Aladino Big Bird - 2021 (CAAug24)

[Tdm_86]

One of the few cigars I still have from a cigar of the month club I used to subscribe to. It’s supposedly the Aladino Vintage blend in a custom size (didn’t measure, size isn’t specified, seems like a grand toro). The wrapper is a Honduran Habano and both binder and filler are Honduran Corojo. I am accompanied by my dog, she likes to sit in the chair next to me when I smoke a cigar.

Pre-light

Nicely rolled, feels evenly packed. Smells like cedar. Gave this one a V cut. Draw is excellent. The cold draw tastes of cedar and spice.

First third

It opens up with a big hit of cedar and a little tingle of white pepper. On the palate the cedar is followed by something acidic but fruity, most akin to a sour cherry. It’s also quite drying on the finish. Retrohaling only brings out a hint of the white pepper. A pretty good start.

Second third

Now that it’s warming up, it’s starting to get creamier and creamier. This, together with the sour cherry note is very pleasant. As I approach the midway point, there is this toasty sugary essence that comes in. The retrohale still has a bunch of white pepper. 

Final third

Everything gets a bit darker, a bunch of baking spices now on the draw. On the palate is coffee and a bit of burnt sugar. Retrohale still very much white pepper.

 

Conclusion

A very transitional cigar, I guess that’s how they blend them. An interesting smoke for sure, feels like a mashup of a few different Cuban brands. Like if RyJ, PL and Partagas had a baby. It was quite enjoyable, even if a little bit all over the map at times. Took me about 1hr40mins to smoke.

89/100