[caption id="attachment_367" align="alignleft" width="44" caption="Montecristo Afrique Sublimation at My Discount Cigars"][/caption]

The Montecristo Afrique, is a truly rare gem.  Rarely is a truly unique, new blend created in the cigar industry, as most new brands are just remodifications of existing blends.  One of the reasons being that there is a limited variety of black cigar tobacco available for cigar producers to create new blends.  Master blenders, like great chefs, when given the same ingredients as the others to work with, can create amazing tobacco blends. But unless given a new ingredient to work with they are limited in creating truly unique cigars.  The Montecristo Afrique is exactly the rare and unique cigar that only a master blender can create.  It is the joint efforts between George Gershel, Altadis USA's Tobacco Expert, and Lew Rothman.  The Montecristo Afrique is blended with African-grown black tobaccos, specifically a wonderful new leaf from Tanzania.  After much experimentation, a nearly all-African blend was created, which includes a touch of spicy Peruvian ligero bound by an Ecuadorian Sumatran binder, and wrapped in a African-grown Cameroon leaf.

Just like its unique Tanzanian leaf, the flavor of the Montecristo Afrique is equally unique.  Stronger, more dense and richer in body in the smaller ring sizes, and considerably milder in the larger ring sizes, the Montecristo Afrique is certainly a complex smoking experience.  While its ligero core is more peppery, the velvety smoke of the Tanzanian leaves kicks in.  The flavors progressed from a woody, spicy earth to a creamy, chocolatey, coffee.  With the delicate spice of the Cameroon wrapper, the Montecristo Afrique cigar's flavor is intoxicating on the palate, to say the least, and is possibly the creamiest cigar our staff has ever smoked.

The Montecristo Afrique is an absolute must-try for all cigar aficionados.  With several sizes available, here are just a few    we sampled:  Lemosho (5 x 40), Machame (5 x 44), Sublimation (5 1/2 x 43 in glass tubes), and Uhuru (5 x 47).  The Montecristo Afrique cigars are nabbed up very quickly, if you can get a box of them consider yourself lucky!

[caption id="attachment_368" align="alignright" width="180" caption="Montecristo Afrique Cigars at My Discount Cigars"][/caption]

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Flavor: Medium to Full
Wrapper: African Cameroon
Binder: Ecuadorian Sumatra
Filler: Peruvian Ligero, Africa, Nicaragua

The Montecristo Afrique blends are available online here at MyDiscountCigar.com.

You can learn more about the Montecristo Afrique cigars at AltadisUSA.com.

~ Peace, Love, Cigars ~

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Cigar Review of the Montecristo Afrique Uhuru Cigar by Walt, of Stogie Review

Origin: Dominican Republic

[caption id="attachment_371" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Montecristo Afrique Uhuru Cigars"][/caption]

Length: 5.00
Ring: 47
Strength: Medium-Full
Wrapper Color: Medium Brown (E)
Wrapper Type: Cameroon
Binder: ECU
Filler: AFRICA/NIC/PERU
Shape: Parejo

Yesterday I was in the mood for a cigar. I had been running in and out of the house all day and I just wanted to kick back and relax. I opened up the Humidor and it was a toss up. It was either going to be the Montecristo Afrique or a Romeo y Jullieta – Aniversario. On a whim I picked up the Montecristo Afrique Uhuru and vastly enjoyed this cigar.

I purchased a five pack of the Montecristo Afrique Uhuru smokes from JR back in Feb. This was my last one, and I think that the two months of aging put this cigar over the top. It was much different than I remember the last ones being. Here is how it went.

I pulled the Montecristo Afrique Uhuru cigar out of the cellophane sheath if came in and took some time to look over it. It was slightly veiny but attractive. The Montecristo Afrique Uhuru cigar was firm yet pliable between the fingers. This cigar smelled very rich inviting. My plug cutter cut a beautiful plug with no cracking or splitting in the cap.

Upon lighting the Montecristo Afrique Uhuru there was a vibe from this cigar that made you feel as though it was going to be a good cigar. The initial draw was very light and flavorful. The resting smoke emitting from the foot was nice and light.

The first couple of puffs were kind of tricky. The aroma of the Montecristo Afrique Uhuru cigar was almost woodsy while the taste was sweet and totally different from what I was expecting from the smell. The smoke exiting from my mouth left a sweet taste on my lips that was nice. I’ve never had this before.

As I moved on down the Montecristo Afrique Uhuru cigar the flavors became more and more subtle. After about an inch and a half, the flavors were sort of soft on the pallet. They sort of rolled on then rolled clean off the pallet as you blew out the smoke.

At around the half way point of the Montecristo Afrique Uhuru cigar there were slight hints of pepper that complimented the smooth initial tastes of the cigar. From the start the burn rate was nice and slow with a perfect burn. The ash was firm and what I would describe as a bright grey ash.

The flavors started to evolve some more as I continued to smoke. At this point I was getting sweet smells in my sinuses as I blew the smoke out of my nose. The pepper flavor on my pallet was starting to pick up a bit and I was now getting what tasted like black coffee.

All of the initial flavors started to subside and there was now a distinct pepper flavor on my pallet that was quiet good. The build up to this was very enjoyable. The burn rate was still good as well as the ash. By now there was only about an inch of the cigar left. I continued to smoke the Montecristo Afrique Uhuru until I could no longer hold it.

The worst part of this cigar was when it was time to let it go out. The Montecristo Afrique Uhuru was so enjoyable that I just couldn’t get myself to put it down and walk away. I smoked this cigar for just over an hour and a half. I don?t know if it was just the atmosphere or the fact that I was looking forward to a good cigar all day, but this stick was an absolute joy to smoke and I would highly recommend the Montecristo Afrique Uhuru as a late afternoon early evening smoke.

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Thanks for sharing your smoking experience of the Montecristo Afrique Uhuru, Walt!

The Cusano 18 cigar earned an esteemed 91 rating in the January 2004 issue of Cigar Aficionado's Cigar Insider and was made a "Smokeshop Selection" by the Robb report in September 2004. Below we give you some insight on the construction and flavor profiles of the Cusano 18 Double Connecticut cigars, the Cusano 18 Paired Maduro cigars and the Cusano M1 blends.

[caption id="attachment_356" align="alignleft" width="88" caption="Cusano 18 Double Connecticut Cigars at My Discount Cigars"][/caption]

CUSANO 18 DOUBLE CONNECTICUT CIGARS:
The Cusano 18 Double Connecticut cigars are rich, creamy and packed with flavor. The Cusano 18 Double Connecticut's filler is comprised of Dominican Oro (gold) which has been aging since it was harvested more than eighteen years ago in 1985. Highlighting the extraordinary flavors of this rare filler is a both a rich Cuban Piloto and a mouth-watering Olor from the San Vicente region of the Dominican Republic. A Connecticut Shade leaf is then used as the binder which complements the Cusano 18 Double Connecticut's complex filler blend. To finish the composition is a second medium-tone, very flavorful Connecticut Shade wrapper which further amplifies the Cusano 18 Double Connecticut cigar's already rich, creamy flavor.  The incredible volume of flavor produced by this unique combination of filler tobacco, combined with the Double Connecticut Shade wrapper, offers a mouth-watering richness and a creamy finish in a mild to medium bodied cigar. The blondish wrapper of the Cusano 18 Double Connecticut gives off a greenish hue and the flavors that hit your palate are creamy sweet and grassy notes.

CUSANO 18 PAIRED MADURO CIGARS:

[caption id="attachment_355" align="alignright" width="120" caption="Cusano 18 Paired Maduro Cigars at My Discount Cigars"][/caption]

The Cusano 18 Paired Maduro Toro is a stout stogie with a lovely, shiny, brown wrapper.  It produces a heavy and rich smoke and is fuller in taste and body.  The Cusano 18 Paired Maduro Toro is blended with a Brazilian Mata Fina Maduro wrapper, a Dominican Piloto leaf for the filler, and a 1999 San Vicente Olor binder topped off with a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper for a more intense, deep and full-flavored smoke.  Expect to taste hints of smoky leather, herbal, woody and spicy undertones leading to a chewy, long finish.  The flavors of the Cusano 18 Paired Maduro Toro cigar are well-balanced and rich.  Dark and rich, pleasant to the touch, with a tart cedary finish, the Cusano 18 Paired Maduro Toro is a solid cigar through and through.

Aged to perfection, we hope you enjoy the well-rounded, 91-rated, Cusano 18 Double Connecticut and the Cusano 18 Paired Maduro cigars as much as we do.

RATED 91 BY CIGAR AFICIONADO!
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Flavor: Double Connecticut - Mild to Medium, Paired Maduro - Medium
Wrapper: Double Connecticut - 2 USA Connecticut Shade, Paired Maduro - USA Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro and Brazil
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Brazil, Dominican Republic

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CUSANO M1 CIGARS:

The Cusano M1 was created for the Macanudo lover on a budget.  The Cusano M1 cigars are sweet and creamy with an excellent construction and satisfying flavor.  For the smokers who prefer a more mellow, slightly sweeter, smooth and less expensive cigar the Cusano M1 is the perfect choice.  Expect a long, gray ash and an easy draw.  The Cusano M1 is an affordable cigar packed in a bundle of 20 and is one of the best values of all the Cusano blends. The Cusano M1 comes in 5 sizes:  Cafe Robusto (5 x 36), Churchill (7 1/2 x 50), Corona (6 1/2 x 42), Robusto (5 x 50) and Torpedo (6 x 52T).

With its loose draw, semi flaky ash and fast but consistent burn the Cusano M1 does have a consistent flavor profile.  The Cusano M1 exudes creamy toffee as well as coffee tones.  Even though it has a one-dimensional flavor profile, it is still an enjoyable smoke.

It is blended with a mild Dominican mixed filler and a Connecticut shade wrapper.  The Cusano M1 was rated a 9.0 by Smoke Magazine and ranks as one of the higher rated bundled cigars on the market.  It is definitely worth your while to invest in a full bundle. The Cusano M1 is an excellent cigar to keep in your humidor to share with friends.

RATED 9.0 BY SMOKE MAGAZINE!
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Flavor: Mild
Wrapper: Connecticut Shade
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic

The Cusano 18 Double Connecticut cigars, the Cusano 18 Paired Maduro cigars and the Cusano M1 cigars are all available online at MyDiscountCigar.com.

To read more about all of the Cusano blends please visit their site at CusanoCigars.com.

~ Peace, Love, Cigars ~

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The Cusano 18 Double Connecticut Robusto Cigar, as Reviewed by Jesse of CigarJack

Today I smoked a one year-old Cusano 18 Double Connecticut Robusto cigar. See how it stacked up against one I smoked about a year ago:

Here’s the story. About a year ago I smoked a Cusano 18 Double Connecticut Natural. For those of you who don’t know, this cigar is made with 18 year-old filler tobacco that was left over from some experimental wrapper leaf grown in the Dominican Republic way back when. I thought it was a pretty good, smooth smoke the first time I had it. Its main downfall was the harsh, almost “chemical” aftertaste that it left on my palate. I figured that some time in my coolerdoor might do it some good, so I left the box of 20-minus-one to sleep in my coolerdoor and forgot about it.

A year later (more or less) and here I am looking for a smoke to review. I skimmed over a couple Fuente boxes and came across this old box of Cusano’s. And I remembered my little experiment. I decided I’d pick up one of these sticks and give it a second look.

Here’s the review:

Cusano 18 Double Connecticut Robusto

Vital Stats

• Size: 5×50, Robusto
• Wrapper: Connecticut Shade, Natural
• Binder: Dominican
• Filler: Dominican
• Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
• Price: ~$3.75 in a box of 20
• Smoke Time: ~1 hour and 15 minutes

Pre-Smoke

The Cusano 18 Double Connecticut Robusto cigar comes in boxes of 20 and each stick comes wrapped in cellophane. Upon removal of the plastic, it becomes evident that this is a very nice looking cigar. It has a smooth wrapper with a nice feel to it. It almost reminds me of swede. It isn’t toothy and has very few, if any veins running its length. It is pretty firm, but not overly packed with tobacco. It has a very large cap that should be quite hard to damage during the cut. The stick isn’t lumpy or uneven, and appears to be free of defect.

When I bring the foot of the cigar to my nose I get sweet cappuccino scents and almost a creamy vanilla bean character. It definitely entices the senses. The head clips easily and cleanly with my Cuban Crafter’s cutter (soon to be replaced by a Palio). The pre-light draw brings forth the same sweet cappuccino and vanilla notes as before. I’m looking forward to toasting this stogie.

Lighting Up

It only takes three wooden matches to get the foot of this cigar going. The Cusano 18 Double Connecticut Robusto is producing copious amounts of thick white smoke. The draw feels pretty moderate in my mouth, but the impression is that it is looser than it really is. I attribute this to the large amount of easy smoke this cigar produces.

The initial flavors of vanilla and light cappuccino come through even stronger during this first third of the Cusano 18 Double Connecticut Robusto cigar. The word “creamy” comes to mind when describing the feel on my palate. I get a slight “tingly”, peppery sensation on my lips and it seems to complement the rich creaminess of the cigar. The burn is pretty even, if not a little fast at the moment. There are also hints of distinct tobacco coming through.

Second Third

As the Cusano 18 Double Connecticut Robuto cigar progresses I begin to get some definite cedar notes at first. It begins to shift to a fresh oak or even maple aroma. It almost brings forth some thoughts of maple syrup. This is all probably due to the underlying sweetness of the cigar. It’s not an “in-your-face” processed white sugar sweetness, more of a natural cane sugar sweet. I also start to get some hazelnut notes. The cigar honestly reminds me of a creamy, frothy, smooth, hazelnut cappuccino. One thing to note, this is burning quickly, but really not all that hot. I’ll just have to slow down a bit.

Final Third

For its last third the Cusano 18 Double Connecticut cigar definitely looses is cedar and wood dimension and begins a sort of toasty spice flavor. By the end, the cigar just becomes downright bitter, and returns to that chemical aftertaste that I unfortunately had with my first experience with this cigar a year ago. All of the sweet creaminess that the cigar possessed early on has all but vanished and I end up putting this cigar down slightly past the band.

Bottom Line

For the most part, the Cusano 18 Double Connecticut was a good smoke. It was not entirely complex and the “hazelnut cappuccino” flavor that I used to describe its base remained for the majority of the cigar. This stick did benefit from some age. It was much smoother this time around. This was certainly a mild smoke, something that I would recommend as a good morning stick (maybe with a cappuccino?) or a good cigar for someone just getting into the habit – *cough* – hobby. One cannot overlook the price tag also. At under $6 a stick, the Cusano 18 Double Connecticut Robusto cigar is certainly something that everyone should try at least once.

Overall: 6 out of 10, BUY

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Thank you for sharing this great review with all the smokers out there Jesse!

[caption id="attachment_347" align="alignleft" width="53" caption="Tabak Especial Robusto Negra at My Discount Cigars"][/caption]

Jonathan Drew and the Drew Estate team do it again! Another successful infused blend by Drew Estate that appeals to cigar lovers AND coffee drinkers all over the world.  The Tabak Especial cigar is the culmination of Drew Estate taking the art of blending coffee and cigars to new heights. The process involves slowly infusing rich tobaccos with the finest Fair Trade harvested coffees from the fertile mountains of Nicaragua into the Tabak Especial line. Drew Estate has created a smoking experience that is pure tobacco velvet upon the palate with the perfect nuance of luscious espresso coffee. The combination results in pleasing yet not overpowering flavors of coffee beans and milk chocolate mixed with savory sweetness and the most enticing aroma.

The Tabak Especial line was designed by Drew Estate as a bridge between the smokers who are used to infused cigars, such as their ACID line, and the more traditional cigars that are not infused, like their Chateau Real line. The Tabak Especial cigar comes in 2 lines, the Dulce (Natural) line and the Negra (Maduro) line. Your choice of either extra-dark Connecticut Broadleaf or natural Connecticut Shade wrappers envelop a Sumatra binder and Nicaraguan Criollo filler leaves. Before aging, the cigars are slowly infused with Nicaraguan estate-grown coffee.

The Tabak Especial comes in several sizes both in the Dulce blend as well as the Negra blend. Here are just some of the sizes available:  Belicoso (5 x 54), Cafecita (4 x 32, 10-count Tin), Corona (4 3/4 x 46), Robusto (5 x 54), Toro (6 x 52), Negra Sampler (5 various Negra cigars), and the Dulce Sampler (5 various Dulce cigars).

[caption id="attachment_346" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Tabak Especial Robusto Dulce Cigars At My Discount Cigars"][/caption]

Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Flavor: Dulce - Mild to Medium, Negra - Medium to Full
Wrapper: Dulce - Connecticut Shade-Grown, Negra - Extra Dark Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Nicaragua Sumatra
Filler: Nicaragua

The cigar smokers who miss the discontinued Drew Estate Kahlua brand, the Tabak Especial cigar is the blend that replaced them. The two blends are nearly identical in flavor. Tantalize your taste buds with a velvety sweet, perfectly balanced Tabak Especial cigar, it's the bomb, we promise. If you have a sweet tooth the Tabak Especial cigar is the cigar for you (you won't even crave dessert after smoking this treat)… it will appeal to even the most die-hard traditionalist!

The Tabak Especial blends are available here at MyDiscountCigar.com.

To read more about the Tabak Especial cigars, please visit DrewEstate.com.

~ Peace, Love, Cigars ~

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Drew Estate's Tabak Especial Toro Negra Cigar Review by Tony Casas

So I decided on the Tabak Especial Toro Negra:

Drew Estate - Tabak Especial - (Image courtesy of cigar.com)

Just like last time cigar.com was really good about shipping these ASAP. If I’m not mistaken they ship from Pennsylvania, and since I live on the western most tip of Texas, I didn’t expect these anytime soon (especially since I’m a cheapskate and shipped value). Again, I was pleasantly surprised to receive my shipment only 3 days later. Each set of 3 cigars came wrapped in cellophane, then placed in air-tight ziplock cigar bags along with humi-care gel packets. Then each bag was shipped in separate boxed filled with air-filled protectant pouches. Pretty impressive.

The Good Stuff:

Strength: Medium  -  Size: 6 x 52  -  Country: Nicaragua  -  Wrapper: Nicaraguan Maduro  -  Binder & Filler: Nicaraguan Sumatra / Nicaraguan Criollo

The Tabak Especial Toro Negra cigar is yet another amazingly constructed cigar by Drew Estate. It’s very rare that you get less than perfect from them. One of the first noticeable difference between this cigar and many others is the fact that it supports what is called “shaggy foot”. What a shaggy footed cigar is a cigar that’s inner filler tobacco leaves extend far further than the wrapper itself. Although it looks a bit funny it holds a purpose. By constructing a  cigar this way you enable the smoker to enjoy the tastes of both the binder/filler tobacco separate than that of the wrapper. Along with this it is believed that it gives off a much more even burn as well.

Prelight: Again, the Tabak Especial Toro by Drew Estate cigar sports a flawless construction. The wrapper is a deep, extremely dark maduro which makes even the smallest flaw stand out. The Tabak Especial’s aroma consisted of very strong coffee with hints of cedar and cocoa. Unlike most other Drew Estates this cigar carries with it a dual band. One on the neck, and one at the foot of cigar. I am assuming this has something to do with the shaggy foot technique. The Tabak Especial Toro has a very well construction rounded cap, and a very oily wrapper. There were no soft spots. Again I am trusting my Cuban Crafters Perfecto double blade cutter, and a standard single flame Colibri torch.

First Smoke: First of all the Drew Estate Tabak Especial Negra Toro cigar was incredibly easy to light. This again, has to do with the shaggy foot. The toasting of the cigar was effortless, and resulted in a complete, perfect burn. The first scents were that of milk chocolate, lined with coffee, and of course tobacco. Unlike the Drew Estate – Rocky Patel Java, this cigar was much more mellow, and a lot sweeter. The cigar produced a very large draw right off the back , with large hefty smoke accompanying it. To my surprise the ask only held on for a little over 3/4 of an inch before releasing into my ash tray. The cigar was moist, so this was a shocker.

Halfway There: One great thing about the Tabak Especial Negra Toro cigar is even halfway through and further the draw doesn’t change, and neither for the strengths and flavor. Tabak Especial is a lighter strength cigar making the smoke very easy and relaxing. The ash is still spilling off quickly, but this is not bothersome in anyway. The cigar remains intact and there is absolutely no unwrapping of any kind.

Finish: As stated in previous posts, I’m not a nub smoker. I usually give in with an inch or so still left. I don’t know if it was the amazing conversation or the fact that this Drew Estate Tabak Especial Negra Toro cigar is so remarkable, but I took it all the way down to nothing. Literally, I burned the tips of my fingers trying to get every last drop outta this thing. This cigar is remarkable. It finishes just as easy as it begins holding its flavor all the way through. Absolutely no signs of unwrapping.

Overview: What can I say?! Drew Estate delivers again. The Tabak Especial Toro Negra is a remarkable cigar, from the burn, and construction to the draw and the flavors. I can honestly say even the most die-hard non-infused cigar smoker would be stupid not the at least give these a run.

On a side note: Recently I reviewed a Rocky Patel – Drew Estate – Java Maduro Box pressed cigar. To sum the differences up is pretty simple. Tabak Especial is a lot creamier, sweeter, and lighter than the Java line. Java boasts HUGE draws, and in your face strengths. Both come from opposites ends of the “coffee infused”  spectrum.

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Thanks for the great review and insight, Tony!

 

[caption id="attachment_337" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Perdomo Grand Cru Cigars at My Discount Cigars"][/caption]

We recently had the pleasure of sampling the latest creation of Nick Perdomo Jr., the Perdomo Grand Cru blends.  The Perdomo Grand Cru cigar is a very well-balanced Nicaraguan puro blended with all Cuban seed Semilla Habano tobacco that make up the fillers, binder as well as the wrapper. The "Grand Cru" which is basically the best yield of the best field, are blended with tobaccos which were hand-selected from Perdomo's farm in 2004. The Perdomo Grand Cru cigars are offered in 3 different blends: the bold and full-flavored earthy Corojo, a dark, oily sweeter Maduro and a milder, creamy and pleasant Connecticut shade wrapper. (The bands are the only way to tell them apart. The Connecticut has a white background, the Maduro a black bacground and the Corojo a rusty colored background.)  The Perdomo Grand Cru cigars are packaged in elegant, traditional boxes with 20 sticks each and are available in 4 sizes from a Churchill, to a Robusto, a Toro and as well as a Torpedo.

Connecticut Blend: The Perdomo Grand Cru Connecticut has a very smooth, light brown wrapper with no large veins, a gorgeous large cap and is firm to the touch without any soft spots. The flavor profile of the Perdomo Grand Cru Connecticut cigar progresses from a lovely mild and nutty forefront with just enough smoke, not too much, to a short-lived hint of bourbon that lingers for a few seconds, and finishes off with more spicy and peppery elements in the final third. The creamy consistency remains in the background from beginning to the end of the Perdomo Grand Cru Connecticut cigar.

Maduro Blend: The Perdomo Grand Cru Maduro cigars are well balanced and blended with the "Grand Cru", or the best of the best hand-selected yield from Perdomo's farms from their 2004 vintage tobaccos.  The Perdomo Grand Cru Maduro cigar will offer a consistent burn, great draw and a solid ash.  The flavor profile of the Perdomo Grand Cru Maduro cigar resonates dark and sweet chocolates, earthiness, pepper and a slight caramel undertone. Its flavors are consistent from start to end with a dry, mild peppery finish While the Perdomo Grand Cru Maduro starts off more medium bodied with a sweetness and an acidic tang, it finishes as a full-bodied cigar with leather undertones and burns cool.

With 4 sizes and 3 blends to choose from you simply can't go wrong with the Perdomo Grand Cru cigars. Spring for a Perdomo Grand Cru cigar, kick up your feet and enjoy a luxurious smoking experience this weekend!

[caption id="attachment_338" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Perdomo Grand Cru Cigars at My Discount Cigars"][/caption]

Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Flavor: Medium to Full
Wrapper: Connecticut
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua

The Perdomo Grand Cru cigars can be found online here at MyDiscountCigar.com.

To read more about the Perdomo Grand Cru cigars please visit PerdomoCigars.com.

~ Peace, Love, Cigars ~

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Perdomo Grand Cru Maduro Robusto Cigar Review by Todd Wilson of Indulge Cigars

Size: 5×50
Country: Nicaraguan Puro
Wrapper: Semilla Habano
Binder: Semilla Habano
Filler: Semilla Habano
Strength: Mild-Medium
Cost: $5.29 per

The Cigar: The Perdomo Grand Cru Robusto Maduro is available also in Corojo, the Perdomo Grand Cru Maduro Robusto is packaged in traditional 20 count boxes with an ugly brown band.  Perdomo promotes this line by stating that the wrapper, filler and binder are all, “Cuban-seed (Semilla Habano).  The best of the best yeild from our farms in 2004″.  Let’s find out.

The prelight aroma of the Perdomo Grand Cru Robusto Maduro is both rich and sweet.  The pre-light draw is very easy and the cigar simply looks beautiful with its dark, oily, toothy wrapper.    Good looks are a trademark of Perdomo cigars, but the proof is in the puffing.

1st 3rd: So far, the Perdomo Grand Cru Robusto Maduro has the easiest draw of any perdomo I’ve ever smoked.  There’s a base of coffee and caramel with a touch of cedar and a remarkably long, malty finish.  The white ash is speckled, which is no surprise when considering the tooth on the wrapper.

2nd 3rd: I’ve read a couple reviews on this cigar that ciriticized the burn, but so far, it’s burning and drawing perfectly.  The first ash makes it past the inch mark, which exceeded my expections because of the easy draw.  Cedar is really coming through now and a spicy kick is keeping me interested in this full bodied cigar.  The sweet smoke is also ruining the discipline that normally keeps me from puffing too fast, I need to slow down.

Final 3rd: Do not smoke the Grand Cru outdoors.  The aroma is zesty and tantilizing on the nose and really adds to the experience.  The final stretch is producing a flavor and scent of charred marshmallow on a stick over a campfire.   I know that line sounds like bullshit, but it really does.  The sweet, cedary spices last all the way to the end and grow slightly in their intensity.

The vedict: I really like this cigar.  The Perdomo Grand Cru Maduro Robusto is a sweeter, spicier version of the Perdomo Habano Maduro.  An effortless burn and draw convinces me that Perdomo is finally starting to realize that a pretty cigar is no good unless smoke comes out of it.  I guess I’m still bitter from all the blood vessels I burst during the begining of the decade trying to produce smoke from a Perdomo Squared.  Let’s hope that chapter is finally starting to close.

Pairing: This Perdomo Grand Cru Maduro Robusto went very nicely with a glass of Glenmorangie 10yr Single Malt Scotch.

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Thanks for an awesome review Todd!

Our staff would like to extend a great big congratulations and pat on the back to Alec Bradley Cigars for earning the most prestigious title in the cigar industry  -  The Alec Bradley Prensado Churchill cigar was awarded "The 2011 Cigar of The Year" by Cigar Aficionado!!  Congratulations to Alan Rubin, founder of the Alec Bradley Cigar Company, and his staff! Their company is distinguished as a world-class boutique cigar producer and purveyor in the premium cigar industry.  The company is named after his 2 sons, Alec and Bradley. Alan started his cigar company in 1996 and has come a long way in 16 years. His company was the first to create a triangular shaped cigar. Alan hit it on the head in 2007 when he introduced the Alec Bradley Tempus and only 2 years later he created the Alec Bradley Prensado blend.

[caption id="attachment_327" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Alec Bradley Prensado Cigars at My Discount Cigars"][/caption]

The Alec Bradley Prensado is blended using Central American tobacco exclusively, including a very dark wrapper leaf grown in a southern area of Honduras called Trojes.  The Alec Bradley Prensado is handmade at the Raices Cubanas factory in Danli, Honduras. It embodies the epitome of cigar perfection with its picture-perfect head, its stunning oily, practically veinless wrapper, the skillfully placed triple-cap, and its elegant and colorful band.  But more than its stunning presentation it is the incredible flavors and excellent draw that make the Alec Bradley Prensado a true classic!  The Nicaraguan and Honduran tobaccos are blended in a harmonious way presenting hints of chocolate, leather, spice notes and a lush, long finish. A perfect description of this beauty, "A richly colored cigar with superb construction. The first puffs are sweet and leathery, then turn toasty and nutty with a chocolate note. Sophisticated."

The Alec Bradley Prensado line is available in 6 sizes: Churchill, Corona Gorda, Double T, Gran Toro, Robusto and Torpedo are the first all box-pressed selection from Alec Bradley Cigars ("prensado" means pressed in Spanish) and by far their fullest-bodied blend. This blend will definitely give you something to sink your teeth into with its smooth buttery notes of rich and deep roasted coffee flavors and a dash of sweet pepper. The Alec Bradley Prensado will undoubtedly leave you thoroughly impressed proving why it got some of Cigar Aficionado's highest ratings!

[caption id="attachment_326" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Alec Bradley Prensado Cigars at My Discount Cigars"][/caption]

RATED 91-96 BY CIGAR AFICIONADO and TOP 25 CIGARS OF 2011, #1 FOR THE ALEC BRADLEY PRENSADO CHURCHILL!

Country of Origin: Honduras
Flavor: Full
Wrapper: Trojes, Honduras
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Trojes, Honduras and Nicaragua

The Alec Bradley Prensado cigars are available here at MyDiscountCigar.com.

To read more about the Alec Bradley Prensado blends please visit AlecBradley.com.

~ Peace, Love, Cigars ~

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CIGAR REVIEW OF THE ALEC BRADLEY PRENSADO ROBUSTO BY CIGARFAN

The Trojes revolution that started with the Tempus blend in 2008 is still going strong. Not long after the Tempus was released, Alec Bradley unleashed the Trojes-wrapped SCR (Select Cabinet Reserve) and about a year later the Alec Bradley Prensado Robusto appeared on the shelves. Since then, leaf from this small Honduran village has almost become synonymous with Alec Bradley.

Las Trojes is a tiny border town about 40 miles east of Danli, the heart of cigar making operations in Honduras. The Jalapa valley is just across the border in Nicaragua, and Esteli is a few more miles down the road, or what passes for a road in this part of the country. This is solid tobacco country, and Alec Bradley seems pretty happy with it. They’ve gone so far as to trademark the name Trojes, so it seems certain that this isn’t the last we’ve seen of this fine leaf.

For the Alec Bradley Prensado the blenders have chosen an aged 2006 Corojo wrapper from Trojes, a binder from Jalapa, and a Nicaraguan-Honduran filler combination. The cigar is pressed, which is nothing new for the company (remember the Trilogy?) but this fact is emphasized by the name — prensado means pressed in Spanish.

The cigar is made in the Raices Cubanas factory in Danli, where the Tempus is also made (along with many other cigars for various manufacturers.) Six sizes are in production:

Churchill – 7 x 48
Torpedo – 8 1/8 x 52
Gran Toro – 6 x 54
Corona Gorda – 5 5/8 x 46
Robusto – 5 x 50

Double T - 6 x 62

Construction Notes

The Alec Bradley Prensado Robusto is clearly pressed, but it’s not a severe press — a little more than box-pressed, but not a lot more. The wrapper is a dark colorado maduro with some inconspicuous veins. The head of the cigar is somewhat flat with classic Raices Cubanas finishing, including a smoothly executed triple cap. The draw is excellent and the burn is slow and mostly even. The ash is dirty gray, striated with black, and holds well.

Overall construction: Excellent.

Tasting Notes

The pungency of the pre-light tobacco comes through almost immediately as leather, and the smoke has a lengthy finish from the start. There is a peppery edge to it, which is supplemented by a sweet, nearly fruity accent. It is full-bodied, but smooth.  The combination of flavors here is impressively complex, which is unusual for the first inch of a cigar.

Flavors of cocoa or chocolate emerge after an inch or so into the cigar. The leather remains in the background while the pepper fades a bit. The fruity accent seems to evolve into a minty, cameroon-like flavor. Taken as a whole, the combination of flavors here is really interesting.

The Alec Bradley Prensado sails into band territory balanced and smooth, but it still hasn’t completed its voyage. The cocoa takes on a caramel-like tone, over which is laced a touch of vanilla. The cigar gets a bit sharp at the very end, but this is after an hour long journey with some gorgeous vistas.

Conclusion

The Alec Bradley Prensado is a fantastic cigar with a rare combination of complexity, smoothness, and body.  What is even rarer is that it wastes no time in getting to work — from first puff to last there is something to savor here. We’ve all had the “sweet spot” experience, but the Prensado seem to be all sweet spot.  The combination of leather, cocoa, sweetness and spice is extremely well balanced, and the construction is just about perfect.

The Alec Bradley Prensado Robustos are in the 7 to 8 USD range, and I’d say they’re worth the expense. It isn’t often that I enjoy a cigar from beginning to end, so I feel like I definitely got my dollar’s worth out of this one. The only thing I didn’t like about the Prensado is how long it took me to discover it.

Final Score: 93

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Superb review CigarFan!  Thanks!