Trinidad Fundadore - EL NOSU ('98)

[jjmd]

This is an excellent smoke. Box code EL NOSU 1998. Lonsdale vitola with a khaki brown wrapper with minimal veining. Solid construction without soft spots. Wonderful rich prelight (and postlight!) aroma. Easy light. Smooth draw. Mostly even burn with flakey gray ash, though not razor sharp, without the need for corrections. Started with earth, mild wood, and a hint of vanilla bean which blended into a straight tobacco flavor in the first third, which became more "toasted" as it was smoked. A floral nuance was also present, but seemed to tip-toe in and out. The middle third introduced an herbal quality and a hint of a grassy note that layered on top of the core earthy and tobacco flavors. A very light mineral essence was also noted. The final third was outstandingly complex with prominent floral and herbaceous flavors that tangled with notes of menthol and even fleeting wintergreen. All in all, this one hour and 45 minute smoke (which was smoked SLOWLY to bring out the nuances) is a rich, satisfying smoke that was more earthy when compared to its Cohiba Lancero cousin, but shared the same complexity. Paired well with HC7. Bought a box.

-JJ