Last year, right before IPCPR, Royal Agio Cigars USA announced two new line extensions to its Balmoral Añejo XO: Añejo XO Connecticut and Añejo XO Oscuro. The original Balmoral Añejo 18 came out in 2014 and used an 18 year-old Brazilian Arapiraca wrapper. In 2015 Royal Agio released the Balmoral Añejo XO which used their exclusive, signature Brazilian Mata Norte.
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.
As in all the Balmoral cigars Balmoral Añejo XO Oscuro is rolled at the Royal Agio cigar factory in San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic. The Balmoral Añejo XO Oscuro uses a San Andres wrapper, Dominican Olor binder, and fillers from Brazil, Dominican Republic, and Nicaragua. The line also uses Brazilian Mata Norte. The line is offered in five vitolas: Torpedo Mk52 6 ¼ x 52 (MSRP $11.25), Gran Toro 6 x 52 (MSRP $10.50), Rothschild Masivo 5 x 55 (MSRP $9.75), Corona 5 7/8 x 42 (MSRP $9.00) and Petit Robusto FT 4 ¼ x 48 (MSRP $8.50).
Vital Stats:
Vitola: Robusto Length: 5″ Ring Gauge: 55 Country of Origin: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés Binder: Dominican Republic Olor Filler: Brazil, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua Factory: Agio Caribbean Tobacco Company Blender: Willem van Overveld Number of reviewers: 4 – Alan(Eulogy) Adam B.(Bushboy) Wes (SosaCub4Life) Steve (ThaGreatWazoo) Price: $10.50 Age: 8 Months Release Date: August 2018 Contributed by: Royal Agio Cigars
Initial Impressions
Appearance: 91
“Nice velvety wrapper that is non-oily to the touch, medium dark brown, and a large triple cap. There’s a few medium sized veins running the length of the cigar and there’s a nice weight to it. ” –Alan (Eulogy)
Aroma: 91
“Raisins and sweet honey from the foot. Mild cedar and wood chips are also present.” –Adam B. (Bushboy)
Blind Cigar Review: Balmoral | Añejo XO Oscuro Rothschild Masivo
First Third
Flavor: 90 Strength: Medium Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
“The cigar definitely packs a punch. Very rich full meaty flavors. Black licorice and rich and hearty raisin flavor dominate the pallet. Defined black pepper detected on every draw. Ashes holding on nicely and the burn has been fantastic. I chose to cut this with a V cutter and the draw has been effortless.” –Adam B. (Bushboy)
“The first third was rather bold with big notes of pepper, hay, and cedar. A real smooth draw and finish offered some very nice complexity. The ash was thick and the burn was razor sharp. This was a very nice start on this compact stick. ” –Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)
Second Third
Blind Cigar Review: Balmoral | Añejo XO Oscuro Rothschild Masivo
Flavor: 90 Strength: Medium Body/Complexity: Medium
“The spice has continued to subside and the cigar has become more creamy. There is still a nice spice on the retro. Burn is still very good.” –Wes (SosaCub4Life)
“The level of pepper has started to pick up a little but is still relatively mild. Leather and bread is still the dominate flavor which is a slightly odd couple. The smoke output has gotten much better and the draw has loosened up. There’s a bit of mineral starting to sneak in occasionally and almonds. ” –Alan (Eulogy)
Final Third
Blind Cigar Review: Balmoral | Añejo XO Oscuro Rothschild Masivo
Flavor: 89 Strength: Medium Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
“Final third was a blast of nicotine and strength. This cigar built into a powerhouse. Flavors were pleasant although became a touch bitter towards the end. Burn, construction, and smoke output remained amazing throughout.” –Adam B. (Bushboy)
“The final third slowed in smoke a little, but was still rich with pepper and char. It seemed as though the smoke production was slowing and I had to work the cigar a little more to get the same amounts from the first third. Still, not a bad finish to this stick. ” –Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)
Overall Impressions
Draw: 96
“The draw was great. A straight cut had this cigar offering nice notes and aromas. ” –Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)
Burn: 94
“Burn stayed almost dead even the entire smoke. Smoke remained cool and draw was effortless. Fantastic performance overall.” –Adam B. (Bushboy)
Construction: 91
“This cigar had a great look, feel, and build. It was a smaller vitola, but still produced ample amounts of flavor and smoke. Great job. ” –Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)
Overall Strength: Medium Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full Experience Overall: 90
“This was a surprisingly long smoke. I think it had to do with how difficult it was to draw from. I actually enjoy all the flavors that are in this cigar but bread and leather together as the main profile was a bit weird. Kind of a middle of the road cigar but worth a try. ” –Alan (Eulogy)
“Overall the cigar was quite enjoyable. Flavors did not transition much, but started with a blast of spice with mouth watering, savory notes and finished with a undeniable deliciously full punch. Definitely not a cigar for beginners, or a connoisseur with an empty stomach. Would smoke again. As always…waiting for the reveal to determine if it is purchase worthy. If price is $10 or less I will be buying more. ” –Adam B. (Bushboy)
“Overall this is an excellent cigar. The final 3rd was the best as it all came together with a nice mix of pepper spice, cedar and creamy.” –Wes (SosaCub4Life)
“I really enjoyed this compact cigar. It had a great construction and build and felt really smooth. The profile was complex and had a nice balance of cedar, hay, and pepper. Not too spicy or bold, just a real smooth rich profile. My only negative is that this cigar didn’t last longer. ” –Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)
To view the complete scores and notes, click here.
Blind Cigar Review: Balmoral | Añejo XO Oscuro Rothschild Masivo
Overall Score – 91 – Very Good
Blind Cigar Review: Balmoral | Añejo XO Oscuro Rothschild Masivo
Summary
"I really enjoyed this compact cigar. It had a great construction and build and felt really smooth. The profile was complex and had a nice balance of cedar, hay, and pepper. Not too spicy or bold, just a real smooth rich profile. My only negative is that this cigar didn't last longer. " -Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)
