Robusto, 5.5" x 50 ring gauge, $5.25
After a less than stellar experience with my latest 1989 Rosado the other day (documented in Tuesday's review), I was somewhat ambivalent about this Oscuro variety. Would it rock my world? Or was it destined to disappoint? Only one way to find out. This cigar presumably shares the same Nicaraguan filler and binder as its lighter-colored brother, just substituting an oscuro wrapper.
I will start by saying that it seems Nestor Miranda is trying to rewrite the definition of "oscuro." Most sources define these leaves as "very dark" or "black." Miranda's Special Selection featured an oscuro wrapper that was darker than the Rosado but not nearly black. The Dominicano wrappers are so close in color that I saw a company rep get them confused. This wrapper is significantly darker than the Rosado, though still not so dark that I would call it "very dark"; it is unlikely, however, to be mistaken for the lighter leaf in photos or in real life. With that said, on to the review: this was not a beautiful cigar, but neither was it really ugly. It had some largish veins, some lumps and a few puckered seams, but when you are looking at a $5 stick, you cannot expect the highest quality. The aroma from the wrapper was leather and barnyard while the foot was rich in chocolate with a bit of coffee. It did not seem overly oily to my eyes, but there was some oil to the touch. The draw on this was very much like the Rosado--quit loose. I got prelight flavors of cocoa and coffee and it left a spicy tingle on my lips.
Another Don Pepin Garcia cigar, another blast of pepper through the nose right after being lit. Initial flavors were of cedar, hay and that aforementioned pepper. I found the first third of the 1989 Oscuro to be, above all else, quite harsh. There were flavors of cedar and pepper but it all left me with a raspy feeling in the back of my mouth. The ash was pretty flaky and threatened constantly to litter my lap. The burn line was generally jagged.
This cigar developed a good-sized canoe about halfway through the second third. The flavor got better, though, yielding more coffee and bitter cocoa along with the spicy burn.
The final third opened with an abrupt flavor change--much more earthy, but still plenty of coffee, although it had become more of an espresso roast. Overall, the 1989 Oscuro was not a bad cigar at all. It fails to rise to the level of some others in its price range, but it is better than many sticks that cost more If I found a great deal on them I would probably invest in a 5 or 10 pack, but I do not otherwise see it becoming a regular visitor in my humidor. Of the 3 lines in the Nestor Miranda Collection, this is the least in price, but it is also by far the least in flavor. If you want to smoke Miranda's cigars, my advice is to spring for a couple extra bucks and go for the Special Selection or Dominicano.
Body: 7/10
Strength: 6/10
Complexity: 7/10
AFP Scale
Prelight: 1.5/2
Construction: 1/2
Flavor: 4/5
Value: 1/1
Total: 7.5/10
Agree, disagree, or have your own thoughts you would like to share on this cigar? Please leave a comment and speak your mind!
Good review. I love DPG cigars, and I've heard tons of good stuff about this cigar, so your points are a good new look. I have also heard recently that the Special Selection has declined in flavor whereas the 1989 is much better.
ReplyDeleteIf what you have heard about the Special Selection declining in flavor that's actually very sad to hear. It was a good cigar when it came out, although I have to admit I haven't smoked a ton of them lately (there always seems to be something new and different to smoke...and review!).
ReplyDelete