It’s once time again for another issue of Brian’s The Week In Smoke. In case this is your first Week in Smoke, be advised that it covers many (though not necessarily all) of the cigars I’ve smoked in the past week (or the past month, or however long it has been since the last issue), along with a couple of quick thoughts that came to me at the time. These are not full reviews, but quick blurbs based on a single smoking experience. As such, they may be influenced by the natural variations that occur from one cigar to another. Your mileage may vary. (If I know the cigar well enough to comment, I may mention if an experience strays from what understand to be the norm.)
An appearance in The Week in Smoke does not preclude nor guarantee a future in-depth review. Whenever possible, I’ve linked to more a thoughtful and thorough review of the cigar in question. (Or maybe I’ve linked to a photo of Jerry The ‘Stache. You won’t know until you click.) Enjoy!
Jericho Hill OBS
I like it when smoking a cigar is a little like eating a candy bar, and that’s the sense I had smoking new release from Crowned Heads. From the outset I tasted molasses, earth, oak and sweet creamy flavors similar to both nougat and caramel. It’s also quite a sharp looking smoke, producing attractive, bright white ashes. If you enjoy Mexican San Andres wrappers, the Jericho Hill is a no-brainer. And if you’re not sure, here’s your chance to find out. I look forward to my next one.
La Aurora 107 Buckhead Cigar Edition **
I’m not sure how old this shop exclusive is, but I believe it’s had about four years to compose itself. I love buying my cigars pre-aged. Most Buckhead Cigar editions tend to me a little more potent than the rest of the line, but I didn’t notice that much of a difference this time. Perhaps it has mellowed with time. I mainly noted cedar, grass and an orange-like syrupiness. If you like the 107, you should give Big Mike a call. I know he has plenty more where this came from.
Macanudo Estate Reserve 2013 No. 3 * **
The Macanudo Estate Reserve 2013 came up in conversation recently, and remembered it being one of the better Macanudos I’ve ever had. It was a limited edition, so I figured the ship had sailed on me ever trying it again. It turns out I was wrong. Not only did I have a sample left, but I noticed you can still buy them online if you look around a bit. So I lit it up, and my memory was accurate. The cigar had a creamy profile with earth, cedar, a hint of spice and even light vanilla notes. It’s a great companion to an afternoon coffee.
Tatuaje Avion 12 **
The Avion 12 is around two years old at this point, if I remember correctly. I’ve been enjoying Avions sporadically over the past few months, but have yet to try one that has been aged for any real time. I picked up this unexpected treat while I was out of town, and noticed when I lit it up that it was a little lopsided at the foot, like there was a little swelling going on. It turned out to be all cosmetic, it burned perfectly and drew well. In terms of flavor I noted syrup, raisins, cedar, oak, pepper, and ample spice including clove, which I don’t often pick up from a cigar. I really enjoyed this smoke, as I have all Avions I’ve had so far, and would recommend it.
Wilson Adams Habano Corona Gorda *
I believe this is my first Wilson Adams cigar, and it was a pretty enjoyable smoke. Though there was a touch of harshness toward the end of it. I noted sweet pepper, wood, cinnamon, butterscotch and a roasty note to it. I’d smoke it again.
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* Big Brother would have you know these cigars were gifts or free samples, and that my opinions on them is suspect. My opinions (and this bottle of rye) are my own, your response to them is your own. All your base are belong to us.
** I have too many smokes, and this denotes that the smoke in question has been sitting in one of my humidors for at least a year, and thus qualifies as “aged”. If my collection continues to grow, the chances are good I’ll be on that Discovery Channel show about people who hoard stuff and face eviction.
Some of the pictures in Brian’s The Week In Smoke first appeared on twitter. If you’d like to see these lists constructed in real time, follow Brian on twitter. If you don’t, you’ll make the Fail Whale cry. And he’s ugly when he cries.
