I smoked my first OR Anejo 49 last night. What an incredible experience. I started at about 9PM. It was about 80 degrees with very little breeze. A perfect night for smoking.
I used my Xikar X3 to snip the cap and gave it a quick prelight draw. It was perfect. After 2 CF matches, this baby was lit and ready to go. From the beginning, the volume of smoke was great. Flavor-wise, it started slow, and unlike what I expect from an Anejo. It was mild, with a short finish. It was clearly well constructed. The burn was even and the draw was perfect.
About 1-2 inches into the smoke, I noticed that it started to change. The previously mild flavors started gaining intensity. The cigar remained smooth and refined. However, the finish wasn't nearly as short and it was now a medium-bodied smoke.
At about the halfway point, it really kicked in. The flavors were pleasant and never harsh. It was robust and full-bodied, with a finish that lasted for what seemed like forever. It remained this way until I nubbed it. Towards the end, I could feel a slight buzz, which hasn't happened to me very rarely when smoking cigars.
As I stood up, I realized that there was nothing slight about the buzz. woooo. It was hard to walk straight! If I didn't have such a strong stomach, this cigar may have gotten the best of me. But, as it stands, it remains one of the best cigar experiences I've had in a long time. If you get an opportunity to get your hands on an OR Anejo, don't pass it up. It's a fantastic experience.
Cup
