Cohiba Esplendido - CLE 12/02

[jjmd]

A truly outstanding cigar. This churchill with box code CLE 12/02 comes wrapped in a khaki wrapper with hardly any veins to speak of and fine tooth. Triple cap and only one sun spot to mention. Construction was excellent without soft spots. Rich barnyard prelight aroma. Easy light. Good draw. Even burn without the need for corrections or relights. Gray-black ash. Started with traditional Cohiba flavors of grass, cocoa, and mild spice. The first third brought notes of vanilla, mild creamed coffee, and a hint of cinammon and nutmeg on a backdrop of grass. The middle third continued with the grassy backdrop with notes of dusted cocoa, mild top soil, cream, and a mild tangy flavor. In the last third, the flavors intensified and a mild chocolate undertone was noted. All in all, this one hour 45 minute medium-bodied, complex smoke was everything a great Cuban cigar should be. Smoked on a Sunday morning with a cup of Kona - it was a tremendous experience. Bought a box.

-JJ