The H. Upmann Herman’s Batch is an additional line in Altadis U.S.A.’s profile paying tribute to the German banker Hermann Upmann who created the H. Upmann brand in Cuba in 1844. This is not the Cuban incarnation as it uses an Ecuadorian wrapper and Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers, but this is still an homage to the man by way of a collaboration between Rafael Nodal and the Grupo de Maestros at Tabacalera de Garcia in La Romana.
Visually I like the look of the Herman’s Batch, but of course with blind smoking the proof is in the puffing!
The H. Upmann Herman’s Batch is draped in a dark and oily Ecuadorian Habano wrapper. The cap has an elongated piece of wrapper that looks like a fuse running along the side of the cigar. The foot smells of barnyard and oolong tea.
Flavor and Smoke Characteristics
My Xikar cutter gives a sharp straight clip and I take a dry draw that is slightly firm with raisins, hay and barnyard notes. As I use my single flame Xikar EX and take a puff, I’m hit with full bodied ligero and a blast of pepper. The intensity soon subsides and a more toasty and woody profile emerges. On the retrohale rich black coffee and and spices come through with an oaky finish.
At midway the H. Upmann Herman’s Batch introduces leather, coffee and honeyed notes that remain on the palate for a bit. The razor sharp burn line and white ash show the admirable construction of the cigar. A few puffs later, lead and a vanilla bean sweetness emerge while the profile hovers at a medium strength. Another retrohale delivers wood with cinnamon tingling the nostrils.
As the final third of the cigar comes around, the smoke develops cereal notes surrounded by an earthy quality. The medium profile continues along with chocolate, toast and graphite on the finish. The draw then seems to open up as the cigar burns down and ample amounts of smoke flourish through the air. The coffee comes back–more like cafe au lait than rich espresso–along with toast that creates a fine finish to the medium bodied cigar. An easy smoking toro.
Conclusion
The H. Upmann Herman’s Batch shows the true highlights of a Ecuadorian Habano wrapper. When done like it is here, I very much enjoy it. Although the full bodied ligero blast of tobacco was a bit much to start, the cigar segued into toast and coffee which was excellent. The leather and honeyed notes showed a tasty evolution and the toasty finish enhanced its medium profile.
This was the first H. Upmann Herman’s Batch I’ve smoked and I can say Rafael’s assistance in the blend made it more memorable for me and once again shows the craftsmanship he puts into everything he does. I would seek this size out and a box purchase would be a sound investment.
The Aladino Cameroon Lonsdale is a premium cigar made by JRE Tobacco Company. What is interesting about this cigar is it wears a Cameroon seed wrapper grown in Honduras. Cameroon wrapper tobacco generally has an African origin in the area of its namesake. In Cameroon this is a very delicate wrapper to grow and blend around. Not knowing what the cigar was prior to smoking I was instantly attracted to the wrapper and was curious as to what this would taste like.
Blend Specifics
Cigar Reviewed: Aladino Cameroon Lonsdale
Wrapper: Honduran Cameroon
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Honduras
Size 6” x 43 (Lonsdale)
Appearance and Construction
Visually the Aladino Cameroon Lonsdale lands on the verge of milk chocolate and a redness to the wrapper. There are a few veins and soft spots across the cigar. Despite this there is a smoothness to the wrapper. The foot smells of hay and cashews.
Flavor and Smoke Characteristics
With a straight cut I take a dry puff that is a bit loose. After my initial light, I am welcomed with saltiness and pepper followed by an oaky finish. The Aladino Cameroon becomes toasty, with a medium bodied range of peanuts and hay. I also catch some red pepper that transforms into earth and an underlying nuttiness. The draw firms up a bit, creating volumes of smoke and a white ash as the ember burned.
As the cigar develops, earthiness continues with vanilla sweetness surrounding the palate. The ash becomes surprisingly long, but still felt fragile rather than firm. Taking in a retrohale, the Aladino is all cedar which resonates throughout my nostrils intensely. After a few more puffs, forest floor and cashews come through providing a medium bodied style of nuts and silt. The burn line is quite good and as the cigar builds up slightly in strength, a bit of black pepper tickles my nostrils which then turns into a slight sweetness on the tongue. At this point the changes in style are not overwhelming and are giving me just enough to keep me interested.
The last third of the Aladino Cameroon Lonsdale doesn’t stray much from what I experienced in the middle of the cigar, with cashew, peanuts and hay (though the finish is a bit longer). The Aladino becomes toasty at this stage with oak and earth competing as secondary flavors. All the while the cigar is medium in body.
The last few puffs offer more of the salinity the cigar started with, with an additional earthy wood tone. A pleasant smoking lonsdale.
Conclusion
This was my first time smoking an Aladino and I was treated to a tasty medium bodied experience. The nutty profile was evident from cashew to peanut and even almond towards the end. When I found out what the cigar was I was even more surprised to learn it was a Cameroon seed wrapper planted in Hondurans. This goes to show that seeds grown in different soils yield different profiles. I’m usually used to a bit more sweetness and a delicate wrapper from the Cameroon grown in Africa. This generally adds to the nuances of the blend for me and with the Aladino it was a balance rather than an enhancement (which wasn’t necessarily a bad thing).
I would recommend picking up an Aladino Cameroon Lonsdale for its flavors and also to sample how this wrapper tastes grown in a Honduran origin.
Cigar maker Rocky Patel has a truly vast array of cigar lines which would be too numerous to list here. One of his more creative incarnations is the Rocky Patel Cigar Smoking World Championship. As part of the annual Cigar Smoking World championship events (held around the world and with a Grand Finale in Croatia) the competitors smoke a cigar as “slowly” as possible without the ash falling or the cigar going out. Although this smoke is not the official size of the competition, the blend is the same and if you wish to challenge yourself you can see how slowly you can smoke this blend.
Having smoked this blind I puffed away at what I deemed an appropriate pace for this robusto and even though it wasn’t a marathon cigar session it was an enjoyable one as you’ll see below.
Blend Specifics
Cigar Reviewed: Rocky Patel Cigar Smoking World Championship
Wrapper: Mexican San Andres
Binder: Costa Rican & Panamanian
Filler: Honduran, Nicaraguan
Size: 5”x 50 (robusto)
Appearance and Construction
The Rocky Patel Cigar Smoking World Championship robusto’s dark maduro wrapper is firm to the touch. There are several veins and the roll seems a bit off in hand. The foot smells of barnyard, hay and earth.
Flavor and Smoke Characteristics
Using my Xikar V I clip a razor sharp straight cut and take a cold draw. It’s firm, and I pick up raisins and plum. With a quick torch light the Rocky Patel Cigar Smoking World Championship robusto bursts forward with smoke full of tobacco and spice on the tongue. What follows are notes of graham cracker and sourdough. In addition, I pick up some cocoa and rasinated flavor that hits my sinuses on the retrohale.
As the cigar progresses, the burn line is razor sharp with a grayish ash. The profile retains a medium to full body with earth and chocolate notes on the palate. A sweeter side to the Rocky Patel Cigar Smoking World Championship emerges along with some floral flavors that last only a short time. With another retrohale I pick up raisin, spice and grain. The ash seems to hold on rather well at this point and there is ample smoke from the cigar.
The transition to the last third of the Rocky Patel Cigar Smoking World Championship robusto is that of roasted nuts and a dark chocolate finish. A bit of hay and cinnamon carries the smoke to a more medium style with a lighter spice than earlier. The burn continues to be excellent and while the hay is initially pronounced, some barnyard and damp flavors emerge that feel a bit disjointed from the current profile.
With the final puffs, flavors of peanuts, citrus and spice round out the smoke to a pleasing long finish.
Conclusion
I can’t say I’ve taken part in a marathon smoking contest (nor do I know if I want to), but whether you smoke this as a challenge or as a casual smoke the blend is very enjoyable. The full flavors of spice that the cigar starts with transitioned to earthy and chocolate notes throughout. The construction and burn line was excellent and the evolution to citrus and nuts on the last third rounded out the profile.
I’ve had lots of Rocky Patel’s cigars over my 20+ years of smoking and have loved some and others less so. The Cigar Smoking World Championship robusto is a worthy addition to the Rocky Patel lineup. If you are looking for a medium to full smoke and if you decide to try and smoke for hours on end the Cigar Smoking World championship might keep you interested.
The Micallef brand of cigars have released a new toro size to their Herencia Habano line. The wrapper and filler tobaccos are marketed to provide a flavorful medium bodied experience. I hadn’t smoked the Habano blend until this blind review, and I quite enjoyed the several Micallef cigars I have previously reviewed (like the 91-rated Experencia La Crema, reviewed here). I personally enjoy a Habano wrapper for the sweet balance it can provide to a blend. With this cigar I was certainly not disappointed.
Blend Specifics
Cigar Reviewed: Micallef Herencia Habano Toro
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano
Binder: Ecuadorian Sumatra
Filler: Honduran, Nicaraguan
Size: 6” x 52 (Toro)
Appearance and Construction
The Micallef Herencia Habano Toro has a toothy mocha wrapper that is firm to the touch. The roll is solid on this large cigar and the foot has distinct floral and cedar notes. There are no soft spots noted and the amount of tobacco in the filler seems sufficient.
Flavor & Smoke Characteristics
A straight cut removes the cap and testing the draw reveals it has just the right amount of pull, with the floral notes from the foot along with mushroom and wood on the cold draw. I toast the cigar gently with my Lamborghini lighter and as the cigar lights up the first puffs give off flavors of graham cracker and cedar. Spanish cedar and floral notes also come through on the retrohale. At this point, the Micallef Herencia Habano is mild to medium body with a flaky grayish/white ash.
As the smoke evolves, the flavors start to assert themselves. Cashews, maple and savory notes envelope my palate in a pleasant medium profile. In addition, there is a caramel sweetness that works in harmony with a long creamy finish. An array of flavors such as coffee, cream and cedar hit all sides of my mouth, with the cigar producing ample smoke. The burn line on the Micallef remains straight and the draw continues to be excellent. Another retrohale is all cedar and cream as I release the smoke.
The last third of the Micallef Herencia Habano Toro does not deviate from its medium profile or its refined flavors. Peanuts and cedar with a hint of spice are a nice surprise that kicks up the style a bit. Then, the woody notes return with chocolate that leads to sweet and savory and another long finish. As the cigar reaches the nub, spice and nuts interplay which lasts even as the cigar goes out. A fine example of a flavorful medium bodied smoke.
Conclusion
The Micallef Herencia Habano Toro demonstrated just what you want in a cigar that is mid-range in strength. The flavors were plentiful with transitions from floral to graham cracker, nuts and chocolate that never overwhelmed, and lingered on the palate. Each puff of the cigar left me wanting more. Its not always easy to find this style with flavors that complement a blend so well. I would suggest you pick up the Micallef Herencia Habano Toro even if you enjoy fuller bodied smokes as I would think anyone could appreciate what they were going for here.
Notable first for his legendary skill as a jazz pianist and composer, Avo Uvezian was also known for AVO Cigars, his personal cigar brand. It was 1987 when he crossed paths with Davidoff’s Hendrik Kelner and started the conversation that would culminate in the creation of AVO Cigars. One of the first blends, AVO Classic, utilized an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper. In 2000, Avo produced a Maduro version of the same blend using Connecticut broadleaf, but the blend was discontinued in 2015.
Fast forward to 2020: AVO and Davidoff rereleased the classic Maduro.
Blend Specifics
Cigar Reviewed: AVO Classic Maduro (2020 Release)
Wrapper: American – Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic
Size: Toro (6″ x 50)
Appearance & Construction
Off the bat, the Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper feels super smooth. Two minor veins run down the side, which doesn’t take away from the smoking experience. The cigar is packed proportionally and feels sturdy from head to foot.
Flavor and Smoke Characteristics
There is a captivating vanilla scent coming off the wrapper. As my nose travel down to the foot, there is a pleasant fragrance of sweet and sour plum and white pepper. To my surprise, the cold draw is very similar to the scent from the foot; sour plum and cranberries with a hint of white pepper on the tip of my tongue. At this point, I want to chew on the cigar.
As I toast the foot, the smell of a fruitful incense emerges from the smoke and instantly transports me back to the time where I was visiting a Buddhist temple in China.
Unfortunately, the smoking experience isn’t as delightful.
While drawing on the first puff, the aftertaste of the smoke is distinctly sour, like someone is squirting a bottle of lime juice into my mouth. After fighting through some of the acidity, I’m able to identify dark cocoa and leather. On retrohale, white pepper spice and leather dominate my nostrils, accompanied by more citrus.
Just when I am about to give up on this cigar, the sourness transforms into a fruity sweetness. I can’t help but compare the cigar to Sour Patch Kids. The construction is impeccable and the ash holds sturdy while the ember approaches the second third. The flavors shift to sweet dark cocoa and black pepper spice. The tart and fruity notes are almost non-existent at this point.
The one experience I take away from the AVO Classic Maduro is to never get too comfortable. During the final third, the sourness from the first third reemerges, though not as intense as before. Thankfully, these flavors are embraced by the taste of sweet cocoa, dark leather, and a hint of spice. I take my last puff and bid farewell to what I will later discover is the AVO Classic Maduro.
Conclusion
Receiving the Avo Classic Maduro 2020 release on a blind review throws out any preconceived expectations, which is important. Overall, this was a good smoke. However, the intense sourness from the first third threw off my palate, which negatively affected the rest of my smoking experience.
In 2002 Davidoff released a limited edition cigar with a 53 ring gauge using aged tobaccos and in a perfecto format. What made this cigar unique was the utilization of a Dominican wrapper. Davidoff has now rereleased the vitola in another limited run with 10 year aged tobacco and another Dominican wrapper. I was able to smoke the original version back then and this made for an interesting comparison. Smoking blind I could only see the cigar itself was very well made and I was looking forward to checking out what it had to offer.
Blend Specifics
Cigar Reviewed: Davidoff Special 53 Capa Dominicana
Wrapper: Dominican Republic
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic
Size:6 1/8 Perfecto
Price: $32
Appearance and Construction
The Davidoff Special 53 Capa Dominicana is draped in a semi-dark, slightly slightly veiny wrapper with a pointed foot. The cigar is extremely well rolled and is packed full of tobacco. The foot smells of cocoa and strong cedar and the roll is solid which attests to the craftsmanship of the cigar.
Flavor and Smoke Characteristics
After a straight cut, I take a dry draw from the Davidoff Special 53. It’s airy and gives off impressions of raisin and wood notes. I light the cigar with a strip of cedar and the first few puffs are drying rather than leathery with some saltiness. I encounter some chary characteristics that become immediately bitter on the finish. As the cigar progresses a bit, there’s an emerging pencil lead followed by earth and cedar. The Davidoff Special 53 is medium bodied at this point with less than pronounced flavors.
At midway, what began as paper turns into oak and sweet cedar delivering a short bitter finish. The burn line is sharp and the ash somewhat flaky at its peak. Sweet and salty dominate the cigar with crema on the sides of the mouthfeel, albeit in short supply when it reaches the back of the tongue. As the Davidoff Special 53 progresses, it gives off a pencil lead note and a charry smell in its smoke production. I am drawing the cigar at a fine pace, but burns a bit hotter than I want. Despite this the medium body smoke remains the same and a bit of spice resonates on the retrohale.
Toward the final third of the Davidoff Special 53, sharp oak–almost like a bourbon–hits my throat in a surprising fashion. The flavor smooths out to become less woody and adds a bit of cinnamon spice. All the while there is the same underlying bitterness that makes the cigar unpleasant.
Happily the bitterness is later rounded out with a slight sweetness that tames the smoke. With the medium bodied profile continuing on, the interplay between paper and airiness creates a milder body that is lacking in depth. As I take the last few puffs of the Davidoff Special 53, cedar and bit of crema emerge, but with a short finish.
Conclusion
Not knowing what I was smoking, I wasn’t surprised when I later found out it was Davidoff. The construction, tobacco and roll was spot on. I was disappointed overall though. I’ve smoked the original Davidoff Special 53 and I recall it being a medium bodied, nuanced smoke with a tasty wrapper. While this cigar fell into the medium bodied range the flavors were either papery, arid or bitter. Even when salty, sweet and wood notes emerged they were short on the finish. The bitterness that came through especially midway hurt the smoking experience as well. Davidoff produces some excellent quality cigars and quite enjoyable blends. However for the price point I would look to other lines in their portfolio.
“Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more!” William Shakespeare – Henry V, Act III, Scene 1.
Again, we lucky few get to explore the sensory overload of cigar and spirit. This time it’s rum and two graceful Nat Sherman cigars. Per my process, I first taste the samples on their own, then again with each of our smokes. The surprise this time was how the smoke/sip sequence made so much of a difference. Read on for the adventure! (All photos courtesy Ron Diplomatico)
Ron Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva – 40% ABV
Color: A deep maroon red shade that shouts out: “Let’s get ready to Rum – ble!!!” (Heh Heh!!)
Nose: At first, the scent is quite phenolic despite its low ABV. Then it gives way to spices, honey and molasses. Classic rum scents. So let the first whiff from your glass blow off. Then you’re ready to start the journey.
Palate: Sweet, WOW! Power in a goblet! Yet this is as smooth as any whisky with a full mouthfeel. The flavor is consistent through the mid-palate and finishes with a smooth texture, almost port like. This is how aged rum tastes in its purest form. If you never had that experience, here’s your starting point. But it can be more than a drink. I thought Pour this over vanilla ice cream or as a topping on your standard Piña Colada.
Summary: If you seek strength with no distractions or deviations from the flavor, this is your signature bottle.
Aroma & Flavor Appeals To:
Optimal Client Type:
Great For:
Subtlety Aficionado
Apprentice
Cocktails
Power Flavor Admirer
Enthusiast
Neat Before Dinner
Balanced Devotee
Adventurer
With Food
Uni-Directional Fan
Mountain Climber
Dessert or Afterwards
Chameleon Lover
Hedonist
With a Cigar (Strong)
With Our Evening’s Cigars
Nat Sherman Epoca – What a cigar! The cold draw was easy with coffee tastes throughout. Lighting up was simple, and the intake held the same gentility. I kept saying great cigar. But then the Exclusiva overpowered the Epoca’s grace. When you sample each, smoke first, then drink. You’ll get both quick sensations before the rum raises its flag forever. I would prefer a stronger cigar to stand up to the sugar cane. There are some spirits that demand a stick of power. This is one of them.
Nat Sherman Timeless – Another star. Kudos to Fearless Leader Matthias for this choice. The cold draw was spicy pepper with a bit more vigor than the Epoca. Lighting up brought forth tobacco and Latin espresso flavors galore, but it’s not too forceful. Quite refined. The lit draw required a pull early on, but then settled into its rhythm. Moving on to the Especial, the rum’s intense sweetness requires that the smoke go first on the palate, otherwise you might lose the benefit of the cigar’s flavor.
Color: The same lovely dark red color of the Exclusiva but with a shade of mahogany. Beautiful!
Nose: Oh my, the sense of Oloroso sherry mixed with American white oak. Beware; it might lure you into not drinking! This is as complex a nose as rum can be. I’m ready for the deep-dive.
Palate: Now there’s a surprise. This is lighter and more nuanced that I suspected. Such a great stability as coffee, delicate pepper, chocolate and vanilla flavors combine for a wonderful pre-dinner drink. It’s a great mood and table setter for whatever food follows. This is your second stop on the rum journey. You already know the genre’s signature sweetness. Now you’re ready for a novel experience.
Summary: Sophisticated Enthusiasts will enjoy this balanced offering. It’s not your father’s rum! Make it your own!
Aroma & Flavor Appeals To:
Optimal Client Type:
Great For:
Subtlety Aficionado
Apprentice
Cocktails
Power Flavor Admirer
Enthusiast
Neat Before Dinner
Balanced Devotee
Adventurer
With Food
Uni-Directional Fan
Mountain Climber
Dessert or Afterwards
Chameleon Lover
Hedonist
With a Cigar
With Our Evening’s Cigars
Nat Sherman Epoca – A delightful encounter. The cigar tamped down the sugar quality and brought out the woodiness of the rum with just a hint of pepper. There were distinct flavors here. But it wasn’t a struggle for survival. Rather, depending on the sequence of smoke and dram, one taste politely ceded its place to the other, then returned at the finish to remind you where you started.
Nat Sherman Timeless – Well now, remember that slight pepper tinge of the 2005 I mentioned? This cigar brings out every fragment and adds its own to the mix. Ahhh… there’s the sweet alcohol. Try the rum first, then the cigar. You’ll discover an increasing lushness in both. It turns the Timeless into a nice contemplative smoke with a myriad of sensations to occupy your mind. Terrific.
Ron Diplomatico Ambassador – 47% ABV
Color: Deep, rich cherry red. You know you’re going to sample luxury!
Nose: Ooohh, nice and smooth with swirling butterscotch, molasses and honey. It’s enthralling.
Palate: Sophisticated, as you’d expect. Maturation in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks will evoke deep notes of tobacco laden warm spices. Then the delicate sweetness of cinnamon ice cream rises, only to give way to some heat. After all, it is 94 proof. But don’t worry. The fire fades, leaving burnt caramel in its wake.
Summary: This is a balanced jewel with high ratings from many critics. The Enthusiast / Adventurer will enjoy a superb after dinner dessert in their glass or with a light cigar.
Aroma & Flavor Appeals To:
Optimal Client Type:
Great For:
Subtlety Aficionado
Apprentice
Cocktails
Power Flavor Admirer
Enthusiast
Neat Before Dinner
Balanced Devotee
Adventurer
With Food
Uni-Directional Fan
Mountain Climber
Dessert or Afterwards
Chameleon Lover
Hedonist
With a Cigar (Light)
With Our Evening’s Cigars
Nat Sherman Epoca – Like the 2005, the Epoca brings out the wood cask of the rum. But this time it’s the super sweet staves of the PX. It’s an erudite combination with the same genteel yielding of the cigar and spirit. Try them in any order. While it’s not a true combination, you’ll enter parallel universes emerging on the other side all smiles each time.
Nat Sherman Timeless – Hmmm. Not what I expected. I thought the experience would mirror the Epoca, albeit with a stronger flavor. Not true. There’s a bit of a battle going on here. But in the end, you’ll benefit from the distinct nature of each flavor profile. Just remember to double down on whichever you want to remember most. If it’s the smoke, two puffs, then the drink. If the rum, two sips sandwich the cigar. Either way, you’re bound to remember the evening.
From traveling to Central and South America for his rites of passage as a tobacconist in the 1920s to smuggling Cuban cigars out of France in the 1940s, Zino Davidoff had a thrilling and adventurous story behind his success. If the entertainment industry takes an interest in the history of tobacco, he takes the top prize as a success story in the industry. As for me, understanding the hardships he went through and the difficult decisions he had to overcome make me appreciate Davidoff cigars that much more.
Under normal circumstances, I would only smoke a Davidoff cigar when celebrating or for a special event, not a regular Tuesday smoke. To my surprise, I had the pleasure of doing a blind review on the Davidoff Aniversario Special R.
Blend Specifics
Cigar Reviewed: Davidoff Aniversario Special ‘R’
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic
Size: Robusto (5” x 50)
Appearance & Construction
Without knowing the brand, I can tell this cigar is rolled with perfection in mind. The soft honey-colored wrapper feels very smooth all around. There are no noticeable veins or blemishes, just the right amount of tobacco packed, and there are no soft spots in the roll.
Flavor and Smoke Characteristics
The cold draw is very pleasing with a taste of sweet and tart of dry apricot. The draw resistance is perfect, about a 6/10 in terms of amount of restrictiveness.
Once I introduced a laser-sharp flame to the foot of the cigar, a scent of sweet caramel emits from the smoke. About another twenty seconds in, the cigar is lit and I’m able to take my first puff. The smoke is creamy with notes of cedar, dry hay, and light caramel accompanied by an undertone of red pepper.
On retrohale, red pepper spice sizzles through my nasal passage. Just when I think the burning sensation is about to become overwhelming, it mellows out and the scent of light caramel and vanilla wash over. Also interesting is that unlike any other Davidoff I’ve had, the Aniversario Special ‘R’ starts as a nicotine bomb.
An inch in, the ash holds sturdily in the wind. The smoke profile becomes sweeter and toastier, and it also introduces flavor notes of lily petals and fresh almonds.
Arriving at the second third of the Davidoff Aniversario Special R, the red pepper transforms to black pepper and the sizzling sensation moves from the back of my tongue to the tip. The overall flavors lighten up, and the smoke is sweet and floral with a citrusy tart aftertaste. The nicotine lets up a bit halfway through as well.
In the final third, the pepper spice dissipates on the palate. All that’s left are fresh almonds and cedar in the smoke, and pepper spice and barnyard in the retrohale. As the last bit of smoke dries out my tongue, I can’t help but compare it with the texture of sandy graham pie crust.
Conclusion
The Aniversario Special ‘R’ is a complex and nub-worthy smoke. The flavors are well balanced between the palate and the retrohale. As good as this cigar was to smoke, the unexpected nicotine bomb during the first third of the cigar was just a bit much. If shifted to the final third, then I think this would have been a near-perfect smoke.
For years Erik Espinosa has created from his 601 line the La Bomba Warheads. The bands and packaging are always cool to look at and the perfectos are crafted beautifully. The flavor profiles of the Warhead blends have typically been in the medium to full range and have been flavor “bombs” and strong smokes. I’ve smoked them since their beginnings and this was the first time having the Warhead VI. I have to say, smoking this blind was quite an adventure as I was able to be more analytical in its tasting which I always feel is beneficial. This 601 La Bomba Warhead was not the experience like the others and I was quite surprised when I found out what the blend was after finishing the review.
Blend Specifics
Cigar Review: 601 La Bomba Warhead VI Wrapper: Nicaraguan Binder: Nicaraguan Fillers: Nicaraguan Length: 5″ x 58 (Perfecto)
Appearance and Construction
The La Bomba 601 Warhead VI is an extremely dark ,bulbous cigar with a toothy Nicaraguan wrapper. There are very few veins and squeezing the cigar makes it evident that there is copious amounts of tobacco inside. The nipple foot smells of barnyard and giving off little else in terms of aroma. The construction on this figuardo is visually impressive, and the cigar is weighty in my hand.
Flavor & Smoke Characteristics
To start, a small straight cut is made, and a cold draw offers old cellared wine boxes to the taste with a slight musty aroma. As I light the La Bomba Warhead VI, there are notes of baking spices on the tongue with a bit of sour bitterness. When the nipple foot opens up, I’m greeted with maple, earth and cocoa on the finish. The underlying bitterness is still present along with notes of graham cracker and wood. The draw is semi firm, and a retrohale of the smoke brings with it some sweetness and an intense wood character.
At midway, the 601 La Bomba Warhead VI becomes gritty and sour with some added nuttiness. More of the cocoa returns with some winter spices coating the sides of the mouth. The ash is a solid white and holds on rather nicely, and there is an ample amount of smoke coming from the cigar, with peanut and cashew wafting through. Despite these flavors there is still a persistent underlying sour note that resonates on the finish. Body wise, the smoke is in the medium to full range as this point.
The Warhead VI takes its time to smoke which I appreciate in a cigar. Most of the time this allows me to hone in on the flavors better. Unfortunately the persistent bitterness and sour notes along with the slow burn actually make for a less pleasurable smoking experience. The last few puffs though surprise me with sweet chocolate followed by a sharpness that cut said flavors short.
Conclusion
I have enjoyed previous 601 La Bomba Warheads a lot more in terms of their flavor and strength. What really hurt Warhead VI for me was the bitter and sourness that haunted the entire smoking experience. Having those flavors linger with each puff made smoking the cigar more a chore at times.
I have known and hung out with Erik Espinosa and he is a passionate and fun cigar man. This type of project held a lot of potential, and though I won’t speculate as to what gave the cigar those sharp notes, I was never quite satisfied with the smoke. If you can find the older version of the Warhead I would recommend seeking them out instead.
In 2019 My Father Cigars and the Garcia family acquired the rights to the non-Cuban Fonseca brand. Prior to this acquisition the Quesada family owned the brand, making various lines of the brand for the larger conglomerate S.A.G imports. Of the many versions I’ve smoked from this outfit I found a lot of them unimpressive and inconsistent. When I heard it was being purchased and revitalized I was excited but also concerned that My Father’s interpretation might bastardize the Fonseca brand.
Thankfully, with the Garcia family controlling the production, tobaccos, and blends, all signs point to a positive outcome. Having not known what I was smoking until I was finished I was happy to see such promising results from this cigar. Read on.
Blend Specifics
Cigar Reviewed: My Father Fonseca Robusto
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Size: 5 1/4 x 52 Robusto
Appearance and Construction
The My Father Fonseca robusto’s milk chocolate wrapper is silky to the touch and the roll is excellent and full of tobacco when squeezed. Smelling the foot of the cigar, the chocolate notes are in line with the color of the wrapper. An attractive robusto to behold.
Flavor and Smoke Characteristics
For a change of pace on this smoke I use my Palio single blade cutter which slices a clean straight cut off the cap of the cigar. As I take a few dry puffs, the draw is loose and sugary. Then as I toasted the My Father Fonseca with my Xikar single flame lighter there are earthy and spicy notes that cleanly hit the tongue and sides of the cheeks. In the next puffs, some sweetness and spice hits the lips and the cigar starts to build up in strength. I take a retrohale which releases hay and balsa wood through the nose. The tobacco appears to be well processed as these flavors linger on the palate every time I take a pufff.
When the My Father Fonseca hits its stride at midway, the hay and sweetness return with a solid medium body. As the smoke develops, floral notes come through with hints of oolong tea on the finish. The tannin that I pick up is nicely balanced with milk chocolate and subtle earth tones. Construction wise, the ash is white with a solid burn line. Excellent smoke production too. The My Father Fonseca eases right into a comfortable medium range still with consistently pronounced flavors.
In the final third of the My Father Fonseca, milk chocolate and maraschino cherries zip through the palate with a lengthy finish. Another retrohale brings wood, rose petal and cedar all at once. As the ash grows longer (showing that the tobacco and roll are above average quality), there is a creaminess that resonates, giving a wonderful ending to where this cigar began. A comprehensively flavorful smoke all the way through.
Conclusion
Prior to My Father acquiring the Fonseca brand I found the non-Cuban incarnations lackluster and generic at best. The Garcia family has breathed new life into this namesake with a flavorful robusto compounded by sweet, spice, tea and floral notes that develop nicely throughout. The tobacco is well curated and the craftsmanship of the cigar is evident. This combination delivers a medium bodied experience with plenty of flavors to keep you interested. I recommend picking up several of these or a box to hold onto as you should be quite pleased.
