Yes, the name of name of this special edition cigar is ten words long, and that’s with me omitting mention of the cigar’s oscuro wrapper. These are the problems you face when a special selection adds a special edition, review titles that take up nearly as much space at the cigar review itself. For the sake of brevity, I’ll refer to it as the “Braves Special Selection” going forward.
While it can be difficult to tell Nestor Miranda’s Special Selection rosado and oscuro sticks apart at times, you won’t suffer the same confusion with the Braves Special Selection. In addition to the handy band with the Braves’ logo on it, these cigar are only available in an oscuro wrapper. It’s more than just a new vitola with a bonus baseball-themed band, however. Don Pepin Garcia has tweaked the blend for this edition, producing a Special Selection with more ligero power. And a percentage of the proceeds go to support the Atlanta Braves Alumni Association.
The Braves Special Selection is available in two vitolas, the Piramides (6 1/8 x 52) I smoked for this review, and the familiar Robusto Grande (5 1/2 x 52) size. Both come in boxes of 20, and are available exclusively at Buckhead Cigar in Atlanta, GA. (Call Mike at 404-844-0400 for more information or to order.) I’m told this cigar is not a limited production or a one-time deal.
Now it’s time to step up to the plate and find out if the Braves Special Selection is a base hit or a home run.
Cigar Stats:
Size: 6 1/8 x 52
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano Oscuro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Dominican Republic, Honduras, Nicaragua
Smoking Time: 1 3/4 hours
Beverage: Water
Source: Purchased by reviewer
Price: MSRP $9.50
The Pre-Smoke
The Braves Special Selection is a great looking stick, featuring a dark chocolate colored wrapper, with fine veins, and plenty of tooth. For the most part the cigars were consistently firm and without flaw, however a few had minor damage near the foot. The wrapper had a pleasant honey and barnyard aroma, and the cold draw had creamy coffee to offer.
The Burn
You really couldn’t ask for a better burn. Aside from one stick, which needed a couple touch ups, the Braves Special Selection needed no help in burning evenly or producing long, attractive ashes. My only complaint is that the cigars tended to have a somewhat tight draw. I quickly figured out that a deeper, angled cut resulted in a better smoking experience all around. Definitely a good idea to test the draw before lighting. The minor foot damage noted previously had no noticeable impact.
The Flavor
Even early on I started picking up the differences between the Braves Special Selection and the regular oscuro-wrapped line. It began subtly at first, but there was a definite smoky pepper flavor that set it apart. By the end of the first third, a woody pepper and sweet spice started to overwhelm the rich creamy coffee the cigar began with.
I didn’t notice a major distinction between the second and final thirds. Both saw a steady increase of the sweet spice and pepper that began in the first third. The creamy coffee was still present, bit it faded as the ash grew. Along the way, I picked up some great woody and chocolate flavors. In all, a pretty straightforward smoke.
The Price
The price is on the high end for Special Selection, but you have to take a couple things into consideration. The first being, a percentage of the proceeds go to support the Atlanta Braves Alumni Association. And then there’s the blend, it’s more potent, and presumably, more expensive to make than the original line.
The Verdict
Aside from a growth in spice and body, there wasn’t much in the way of an evolution in the flavor profile, but I never found myself bored by the Braves Special Selection. When I clipped it properly, it was rich and delicious. And it seemed like the cigar was always done sooner than I expected. I’m still surprised that I burned through seven of them before the review was done.
Having smoked this enhanced version, it’s hard to go back and smoke the regular Special Selection. I tried, and it felt like something was missing. The next time I’m in the mood for a Nestor Miranda Special Selection, the chances are good I’m picking up the Braves edition.
If you’re interested in trying the Braves Special Selection on for size, give Mike at Buckhead Cigar a call at 404-844-0400.
Liked It: Yes
Buy It Again: Yes
Recommend It: If you like the Special Selection, or are a Braves fan, you should try this.
Tower of Burn
Here for your viewing pleasure is my trademark Tower of Burn.
Brian,
You weren’t kidding about the name. During my morning rounds I had to come up with a creative way to tweet it (140 character max).
I put an order in with Mike last week for some of his Buckhead Branded Special Selection Oscuro. Along with my order he included one of the Atlanta Braves Edition sticks. After reading your review, I’m eager to give it a try.
The blend will be similar, however, I believe the Piramides vitola is only available in the Braves edition.
I didn’t think of it at the time, but in addition to the Braves single that Mike sent, he also sent one without the Braves band. I’m not sure if it just didn’t have the additional band or it if was something he had left over from blend/vitola testing. That stick was very good, I have yet to smoke my Braves Edition.
Nice looking stick. It sounds like it may have a bit more pepper than I prefer. But what, exactly, is the Atlanta Braves Alumni Association?
Good question, I had to ask about it. It’s a charitable non-profit that helps inner-city kids.
Ah, a good cause. I was afraid it might be a benevolent society for millionaire ex-ballplayers. 😉
I picked up a half a box last week and am eager to try them. My grandfather was a big Braves fan so I’ll think of him with each puff.
Where is my picket fence of burn?
I realized the picket fence of burn was more reward than punishment, and I didn’t feel like spending the extra time to figure out how to make it fit the format. Like a bad parent, I hoped the threat would be enough.
Nice review Brian. I’ll be eagerly awaiting the release of the NY Yankees version of this cigar…
Going . . . going . . . going . . . gone!