Bond Roberts Petit 109 Linea D No.06 Review

[JohnS]

Bond Roberts Petit 109 Linea D No.06

If you've habitually perused this forum and have not been aware that Rob Ayala, Rob Fox and Hamlet Paredes have announced an imminent release of a 50 ring gauge x 5 ⅞ inches (or 150 millimetres) Petit 109 and a 50 ring gauge x 7 ¼ inches (or 184 millimetres) 109 under the Bond Roberts brand, then honestly you've been living your life under a rock, colloquially-speaking. In what is a rare outcome for me, I'm publishing my review on this cigar directly to our forum 'main cigar waterhole.' Normally, I would edit and publish a review of a cigar I smoke to my Smoking Diary on Cuban Cigar Website, then revise it with one final check prior to publishing it to my Smoking Blog here on FoH. This process usually takes a few weeks, but since this release carries with it a hype of anticipation (and I mean 'hype' in a positive sense), I thought it more pertinent to post this review here first for the benefit of our members. After all, a great number of you have already expressed interest in acquiring this cigar when it is widely available in late-July 2024, so why not get a 'gist' of what you're about to commit to? (And obviously smoke soon after!)

The Bond Roberts Petit 109 Linea D No.06 launched in Miami, U.S.A at the end of April 2024. That launch party was a memorable event which garnered widespread media releases within our common cigar circle on-line publications (such as Cigar Aficionado, Cigar Journal and Halfwheel, for example). The initial launch in the U.S.A was followed by one in Hong Kong, China and then Perth, Australia soon after.

I am grateful to @jay8354 and @Fuzz who both attended the Hong Kong launch event in May and were able to provide me this cigar to review. The heat and humidity in Hong Kong in May unfortunately was not conducive to enjoying this cigar at its optimal best. The website, Cigar Inspector reported that Rob Ayala, Rob Fox and Oscar Valladeres, whose factory in Honduras produces these cigars were present at this event; however, it was mentioned that Hamlet Paredes was missing in action. In fact, he was there but unfortunately became ill and had to retire to his hotel to recuperate. Nonetheless, I mention this small anecdote only to highlight the fact that even though Hamlet wasn't at the Hong Kong Launch event, literally-speaking, one could state that he was in fact there figuratively-speaking in the legacy he has achieved in rolling this wonderful cigar for cigar enthusiasts worldwide to savour and smoke. 

In Rob Ayala's own words, "The Bond Roberts cigar story is one of an ongoing striving for perfection in the cigar world combining the finest leaf and artisans of their craft. Bond Roberts is the culmination of a lifetime of experience by cigar alumni Hamlet Paredes, Rob Fox, and Rob Ayala. Excellence is the only measure. The Bond Roberts Petit 109 emanates from the high performance Fabrica 5 unit under the control of world famed blender Hamlet Paredes who brings his immense passion and experience in the finest Cuban traditions. Utilising uniquely aged and curated Honduran and Nicaraguan leaf, the Petit 109 delivers smooth and rich notes of raisin milk chocolate, sourdough and light coffee spice in a journey that explores the medium bodied realm."

From the very first puffs, it's hard to believe that aged and curated Honduran and Nicaraguan leaf can produce a cigar like this. By that I mean, what exactly accounts for the smooth, refined sourdough bread, leather and cream texture that was abundant in the first third? There was even a sweetness there that initially I thought was like a citrus twang, but upon reflection I pondered whether it was closer to a mellow honey sweetness? Anyway, this flavour profile continued in the middle third. In the last third, the cigar was still very approachable, which I must state as sometimes a really good cigar can 'ramp up' in its intensity in the last third. Frankly, this BR Petit 109 did not, and it was a most welcome occurrence. If there was any light coffee spice to be had here, at the end of the cigar, then it was minimal.

And so, with the BR Petit 109 being boxed and packaged as we speak, what more can we add about this cigar? One thing that needs to be said; it's simply a quality cigar that belies the notion of what a quality Non-Cuban cigar can be. In other words, you will smoke this and find it hard to believe it's not a Habanos cigar. Upon smoking it, for me, the BR Petit 109 most resembles a Partagas Serie E No.2, which is high praise indeed as Habanos S.A. has traditionally reserved Duke-Sized cigars as quality releases. Furthermore, the tapered head on this cigar is a homage to Nro.109 releases which also merit releases within the Habanos catalogue that signify quality.

So how do we conclude this review? How about by citing the price point and the intention behind it? As multiple press releases have stated, unlike the high prices found on the vintage Cuban cigars that Bond Roberts usually auctions, these prices range between $US16 and $US25. "With recent Habanos S.A. price rises across the globe, the concept of Bond Roberts Cigars is to deliver a first-rate product at approachable price points, ensuring that purchasing a box of premium cigars is not beyond anyone’s means,” Rob Ayala said at the Miami Launch event. What more can one say? Have your cash ready and on-hand at the end of next month. You'll be glad you did.

[MagicalBikeRide]

Thanks for taking the time John. Sounds like an enjoyable experience (esp as an E2 fan myself).

[99call]

Yep, thanks for doing this John, not by the sounds of it...it was a chore in anyway shape or form.

[Domsday]

Will get some for sure!


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[rascalmonkey]

nice one dude!

[SUP8333]

Nice! I need it!!!

[El Presidente]

Cheers mate 

[Marco_011t556]

John, I feel the same way! Petit 109 makes me think of Partagas E2!!

[teamrandr]

Looking forward to trying this one.

[karp]

Like a E2… Goody! Looking forward to it!!

How does the regular 109 compare? Is it a totally different blend or just longer version?

[Jimmy2]

Sounds like a great smoke ! 

And I have to admit it’s a beautiful looking cigar just stunning . 
Hope to get some singles to try in the future .

Thanks John 👍

[Gamehawker]

I absolutely love the Partagas E2 so I am eager to buy and smoke the BR Petit 109. 😊

Now if you could only have the BR 109 taste like an H. Upmann Sir Winnie 😍

[JohnS]

4 hours ago, karp said:

Like a E2… Goody! Looking forward to it!!

How does the regular 109 compare? Is it a totally different blend or just longer version?

I have not had it (yet). However, @LizardGizmo and @MrBirdman posted reviews in September 2023 on the larger BR 109. Now, it must be said those samples may have been tweaked in the meantime. Otherwise, those samples resembled the Partagas Lusitanias, which again, is high praise indeed in my view.

[karp]

Thanks for the info - both reviews and yours are effusive with praise. Cabs of 50 sounds excellent. I detect some common themes in both vitolas but I guess will have to try them to find out! 😄

 

[LizardGizmo]

My level of anticipation for both the 109 and the Petit 109 is off the charts. I am making room in my humidor for multiple 50cabs...!

[vvvendo1969]

Thank you very much for your kind and nice review.

I am very much looking forward to smoke it, really.

[Jaks93]

Great write up John, very helpful and informative many thanks 👍

[99call]

Hello @El Presidente Sorry if I missed this elsewhere. If I'm correct in thinking, it will not be possible for UK buyers to buy these from overseas?  i.e. will be have to buy them domestically through JJFox?

[El Presidente]

11 minutes ago, 99call said:

Hello @El Presidente Sorry if I missed this elsewhere. If I'm correct in thinking, it will not be possible for UK buyers to buy these from overseas?  i.e. will be have to buy them domestically through JJFox?

Not at all. You will be able to purchase through Ravi at COH

[99call]

6 minutes ago, El Presidente said:

Not at all. You will be able to purchase through Ravi at COH

Great to hear. Cheers Rob.

[GaryK 54]

Will those of us in China be able to buy through Fabrica 5? I recall the release date for Asia is later in the second half of this year. Very much anticipating buying a cab. Thanks for the photo John, that wrapper exceeds Davidoff standards IMHO. Just a flawless and oily wrapper leaf.

[Marco_011t556]

On 7/4/2024 at 5:51 PM, GaryK 54 said:

Will those of us in China be able to buy through Fabrica 5? I recall the release date for Asia is later in the second half of this year. Very much anticipating buying a cab. Thanks for the photo John, that wrapper exceeds Davidoff standards IMHO. Just a flawless and oily wrapper leaf.

Curious as well. Not sure if the pricing the same for Fabrica 5 and Coh.