CRQuarto
Brrraaaiiinnnsss.....
- Joined
- Jan 29, 2009
- Messages
- 1,850
LTD Esencia 2008
Size: Robusto 4 7/8" x 50 rg
Filler: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
*Sorry for the lack of pictures, as I was at the lounge. Here is a pic borrowed from the cigars home website instead.
Today after doing a full load of chores around the house, I decided it was time to take a break, and headed to Taylor's with my buddy Shant for a good smoke. During a brief chat with one of the employees, I mentioned I was really in the mood for an Illusione, which at the moment they do not carry, and he suggested I try a cigar called the Esencia. He said he felt it was close in terms of complexity and fullness to the Illusione '88', and believed I would enjoy it. I took him up on his challenge, and settled on the robusto size, while Shant selected a La Gloria Cubana Serie R.
After grabbing a couple glass bottled Coca Cola sodas (is it just me, or do they taste better in glass?), we settled down in front of the TV to watch the movie, "Rules of Engagement". My inspection of the cigar revealed a beautifully constructed stick, with a slightly toothy wrapper that was devoid of oils. I clipped the end, and took a prelight draw, which surprisingly had no flavor of any kind. I grew slightly worried at that, and mentioned it to the fellow who had suggested the cigar to me. He said not to worry, and that there was an awesome, spicy taste up front that would evolve throughout the cigar. I lit the cigar up, and boy was he right!
This cigar was an absolute flavor bomb! The spiciness was reminiscent of a Tat, and there was abundant flavors of cocoa and coffee bean. Delicious! The burn was slow, razor sharp, and revealed an ash that was a bright white, with small bands of black spaced very evenly. The draw was spot on, with a perfect amount of resistance, and provided a ton of aromatic smoke. I would have to say that from the start, this cigar was closer to a brown label Tat than an Illusione, but I won't dock it any points for that!
About an inch in, and the spiciness has subdued to a medium level, while a creamy, buttery taste started creeping in. The finish was a mile long, and lip smacking good! This cigar was very complex, with a lot of flavors I couldn't even come close to putting a finger on. The burn was perfect throughout, and the ash was solid until released at the inch and a half mark.
At about a third of the way in, the spiciness dissapeared, and the creamy, buttery taste took up the front. The flavor profile kept changing constantly, teasing me, I love it! Roasted nuts were apparent at this point as well, and a solid, rich tobacco flavor kept hammering me, making my mouth water.
The last third of this cigar was the best, with all the afforementioned flavors staying in the game, the spiciness made a return, and a wonderful taste of fresh baked bread made it's appearance. Damn! :love:
I would have to say that this was an amazing cigar, an absolute joy to smoke, and coupled with the movie I was totally relaxed by the end, not to mention fairly buzzed! The cigar was strong, but in a sneaky way! I am glad I had eaten a nice, full meal prior to smoking this beaut! I would strongly recommend that if you haven't had this cigar, you give it a try. I give it high marks all around. :thumbs:
Size: Robusto 4 7/8" x 50 rg
Filler: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
*Sorry for the lack of pictures, as I was at the lounge. Here is a pic borrowed from the cigars home website instead.
Today after doing a full load of chores around the house, I decided it was time to take a break, and headed to Taylor's with my buddy Shant for a good smoke. During a brief chat with one of the employees, I mentioned I was really in the mood for an Illusione, which at the moment they do not carry, and he suggested I try a cigar called the Esencia. He said he felt it was close in terms of complexity and fullness to the Illusione '88', and believed I would enjoy it. I took him up on his challenge, and settled on the robusto size, while Shant selected a La Gloria Cubana Serie R.
After grabbing a couple glass bottled Coca Cola sodas (is it just me, or do they taste better in glass?), we settled down in front of the TV to watch the movie, "Rules of Engagement". My inspection of the cigar revealed a beautifully constructed stick, with a slightly toothy wrapper that was devoid of oils. I clipped the end, and took a prelight draw, which surprisingly had no flavor of any kind. I grew slightly worried at that, and mentioned it to the fellow who had suggested the cigar to me. He said not to worry, and that there was an awesome, spicy taste up front that would evolve throughout the cigar. I lit the cigar up, and boy was he right!
This cigar was an absolute flavor bomb! The spiciness was reminiscent of a Tat, and there was abundant flavors of cocoa and coffee bean. Delicious! The burn was slow, razor sharp, and revealed an ash that was a bright white, with small bands of black spaced very evenly. The draw was spot on, with a perfect amount of resistance, and provided a ton of aromatic smoke. I would have to say that from the start, this cigar was closer to a brown label Tat than an Illusione, but I won't dock it any points for that!
About an inch in, and the spiciness has subdued to a medium level, while a creamy, buttery taste started creeping in. The finish was a mile long, and lip smacking good! This cigar was very complex, with a lot of flavors I couldn't even come close to putting a finger on. The burn was perfect throughout, and the ash was solid until released at the inch and a half mark.
At about a third of the way in, the spiciness dissapeared, and the creamy, buttery taste took up the front. The flavor profile kept changing constantly, teasing me, I love it! Roasted nuts were apparent at this point as well, and a solid, rich tobacco flavor kept hammering me, making my mouth water.
The last third of this cigar was the best, with all the afforementioned flavors staying in the game, the spiciness made a return, and a wonderful taste of fresh baked bread made it's appearance. Damn! :love:
I would have to say that this was an amazing cigar, an absolute joy to smoke, and coupled with the movie I was totally relaxed by the end, not to mention fairly buzzed! The cigar was strong, but in a sneaky way! I am glad I had eaten a nice, full meal prior to smoking this beaut! I would strongly recommend that if you haven't had this cigar, you give it a try. I give it high marks all around. :thumbs:
I'm still finding my style, but I am really enjoying writing reviews. It's good to hear that people enjoy them!
