Classic, 7” x 48 ring gauge, approx. $10-11
The Hemingway line was introduced by Fuente in 1983 as a tribute to the old-style Cuban perfectos that were no longer made. The family found some of the only shaped-pressed around and employed some the only people who knew how to properly role a perfecto and re-introduced the shape to the cigar world. The cigar uses tobacco from the Dominican Republic for filler and binder while the wrapper is from Cameroon.
The wrapper of the Classic was almost flawless. One small spot marred it, but otherwise it was evenly colored and lightly veined. The aroma from the body was sweet with a little caramel and some tobacco. The foot was almost identical except there was a bit of rich chocolate that came through from the tiny tip. The prelight draw was a little tight as you come to expect from a cigar of this shape. The flavor was mildly sweet but I did not get much more from it. The simply snip of my Xikar MTX removed the cap and cracked the wrapper all the way down to the band. Why does this keep happening to me with Fuente cigars?
Lighting up was easy, as it usually it with a perfecto; initial flavors were smooth, sweet and creamy. The draw loosened considerably after the burn got through the bulbous foot. It had been a while since I had smoked a Hemingway, but I honestly did not remember them being so mild. That is was the first third was, though: mild, sweet, and creamy. there were notes of caramel and hay in a very smooth smoke. It was very good tasting, but not the most distinctive cigar I had smoked lately. The draw was good, though not excellent and the burn line was almost even.
The second third saw the body increase slightly and a little nuttiness crept in, especially on the retrohale. Otherwise, the flavors of caramel and hay persisted and there was a mild hint of autumn spice running underneath.
The smooth, good flavor continued through until I had to lay the stick down due to a serious unraveling problem--a result of the initial crack when cutting. I cannot say this cigar blew me away, but it was a very elegant, easy smoke. Because of the mildness, I would have to categorize it as a morning cigar at best, but the price is too step to justify frequent purchasing.
Body: 3/10
Strength: 3/10
Complexity: 5/10
AFP Scale
Prelight: 1.5/2
Construction: 1.5/2
Flavor: 4/5
Value: .5/1
Total: 7.5/10
0 comments:
Post a Comment