The lancero is, sadly, a nearly lost art in the cigar world. Once a year, or so, I wax rhapsodic about the pristine virtue of this oft maligned cigar vitola. Luckily for all of you this is that time for the year. What is not to like about the majestic elegance of the lancero size? It is delicate, long, thin and seemingly dainty (which is why I believe most men eschew this particular smoke). It is the truest form, in my mind, of getting the perfect combination of wrapper and blend rolled into a magnificent cigar experience. Many experts say the robusto or corona are the best for the wrapper to blend ratio, I am no expert, but I say hooey to that. For my money the lancero is where it's at Jack, and don't come at me with your homophobic crap about it being too feminine to smoke. If you aren't comfortable smoking something because it looks too delicate, I would say you aren't confident enough in your manhood and that you should un wad your panties, take your bath robe off and man the f up. No one gives a crap what you look like when you are smoking, and if they do they are probably women, in which case you should offer them a lancero and be a sexy f'in couple in the know about the best kept secret in the vitola arsenal. In other words put down your sixty ring donkey wang and smoke something legit.
Ok enough about the size, I could go on and on about the size craving cigar whores out there, but I won't. This cigar presents well, it has a perfect lancero size and shape to it. The pigtail cap finish seems right to me, I don't like this finish on other cigars, but on the lancero it speaks of authenticity. The wrapper is beautiful on this cigar, a rich and dark brown with very little veining sets the palate to watering before flame hits leaf. An inspection reveals no areas of concern and I feel as though this smoke is very well made. The band work is understated, but elegant, and communicates a fine product. The pre light aroma has hints of cocoa and light tobacco. The pre light draw shows light pepper, coffee, cocoa and earth flavors.
The cigar opens with a profile that is full of rich flavors. I pick up cream, cocoa, wood, earth and pepper in the opening moments. This is exactly what I look for in a smoke, set the expectations early and do it well. None of the flavors are overwrought and they leave the palate looking for more and more as the smoke progresses. The back of the palate and through the nose show some light cocoa flavors and a rich tobacco note that sets a nice pedestal for the other flavors to balance on. The draw is an absolute dream, lancero's are often tight and make for a challenging beginning to the smoke, this cigar blows that possibility right out of the water. The burn is solid and razor sharp right from the get go.
The first third of the cigar is just wonderful. The core profile develops into a fantastic melange of wood, cocoa and coffee. There are some subtleties here that must be noted, including a roasted nut sensation that comes and goes, and some hints of cinnamon that are interesting to me. The back of the palate becomes a stronger presentation of rich tobacco flavors and there are hints of spice and cinnamon here as well. The draw stays right on the money without issues. The burn is also steady and note worthy.
The second third plugs right along and delivers in a big way. The core profile continues to ramp up with more wood, coffee and cocoa flavors, but hints of caramel were coming through here as well. It really is becoming something quite exceptional. The back of the palate becomes a rising tide of tobacco and cinnamon flavors with short bursts of pepper on a regular basis. This cigar has everything I would look for in my top cigars of the year and I appreciate your patience.
The final third f the smoke was also a wonderful experience. The core profile mellows into a more subdued presentation of all the core flavors, it is wonderful to experience first hand. Very seldom do I see a cigar with this kind of balance and assessment of possible tasting outcomes. The back of the palate continues to chug along, showing tobacco and earth flavors that are holding the experience together nicely. The draw and burn are excellent right to the end.
I seldom find cigars with this kind of balance and flavor, it is a must smoke in my mind.
Appearance- 91 a nice looking cigar
Taste- 94 nearly classic for me, just a very well put together profile and presentation of flavor
Construction- 94 also nearly classic
Strength- 93 a very nuanced and balanced medium/full
Overall- 93.25 a must smoke
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