Anejo #55

[BobbyRitz]

So after work I went to a B&M that I visit on occasion to grab a smoke for the ride home. He still had Anejo's and allowed me to pick up two #55's. I've had one #77 and this is my first #55. I say that to suggest that I am an Anejo newb.

As with most sticks, it started bitter, but mellowed after the first inch. Typically this is the spot where I begin to experience what a cigar is all about. Well, this cigar started to show signs of being a great smoke, but it never came to fruition. The first third was average. The second third was slightly better. The final third, normally the point where cigars send me off with a beautiful parting present of the full flavor of the stick, was about as good as the middle third.

Now, before everyone tells me to "send any sticks that I don't want", I'm wondering if anyone else has had this experience with an Anejo #55.

I didn't experience the typical cocoa/chocolately flavors that I normally get with a maduro wrapped cigar either. I've had 3-4 WOAMs and feel that they have provided a far superior experience over this #55. The wealth of flavor that the WOAM provides is markedly more fulfilling.

I noted a little surface mold under the cedar wrap on the #55, which I brushed off. I can't believe that this affected the quality of the smoke.

Am I by myself here? I have 3-4 #55's in the humi that are sleeping. Perhaps they just need a little down time. That would seem odd as well, after all the fact that they are "anejo" should mean something, no?

 

[The Volusianator]

I think Bobby it's the same with most anything, everyone has different tastes. Chunky/creamy, Bud/Miller, Ford/Chevy, just because you didn't go gaga over it doesn't mean your tastes are bad or it's a bad cigar. Maybe it's just not the cigar for you? Give a couple more a shot just to be sure, I myself hate to judge after just one, good or bad.

Wade

 

[BobbyRitz]

Wade,

I agree re: trying a couple of sticks. That's my plan. In fact, a good friend just gifted me two 55s with two years on them. They will meet their demise via small fires. :laugh:

 

[Devil Doc]

"as with most sticks, it started out bitter" Interesting statement. Perhaps you should revisit how to light a cigar. I suspect your charring the wrapper of your sticks. This would cause the bitterness you seem to experience with most sticks.

Doc.

 

[bilder]

"as with most sticks, it started out bitter" Interesting statement. Perhaps you should revisit how to light a cigar. I suspect your charring the wrapper of your sticks. This would cause the bitterness you seem to experience with most sticks.

Doc.

I was doing that early on. Took some practice to get down the toasting of the foot without charring the wrapper. It does make a difference in the taste.

 

[Shooter]

Prolly way to wet if it was a just released anjeo. I put some boxes in my humi and it jumped to 72 and finally came down after three weeks. There for about 4 days I left my "Anjeo" cooler open all night then one hr a day. I was prolly way to wet.

 

[BobbyRitz]

"as with most sticks, it started out bitter" Interesting statement. Perhaps you should revisit how to light a cigar. I suspect your charring the wrapper of your sticks. This would cause the bitterness you seem to experience with most sticks.

Doc.

This is probably a fair statement. Duly noted, Doc.

EDIT: With respect to the rest of the cigar, perhaps Shooter is right. I'll stick my other #55's in my coolerdor, which is currently maintaining 64% RH and revisit one in a few months.

 

[Ludwig]

So after work I went to a B&M that I visit on occasion to grab a smoke for the ride home. He still had Anejo's and allowed me to pick up two #55's. I've had one #77 and this is my first #55. I say that to suggest that I am an Anejo newb.

As with most sticks, it started bitter, but mellowed after the first inch. Typically this is the spot where I begin to experience what a cigar is all about. Well, this cigar started to show signs of being a great smoke, but it never came to fruition. The first third was average. The second third was slightly better. The final third, normally the point where cigars send me off with a beautiful parting present of the full flavor of the stick, was about as good as the middle third.

Now, before everyone tells me to "send any sticks that I don't want", I'm wondering if anyone else has had this experience with an Anejo #55.

I didn't experience the typical cocoa/chocolately flavors that I normally get with a maduro wrapped cigar either. I've had 3-4 WOAMs and feel that they have provided a far superior experience over this #55. The wealth of flavor that the WOAM provides is markedly more fulfilling.

I noted a little surface mold under the cedar wrap on the #55, which I brushed off. I can't believe that this affected the quality of the smoke.

Am I by myself here? I have 3-4 #55's in the humi that are sleeping. Perhaps they just need a little down time. That would seem odd as well, after all the fact that they are "anejo" should mean something, no?

Anejo's in Maryland??? Where at?

 

[vortex]

My limited experience with Anejos has taught me to let them sit for a month or two after purchase. They tend to be hydrophilic so the need some time to dry. The bigger ring gauges even more so. IMO

 

[BlindedByScience]

If it was bitter, it needed more down time.

I really love the Anejo's; one of my all time favorites. Not quite as spicy as an Opie....just right for me. The 48's and 50's are my favorites in the line but I don't think I've ever had a bad one.... :love:

Regards - B.B.S.

 

[BobbyRitz]

So after work I went to a B&M that I visit on occasion to grab a smoke for the ride home. He still had Anejo's and allowed me to pick up two #55's. I've had one #77 and this is my first #55. I say that to suggest that I am an Anejo newb.

As with most sticks, it started bitter, but mellowed after the first inch. Typically this is the spot where I begin to experience what a cigar is all about. Well, this cigar started to show signs of being a great smoke, but it never came to fruition. The first third was average. The second third was slightly better. The final third, normally the point where cigars send me off with a beautiful parting present of the full flavor of the stick, was about as good as the middle third.

Now, before everyone tells me to "send any sticks that I don't want", I'm wondering if anyone else has had this experience with an Anejo #55.

I didn't experience the typical cocoa/chocolately flavors that I normally get with a maduro wrapped cigar either. I've had 3-4 WOAMs and feel that they have provided a far superior experience over this #55. The wealth of flavor that the WOAM provides is markedly more fulfilling.

I noted a little surface mold under the cedar wrap on the #55, which I brushed off. I can't believe that this affected the quality of the smoke.

Am I by myself here? I have 3-4 #55's in the humi that are sleeping. Perhaps they just need a little down time. That would seem odd as well, after all the fact that they are "anejo" should mean something, no?

Anejo's in Maryland??? Where at?

The B&M in your backyard. :whistling:

 

[4thecrue]

Dont be shy Bobby tell us where they are. I feel a burning force in my wallet that can only be cured by new smokes.

Damon

 

[nfulton]

I don't believe the Anejo's are actually "Maduro". I have never had chocolatey flavors from one(but all tastes differ). I believe the barrel aging just imparts the sweetness that I crave so much from these cigars. If you are looking for those flavors I would pick up a Padron '26 #9 Maduro. As for the mold, I believe that is because they are packed so wet under the cedar. Most I have had mold or mold stains under the cedar.

 

[FlyFish]

I think they probably just need a rest. IMO the 55's are the best of the lot as far as the Anejos are conecrned. They never taste like "typical" maduros though, they have nuances of their own. Let em rest, esp if itwas bitter to you. They'll get better.

 

[mu mike]

I don't particularly care for Anejos, they're just not my "cup of tea" (and neither are Hemingway maduros). With the exception of the first release, they have never been particularly impressive to me.

I remember when they first came out in 2000 and I bought a box of 49's. They were very good and I went through them entirely too fast. I keep trying later releases but none have lived up to the original, IMO.

 

[jeht2000]

I've only tried the 48 and to me it was just, okay. But that didn't stop me from getting some 46's and 77's. I truely believe that the availability, or lack of, is the reason for the hype. To me, you have to have the palate that can pick up on subtle flavors for this brand to REALLY shine or for the out of body experience some people describe. But hey, taste's are different. Personally, I like a flavor and strength profile that's bolder, more in your face ie D4,party short.

 

[tigger]

While the OR Anejos were superb from the getgo, I find that, as has been mentioned, the subsequent releases need some down time both for their humidity to adjust, and because they benefit from some aging.

Further, apparently some of the '06 release had a longer than expected journey to get to the US, and could, therefore, use some time to stabilize...

 

[Devil Doc]

Well, I hate to disagree with all you fine gentlemen, but I have a box of Sharks which I purchased within minutes of their arrival at my B&M and they're smoking just fine.

Doc.

 

[BobbyRitz]

I don't believe the Anejo's are actually "Maduro". I have never had chocolatey flavors from one(but all tastes differ). I believe the barrel aging just imparts the sweetness that I crave so much from these cigars. If you are looking for those flavors I would pick up a Padron '26 #9 Maduro. As for the mold, I believe that is because they are packed so wet under the cedar. Most I have had mold or mold stains under the cedar.

The anejos use a maduro wrapper that has been aged in cognac barrels. As you suggest, barrel aging changes the flavor characteristics of wrapper. As many of you have suggested, I believe this #55 just needed time to dry out a little.

 

[Zach]

Also a fan of the #55's! What i usually do with my Opus and Anjeo's is take the cedar off immediately to prevent any mold under the cedar or sap leaking out cuz they are so wet.