Royal Agio Cigars USA announced today the shipment of their Balmoral Añejo XO Oscuro Lancero FT Edición Limitada. This is the second time Balmoral has released a limited production lancero with the first being the Balmoral Añejo XO Lancero FT two years ago. Only 2,650 boxes have been made globally with only 500 boxes coming to the U.S.
"Magnificent cigar. I'm not a boxed press enthusiast, but I really enjoyed this one despite the format. The flavors nailed a lot of my personal preferences featuring loads of creaminess, leather; ranging from soft and supple to bold and aggressive, and throughout offered a balanced sweetness. Additional notes of mineral and salt played against the sweet creaminess nicely. " -John I. (John I.)
"This was a rich earthy coffee cigar with side flavor notes or cabinet spice, cherry stone fruit, and nutty flavor. The cigar has a strong mouthfeel that coats the palate. Huge smoke bomb of a cigar producing a ton of smoke. Retrohale was at first super spicy red pepper and cinnamon and then calms down towards the end of the smoke." -Chad M. (Chad Tchad)
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·"This is a good cigar, no doubt about it. A rich and flavorful cigar that would be great for after dessert. A smoke bomb that has good complexity and flavor changes." -Jack (Jack_H)
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·"This was just a beautiful cigar to look at and even hold in my hand. Looks alone this cigar would be killer. Unfortunately I had some draw issues on this one. Normally I would have taken the draw poker to it but since it was a review I wanted to smoke it as is. I did enjoy the flavors I got throughout they were just very muted and in the end became bitter. I would love to try this cigar again and hope for better construction." -Zane G. (Zane)
Tabacalera El Artista has announced two new line extensions for existing brands and one new rebrand. Fugly Cheroots and Buffalo TEN each are each getting line extensions and the eight-year-old Puro Ambar is getting a new look and blend.
San Pedro de Macorís will be a new line of handmade cigars from Royal Agio. This will be a brand meant to deliver great quality within an everyday price point. The line will start with two distinct blends, Ecuador and Brazil. These will be displayed in the Royal Agio booth at the 2018 IPCPR Trade show in Las Vegas.
Tony Bellatto of La Barba cigars has announced the next in his Ricochet line: Ricochet Mexi-Sol. The Ricochet line is a series meant to go back to Bellatto's roots as a Sommelier, with each of the blends taking a component of wine he has fallen in love with.
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·"Overall, not bad. Decent flavors, a few changes until the final third which was the same as the 2nd. Burn was straight, but the draw, which was really good for a third and a half slowly kept getting tighter and tighter. By the end it was really tight." -Robert (NavyPiper)
I have always enjoyed the idea/premise of the chef's editions. Everyone loves a good cigar pairing be it a pairing with bourbon, whiskey, beer, or even my favorite. Coffee. One thing we do not get a chance to do is pair cigars with food as it's not easily done in today's world. I was excited to see the chef's for this year's edition as it has Masa Takayama on the panel who by all rights is very much a true cigar smoker. You can't google his name without stumbling across him with a cigar. I have had the pleasure of smoking the chef's editions the last few years and this hands down is the best yet.


