. With several discussions on FOH about dry boxing, I was planning to experiment and see if the process has a material impact on the Cañonazo's flavor or on its transitions (whether dry boxing enhances those points of flavor transition or not).  And to @ChangBang's notes, I also wonder what other variables are at play - temperature, time (shedding any residual taste of ammonia), etc.  Given these are new smokes, and quite good already, it raises for me the difference between resting vs. aging.

I have to say that we are still experimenting where is the best level of RH for these. I will chuck out a curveball and say that the best humidity for the Canonazo (as an example) may be different that that for the PC.....however as always it is to your taste! Hamlet runs them at 70%, I at 66-68%.