Cigar Info
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.
These cigars come in ceramic jars complete with their own humidification system. Only 1000 of these are made every year. All the Byron lines are aged 1 year after rolling before they are packaged. The MSRP for the Byron Reserva 5 Años Londinenses is $31.95.
Pre-Light
The first thing that I notice is how well constructed this cigar is. I have to look for a seam it’s so well constructed. There’s a uniform milk chocolate brown wrapper with delicate veins running the length of the cigar. The wrapper itself is smooth, almost velvety to the touch. There’s a perfectly applied triple cap at the head and the foot is well packed and round. The wrapper has a mild tobacco note but is very faint. The foot smells like a filthy barnyard in the best way with an almost cinnamon spice finish. The cold draw is a slight sweet cream and cedar flavor.
First Third
I use a match because I wanted a soft flame to light the cigar. There’s a bit more pepper than I thought I would find initially. It’s just coating the back of the throat but it’s not overpowering just enough to keep the palate engaged. There’s a rich cedar that’s instantly noticeable on the draw but I find a nice bready flavor with a slight nutty and baking spice developing after about an inch. The retrohale is very unique with an almost citrus and heavy cream that sounds like it shouldn’t work but it does.
Second Third
It’s been awhile since I have a cigar that’s had this much flavor progression throughout the first and second half. Notes of sour bread, baking spice, cedar, and a mild but perfect amount of pepper create such a wonderful second third. There’s a slight sweetness that pops up occasionally but it’s hard to place exactly what it is. The retrohale is now a bold citrus flavor that adds a wonderful pop of flavor.
Final Third
Rich notes of cedar, bread, baking spice, citrus, and cream all play together nicely at the end. It’s really interesting how they keep changing in which is the dominant flavor at the end. At times its very bready with a baking spice finish and others it’s almost a complete blast of citrus. Usually at the end of a cigar the level of pepper starts to overwhelm but this has always had just the right amount; never muddling or dulling the other flavors. The retrohale at the end is heavy cream followed by an amazing blast of crisp citrus.
Overall Thoughts
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.
-Alan (Eulogy)
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