This is a cigar that got better as it went along. Plenty of transitions to keep things interesting and one that just begs you to keep retrohaling to experience all of the flavors that it offers. The fuller strength is something that may be better suited for the end of the day or after a meal. The price point fits the experience, so I wouldn't hesitate on pulling the trigger on getting some of these if they are available to you.
Cigar Info Earlier this month, Drew Estate announced the “Freestyle Live Event Pack.” This interesting concept is meant to coincide...
This was a cigar that I was looking forward to ever since I heard of the idea. With fire cured tobacco making an appearance in some prominent cigars recently, this was a slightly different option in the same area. With the tie in of Scotch, I think it makes for another interesting style. With this cigar, the amount of peat flavor wasn’t as prominent as I was expecting. I can understand why this version was the initial release as you wouldn’t want to overpower anyone with that aspect, so I agree with this being the initial release. As it stands, this is a cigar that I would recommend to anyone that enjoys peaty Scotch or just smokiness in general in their cigars. This would even be a good fit with a new or casual cigar smoker as the blend isn’t overpowering at all. For me, I would deem this cigar a success and it makes me look forward to the 50% peat cured filler version to get even more of its characteristics. Then, it will be interesting to see how the 75% version fares.
This is such a handsome cigar, it was so well constructed. From the wrapper to the roll it was picture perfect. There were no soft spots, burn issues, and the draw was perfect. The ever changing profile kept me fully engaged. This is more of a medium flavor profile with a just slightly above mild strength. If I'm being very nitpicky I personally would have liked a slightly thicker smoke; but it was in no way thin or wispy. From a price stand point this is definitely more of a special occasion cigar but I would highly recommend one.
Byron is a brand from Selected Tobacco Company. It was created by Nelson Alfonso who is a graphic designer that is behind designs for all of the major Cuban brands including the famed Behike. The cigar comes from Costa Rica and the Londinenses vitola is 5.5” x 54. Blend information is undisclosed which is common for all of the brands released by Alfonso.
This was an excellent cigar. It was a Connecticut, which I usually don't gravitate towards, but as I said before, this is not your typical Connecticut. There is TONS of flavor and many transitions to keep your attention. The cigar was very smooth, and could be enjoyed anytime of the day not just with your coffee or as your 1st smoke of the day, but I will recommend you smoke it on a fresh palate in order to taste all the flavors this stick throws at you. My hat's off to Riste on making a wonderful smoke.
Overall this was a great smoke. Very well rounded and balanced with some pepper spice at the start that changed into more of an all spice or cinnamon flavor. There was some very good sweetness to it that was almost caramel like during most parts. The draw and burn were both very good as well. This is probably the only cigar that I can remember smoking where I really noticed the aroma and that the wonderful aroma of the cigar did add to the experience. There is no way someone could smell the aroma of this cigar and not fall in love with it.
I imagine this is what a fresh Cuban Davidoff would have tasted like back in the 80's. I've been fortunate to have one that was almost 30 years old, so I know the profile, but in those 30 years, some strength is lost. I appreciated the Davidoff Nicaragua for it's Nicaraguan take on the classic Davidoff profile and it's perfectly balanced flavors. I appreciated the Escurio for how unique and different it was. But this, is something completely different. This is a truly full flavored cigar that teeters in medium-full strength and has such a great classic profile. This is a game changer, I can't believe I'm saying this, but I liked this cigar even better than the Box-Pressed Nicaragua.
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·This new cigar was displayed in Drew Estate’s booth (Booth #15407) at the 2015 IPCPR Tradeshow in New Orleans, LA. This was one that all four of us were excited to try so we decided not to wait for a blind review, and tell you what we think right away.
I had high expectations going into this cigar with it being the 115th anniversary and all the hype over the last year. I have to say it did not disappoint as I enjoyed the flavor profile from beginning to end. I had to touch up the burn once or twice but overall it performed outstandingly. While the cigar is on the pricey side I would happily light up another given the chance. Highly recommend this cigar.