Vital Stats:
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.
Vitola: Belicoso
Length: 4.7″
Ring Gauge: 52
Country of Origin: Cuba
Wrapper: Cuba
Binder: Cuba
Filler: Cuba
Factory: H. Upmann Factory (Cuba)
Blender: Habanos S.A.
Number of reviewers: 5—–Jiunn (jliu) Dave (mdwest) Ron (shuckins) Kent (Throck) Robert (NavyPiper)
Price: Unknown
Age: 1 Year 10 Months Box Code: LOE JUL 13
Release Date: 2013
Contributed by: Cigars of Habanos
Initial Impressions
Appearance: 91
“This review is a 4 3/4 X 54 Belicoso. Natural colored wrapper with a slight sheen and no blemishes. Seams are well done. Head has a nice taper to it, and is symmetrical. Wrapper has a couple of moderate veins, but do not detract from appearance.” –Robert (NavyPiper)
Aroma: 91
“I tried pretty hard to identify exactly what the aroma was on the foot prior to lighting, but really couldn’t get more specific than “vegetable”.” –Dave (mdwest)
First Third
Flavor: 89
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium
“Starts off with a dry tasting cedar and an unusual amount of smoke for the first couple of puffs. Smoking milder than I expected, even when a touch of spicy nutmeg jumped in. This stirred the pot a bit, but did little to add any pop to the cigar, but it’s early and I do like the way it started.” –Ron (shuckins)
“I was intrigued with the first third. This might be my first cigar that I have reviewed that had a floral essence standing in the forefront. Behind this was a predominance of wood flavors. Definitely the most pleasing third for me.” –Kent (Throck)
Second Third
Flavor: 90
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium
“Second third bases off the first third, still giving flavors of roasted nuts, cream, cedar and bread. Now there is a pronounced sweetness, coffee and cream, and an increase in white pepper (but still well balanced). Strength is still at a solid medium while the body is nearing a medium plus, but more towards the medium side.” –Jiunn (jliu)
“Some bread notes begin working their way into the profile during the second third, and all hints of sweetness that were detected on the finish during the first third are completely gone. A surprising transition.” –Dave (mdwest)
Final Third
Flavor: 89
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium
“The cedar turns to more of a wood taste as more pepper joins the nutmeg. This pushes the cocoa and light grassy flavors further back, stopping the smoothness and adding a gentle kick, with occasional flare ups of heat at the very end.” –Ron (shuckins)
“As I progress through the second and into the final third, there is a bit of pepper starting to slowly come in. Spice picked up a little more here as well. I’m now getting a little more zing through the nose, and a little heat on the lips. Still fairly mild until approximately 2/3 of the way in where it got to a medium on the strength.” –Robert (NavyPiper)
Overall Impressions
Draw: 90
“A medium firm draw, which is to be expected with this shape cigar. No shortage of cool, tasty smoke.” –Ron (shuckins)
Burn: 88
“Nice, even burn during the life of the cigar with absolutely no wavering. I was slightly disappointed with the cohesiveness of the ash as it would tumble down after approximately 3/4 of an inch.” –Kent (Throck)
Construction: 91
“Given the tighter draw and good burn, construction of the cigar was good. The key here is no re-lights and not having flaky ash falling on me.” –Jiunn (jliu)
Overall Strength: Medium-Strong
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium
Overall Experience: 90
“Excellent cigar! This cigar is definitely one that is within my wheelhouse. A cigar that is focused on flavor over strength is always a win for me. Also, a cigar (such as this) that builds flavors throughout the entire smoking experience keeps things interesting and engaging. I will buy a fiver or tener with no hesitation.” –Jiunn (jliu)
“Overall, a nice cigar with an uncommon flavor profile. I’d certainly buy a few and keep them in the humidor for days that Im looking for something different than what I more typically reach for.” –Dave (mdwest)
“A fun cigar to smoke. The flavors were there, not over powering or exceptional, but enjoyable overall. I would definitely smoke another one.” –Ron (shuckins)
“The aroma and first third were the best aspects of this cigar. It was a bit of a shame that the initial promising features could not continue on and I was left feeling slightly disappointed at the end with a harsh flavor. It would not be likely that I would actively seek out this smoke again.” –Kent (Throck)
“I think this would be ideal as a first cigar of the day with a nice cup of coffee. Best part was right near the end when the strength finally reached medium.” –Robert (NavyPiper)
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Smoking Time (in minutes): 68
| Reviewer | Appearance | Aroma | 1/3 | 2/3 | 3/3 | Draw | Burn | Constr. | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jiunn | 90 | 88 | 90 | 92 | 92 | 85 | 88 | 88 | 92 |
| Dave | 88 | 88 | 88 | 88 | 88 | 88 | 88 | 88 | 88 |
| Ron | 95 | 95 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 92 | 90 |
| Kent | 95 | 97 | 95 | 92 | 85 | 95 | 92 | 95 | 92 |
| Robert | 88 | 88 | 88 | 88 | 88 | 90 | 88 | 90 | 88 |
To view the complete scores and notes, click here.
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