Origin: Cafradia, Honduras
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Connecticut
Filler: Dominican Republic, Honduras, Nicaraguan
Size Name: Quixote
Length: 4.5
Ring Gauge: 50
Strength: Full
I’ve been looking forward to trying this cigar ever since Jerry did a comparison review. I received a Robusto size Sancho Panza – Double Maduro, in trade a few weeks back and decided it was time to light it up and give it a try.
I removed the plastic and noticed a distinct oily sheen on the wrapper. The texture was firm and relatively smooth with small veins. The wrapper had a square press that looked very good on this short and stocky cigar.
I cut this cigar with my trusty plug cutter. I had a little trouble punching through the cap due to its tight construction. When I got the plug free I checked the draw, it was tight but I did not think it would cause any trouble.
When lighting the cigar I ran into a bit of trouble. Because of the tight draw and square press it took a bit of work to get everything burning correctly. Once lit, the cigar produced a fair amount of flavorful smoke. There was a heavy Honduran and Nicaraguan flavor with tones of chocolate. This made for a pleasant combination.
The burn was relatively even, producing light resting smoke and a firm light colored ash. The flavor I was getting from this cigar was excellent. The smoke was dense and creamy. I could taste slight hints of pepper mixed in with the chocolate flavor mentioned above.
When I hot the mid point of the cigar, the flavors picked up while the body of the cigar tasted as though it was mellowing out. I started to taste sweet syrup like flavors for a few brief moments. After the syrup flavor drifted away there was a more pronounced pepper flavor.
With around two inches of cigar left, the overall body seemed to pick up gradually. At the strength peak this cigar was about as strong as it was when it was first lit. The dense creamy smoke continued throughout the remainder of the cigar while the peppery flavor took a back seat to the light tasting chocolate flavor.
This cigar ended with a smooth and creamy finish. The smoke was very easy on the pallet and did not linger for an extended period of time. When I finished this cigar I was left with the feeling that I wanted more. It is not that the flavors left something to be desired, but that they were so good that I had the urge to light up another and enjoy the experience all over again.
My review sheet can be found below.
WOW Brian.
2 days ago I received a box of these (Escudero 7.2″ x 54) and except for the draw your review was spot on. I smoked 2 right out of the box and the draw was perfect, but then again our sizes differ.
It’s an excellent cigar for the price ($35.95 at CI for a box 20 Quixote 4.5″ x 50) with plenty of chocolate and mocha flavors. It definately does leave you craving more when you’re done.
Prior to these, I thought Flor de Oliva Maduro was the best value cigar.
I wanted to add:
Continuously behind the even burn line, I noticed a chocolate color, oily almost resiny band approx. 1/8″ in width. This is something I have not noticed in any other cigar I’ve smoked up to this point.
It wasn’t tar and it did not stick to your fingers, it was just a shimmering oily band that trailed behind the burn line.
What would you speculate this to be?