Tuesday, January 03 2012
Alec Bradley American Classic Blend Toro Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Size/Strength: 6" x 50 / Medium
Wrapper: Honduran-grown Conncticut seed
Filler: Nicaraguan Estelí and Condega
Binder: Nicaraguan Jalapa
Presentation:
Box of 20
cigarsNote: This review is based on 2 samples I received from ABC.
Appearance & Feel: Attractive, chocolate brown Connecticut seed wrapper. A bit veiny. Packing was firm with no significant soft spots.
Paired with: Coffee (1st sample) Spring water (2nd sample).
Cap: Triple style. Clipped nicely.
Pre-light: Grassy, hay-like aroma.
Draw is somewhat sweet with a leathery flavor.
Foot: Lit well and evenly.
Draw: Easy with plenty of creamy smoke.
First puff: Mild, creamy, earthy, and woody with a pleasant amount of sweetness.
Smoke: Thick, plentiful and sweet from start to
finish.
Burn & Ash: A little touch-up was needed on the second sampler early on, but the cigar burned well for the most part. The ash was marbled and relatively firm breaking-off in 1/2 to 3/4-inch nuggets.
Aroma: Very appealing. somewhat earthy and sweet. As the cigar smoked the aroma became even more inviting.
Retrohale: Peppery, yet smooth passing through the olfactory senses.
General observations: Reminds me of one of the Avo Anniversary editions. Extremely smooth and creamy. Excellent balance. Long finish. Not all that complex in the first third. Cigar burned well overall. Flavors are predominantly nutty and woody, with an underlying sweetness like that of caramel or vanilla. By the halfway mark, the flavor and strength began to pick up. In the second half more peppery spice flavors begin to emerge.
Summary: A really well made and flavorful blend. Fans of Alec Bradley cigars such as their
Family Blend selection will like this cigar. One interesting note: At the start the aroma was more complex than the overall flavor of the cigar. But by the third act, the flavor was much more complex and full-bodied than the "advertised" medium body.
Final Rating:
♦♦♦Rating scale ♦ = Fair to Midland
♦♦ = Good
♦♦♦ = Excellent
♦♦♦♦ = Outstanding
♦♦♦♦♦ = ExtraordinarySee all
Alec Bradley American Classic cigars.
