Nice evening 60 degrees with little wind. Playing in an online poker tourney and decided to take the laptop on the balcony and smoke whilst I play. I considered the Padron 80th (after reading Steve’s review I wish I had) Instead I picked out an Anejo #50. This had been in my humi since early December 07 and would be my first Anejo.
Physical Appearance (14/15) – Dark chocolate wrapper that was firm throughout. It was spongy without being soft. Slight vein, but nothing major. Great looking stick.
Burn/Draw (25/25) – Clipped the top with my Xikar and gave a test draw. Perfect. Toasted the cap then used a soft flame for the final light. Cigar took the flame easily and thick white smoke poured from the cigar. Ash was also very white and the burn was razor sharp.
Flavor (15/25) – Prelight draw gave me licorice, almost like a shot of Jager. First few puffs still had licorice, but sweeter. Remember those good n’ plenty candies? It was like that. Actually rather pleasant. After that, nothing. I got no flavor from it at all. Still nice thick white smoke and great burn, but there was nothing on the palate. Weird.
Overall Impression (22/35) – My internet service acted up and kept kicking me out of the poker room. At one point it folded for me when I had a full house. Ended up going out of the game early. With about half of the Anejo left at that point I just put it down. It was not unpleasant, just did not have any taste. I know my nose was a bit stuffed, but don’t think it was bad enough to cause me to lose all flavor. I was expecting big things from this cigar so maybe expectations were too high. I still have about 10 left in various sizes so I will give them another whirl. I love Opus so these should appeal to me.
Your review reminded me of the CAO Vision that i smoked recently. I had a couple Anejos and not experienced anything as you describe. Very interesting... I think you just picked out what I am going to smoke tonight.
Posts: 612 | Location: Signal Hill, CA | Registered: April 26, 2007
I had my first Anejo this past weekend. It had been resting since January and I was not blown away. It was good but not fantastic. It'll be a little while before I smoke one again though. Maybe the flavors will come to me a little more openly at some point down the line.
"These moments we're left with, May you always remember, These moments are shared by few"
Jimmy Buffett--"It's been a lovely cruise"
Posts: 738 | Location: Indianapolis | Registered: October 19, 2007
Jim - It was another cigar site that has a poker game, not a regular poker site. I have been thinking of starting up playing somewhere though. So any suggestions you have let me know!
Jlaker - I was thinking the same thing only if this had no flavor how would time imrpove it? Don't they get milder as time goes on? Anyway I have a few other sizes including some of the highly acclaimed Sharks. I will get to those sometime this summer.
Originally posted by bburnham17: Jim - It was another cigar site that has a poker game, not a regular poker site. I have been thinking of starting up playing somewhere though. So any suggestions you have let me know!
Jlaker - I was thinking the same thing only if this had no flavor how would time imrpove it? Don't they get milder as time goes on? Anyway I have a few other sizes including some of the highly acclaimed Sharks. I will get to those sometime this summer.
Oh okay.. I know the one you're talking about. Haven't signed up for the forums, but have browsed a bit.
I have to agree with you on my last experience with an Anejo, about 4 months ago. The "licorice" sweet flavor was dominant, but not much more. I believe I also put it down. This cigar did come in a Holts sampler, so maybe that had something to do with it.
Years ago, about 2001 I believe, I remember seeing the Anejos around XMas time. That one that seemed much bolder, balanced and flavorfull. Hmmm...
