Some weeks ago some very good friends of mine suffered through something that I had to survive several years back, an event so life altering that no matter what age you are it shocks you breathless and leaves you in stunned reverie for several days. They lost their mother, much like I lost mine to cancer about five years ago. Granted the circumstances were different, their mother 92 years young and mine 54, but the sense of loss is the same no matter what age you and no matter what age she is. See, you only get one Mother, most of us probably take it for granted as the speed of life takes us in myriad directions. What you realize after she is gone is that in many ways no matter what direction I traveled my mother was my compass. Always listening, never judging. Providing advice, wanted or unwanted. Always proud, never ashamed, even when she had reason to be. There were days when I was not the greatest son, and I'm sure my friends would admit to the same, but there she was, like a shining lodestone in a deep dark place allowing me to find my way back. Even after they are gone that shine still guides us, I miss her dearly and I'm sure they miss theirs as well.
As I sat at the funeral service for their mother I realized something else. I never met their mother, but I felt like I knew all I needed to know about her because I know her sons. You see, sometimes lineage is just as important as anything else and my two friends are two of the greatest guys you could know. They are men's men. They are kind and caring. They are wise and funny. You can't help but speculate that they inherited a large measure of that from their mother and the upbringing that she provided. Knowing the two men is to know their mother and their very stout and resolute way of life speaks volumes about her. It is my pleasure to know them and call them friends.
What does this have to do with cigars? Probably everything if you really think about it from the standpoint of lineage, particularly when considering this cigar. The Fuente's have a proud tradition of cigar making that spans decades and their lineage is second to none. To know their cigars is to know them. Always consistent, pleasurable and understated. I have met many of the Fuente's and I can tell you they all fit this bill, there is no flamboyance, no putting on of airs, just a resolute and steadfast dedication to making great cigars.
This cigar presents very well in the traditional Fuente way, elegance and class without being flashy or in your face. The band work is standard Fuente fare and I have always loved this simple homage to their well made cigars. The wrapper is from their sungrown stock and it is nearly flawless and expertly applied. The construction seems to be excellent as I can't find any voids or tight spots in it at all. The pre light aroma is full of spice and tobacco notes. The pre light draw shows some light brushes of pepper and earth.
The cigar opens with profile that is slow developing, but flavorful. The core profile shows light pepper flavors and there are some very nice earth tones in the mix here as well. While not particularly full of depth or complexity it is still enjoyable in the early moments as it warms up the palate. Through the nose and at the back of the palate there are some warm notes of soft wood and some brushes of spice that I equate with anise. The draw is excellent here, just the right amount of resistance and the smoke that comes forth is satisfying and full with each draw. The burn is a touch wonky early, but as with most cigars of prime lineage, it evens out easily and neatly.
The first half of the cigar develops into a more complex array of flavors and I am excited about the developments here. The core profile still has some light pepper flavors, but there is a distinct hazelnut flavor that comes through with flying colors and becomes the star of the show. The back of the palate shows a more robust oaky flavor now and there are still some brushes of spice that are more like clove at this point. All in all this has developed into a wonderful flavor experience. The draw loosens a touch too much for me as the cigar burns, but it is still acceptable. The burn is very solid to this point.
The final half of the cigar actually slides back a bit. The core profile loses the hazelnut essence and picks up a more leathery tone that is ok, but not as nice as the hazelnut was. There are still some brushes of pepper here as well. The back of the palate continues to show some wood notes and there are some earthy tones coming in as well at this point. The spice remains but becomes slightly sour without the hazelnut to mingle with it. The draw continued to be too loose for me, but it did not cause any issues. The burn was excellent to the end.
The finish was long and smooth and showed leather and earth notes that lingered pleasantly.
Appearance- 91 always elegant and classic
Taste- 91 some points off for the back half of the smoke, but still very good
Construction- 90 some loss for draw deterioration, but still very nice
Strength- 97 a wonderful medium that complemented the profile wonderfully
Overall- 91.75 a very good smoke that deserves consideration from any smoker worth his/her salt
