Right before last year’s IPCPR, Alec Bradley Cigar Co. announced Project 40, a project the company describes as “not just a line, but a concept representative of the search to find a deeper understanding as to why cigars have a positive cognitive impact on the mind and body.” The name comes from a concept that says 50 percent of a person’s happiness is from genetics, 10 percent from circumstance, and the remaining 40 percent from how that person thinks. Hence, Project 40. Company owner Alan Rubin believes that cigars have a calming effect like music, have a calming effect that make people feel in control and rewarded. The tobaccos used in the blend are said to highlight that effect. That cigar itself is relatively inexpensive, clocking in at $5.25-$5.99 per stick. Rubin’s mantra for Alec BradleyProject 40 is ‘Take control of your happiness’. This is the first line in Alec Bradley‘s Experimental Series. Detailes of following lines have not yet been released.
This cigar was reviewed blind (no bands) by a panel of at least 4 reviewers. They did not know what they were smoking beforehand. The scores are an average of all the reviewers' scores with outliers removed. All of our cigars reviewed are shipped to the panelists with Boveda packs to ensure optimal smoking experience.
The blend uses a Colorado wrapper from Nicaragua, Habano Brazil binder, and Nicaraguan fillers. It comes in boxes of 20 in four sizes: 05.50 (MSRP $5.25 per cigar), 06.52 (MSRP $5.50 per cigar), 07.50 (MSRP $5.99 per cigar) and 06.60 (MSRP $5.99 per cigar). Alec BradleyProject 40 is rolled at J Fuego Cigar Co De Nicaragua in Esteli.
“This is a rugged looking cigar but with a very likable coloring. The wrapper is a light brown with some reddish hues that bring out the oils of the wrapper. The cap is a little “nubby” as is the body but it is still an attractive stick. The foot looks fairly well packed with the same red/brown hues mixed with golden brown and a hint of dark brown. Veins are present in the wrapper but not protruding. ” –Diana (ArmyRN)
Aroma: 91
“Some grassy notes from the predraw with a hint of red pepper heat. The foot and wrapper both share a lot of dry grassy notes as well. ” –Alan (Eulogy)
Flavor: 91 Strength: Medium Body/Complexity: Medium
“After toasting the foot, I get lots of those floral notes I got from the cold draw. A slight sweetness on the retro and a slight hint of leather. Very smooth start with a slight spice to it that keeps it interesting. Burn is slightly wavy but easily fixed. ” –Kevin J. (maninblack77)
“This was a very light start for me. I didn’t get much except some nuttiness when I first began the smoke. I’m happy that this is my first cigar of the day and for that fact alone I find it a pleasant experience. There isn’t much progression at this point but I am enjoying the nuttiness and a bit further in the honey that I smelled is now coming more into the flavors.” –Diana (ArmyRN)
Flavor: 91 Strength: Medium Body/Complexity: Medium
“Primary flavor notes of leathery, nutty flavors continues to be prominent and become deeper and more rich, with a nice sense of caramel joining the show. Also, and well worth noting, the construction of this cigar has been exceptional to this point. Really impressive across the board. By the mid point the negative flavor notes that were an issue in the first third have resolved completely. ” –John I. (John I.)
“As the cigar progresses I am getting more flavor. The mix of honey with nuts and a hint of caramel that floats in and out is enjoyable. About half way into the cigar I am struck by a familiar taste and it takes me a minute to realize, the cigar is reminiscent of honey oat cheerios or honey grahams. it is light but flavorful enough with a very delicate balance of flavors.” –Diana (ArmyRN)
Flavor: 92 Strength: Medium Body/Complexity: Medium
“Heavier in baking spice and smokey cedar at the end but there’s still a touch of red pepper to add a bit of heat. I’m getting a touch of sweet tobacco that I didn’t notice before either and it’s a very satisfying way to end the experience. ” –Alan (Eulogy)
“A lot of the same flavors from start to finish. While not the most complex cigar, the flavors present were very enjoyable. Lots of the same floral notes with a mix of sweetness and leather. ” –Kevin J. (maninblack77)
Overall Impressions
Draw: 94
“I did a straight cut on this cigar and had no problems with the draw. It was so light for me at the beginning that I wondered if the draw was tight, but then I realized it was the light flavor profile rather than construction. The cigar was consistent throughout the smoke.” –Diana (ArmyRN)
Burn: 94
“Started off a bit wavy, but corrected quickly, and burned nice and sharp for the duration. ” –John I. (John I.)
Construction: 91
“The foot was under filled, the cap was a little sloppy in its application, but the I found the body to be firm to the touch. ” –Alan (Eulogy)
Overall Strength: Medium Overall Body/Complexity: Medium Experience Overall: 91
“My first instinct was to dismiss this cigar but the more I smoked it the more I liked it. Expecting something fuller can play tricks on the palette but once I readjusted and let myself enjoy the light sweetness and cereal like qualities of this cigar, I truly enjoyed it. I’d definitely keep some around for those early morning start-up smokes.” –Diana (ArmyRN)
“Really enjoyed this cigar. As I stated before, not the most complex but the flavors present kept my interest from start to finish. I’d rate this a solid 91 and would definitely smoke this again. Worthy of a five pack. ” –Kevin J. (maninblack77)
“Just barely good, mainly due to the quality of construction. There were some enjoyable sections in terms of flavor, and I really liked the nutty, caramel portions of this, but the initial blasts of dirtiness, and final notes of sour, bitterness made this a bit of a slog. ” –John I. (John I.)
“It’s a winner for me. I really enjoyed the shifts in profile, the quality of the smoke, and just how well it performed even with several areas that were damaged in transit. I’m thoroughly impressed with the experience and will be picking some of these up. ” –Alan (Eulogy)
"It's a winner for me. I really enjoyed the shifts in profile, the quality of the smoke, and just how well it performed even with several areas that were damaged in transit. I'm thoroughly impressed with the experience and will be picking some of these up. " -Alan (Eulogy)
