Cigar Review: Berger & Argenti Clasico

Belicoso, 5.5" x 50 ring gauge / $6.85, purchased at Burns

Berger & Argenti is one of the "new kids on the block" as far as companies go, forming in 2009, but the experience of the owners is vast: Michael & Albert Argenti had earned a reputation in the industry for their marketing and production, while Enrique Berger was recognized as a distinguished tobacco farmer in Nicaragua. The Clasico was one of their premier offerings and combined aged Nicaraguan fillers from Tabacalera Esteli, a Nicaraguan Corojo binder and a "stalk-cut, molasses-colored Ecuadorian Connecticut seed 'Desflorado' wrapper." This review stick was my first Clasico.

The first thing I noticed was the incredible color uniformity of the wrapper. There were virtually no flaws or mottling visible. The veining was visible in the light-medium brown leaf, but the veins were all very small to the touch. The band was so small and similar in color to the wrapper that it seemed to almost disappear. Feeling along the length, the Clasico was somewhat soft throughout--perhaps not the most well-packed of cigars on the shelves, but far from spongy. From the wrapper leaf, I noted hints of caramel along with hay; on the foot, I got more barnyard with a bit of cocoa. My Xikar XI1 cut the head cleanly and I got no hint that the torpedo-shaped head might unravel--always a plus. On the cold draw I got sweet notes of hay and caramel along with a decent spicy tingle on the lips, as well as an undercurrent of dried fruit--maybe raisins.

After lighting, the first few puffs gave up nice notes of sweet tobacco, roasted nuts, and black pepper, the latter through the nose especially. The pepper increased through the course of the first third. Mostly, though, the flavor was nutty with some sweetness, an overall pleasant balance. The burn was good and fairly even--no canoeing or tunneling--with just the thinnest of carbon rings; and the ash held on for about an inch.

As the Clasico transitioned to the second third, the flavors turned more earthy and the spiciness increased. I felt like the flavor profile had turned more toward what you might expect from a sungrown wrapper--more earthy and spicy, although maybe not as much spice as you might expect from a sungrown. Draw and burn line  were still excellent and the body was still in the medium range.

I found it rather unexpected when the flavor changed dramatically again in the final third. It almost reverted to the beginning notes of caramel sweetness and creaminess, losing almost all pepper and quite a bit of the earthiness. The only constant was a nice roasted nut flavor. I found the Clasico to be a very good cigar with a surprising amount of complexity. The ever-changing flavor was constantly good, the construction was excellent and the price is very reasonable. This medium-bodied cigar would fit very well into a cigar enthusiast's late morning/early afternoon repertoire and would serve as a great "step-up" smoke for a newbie who wants to get further into the cigar experience than the mild smokes they may have started with.

Body: 5/10

Strength: 4/50

Complexity: 8/10

AFP Scale

Prelight: 2/2

Construction: 2/2

Flavor: 4.5/5

Value: 1/1

Total: 9.5/10

Agree, disagree or have your own thoughts you would like to share on this cigar? Please leave a comment and speak your mind!