Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Maduro
Binder: Honduran
Filler: Honduran & Nicaraguan
Vitola: Petite Lancero (6.5 x 42)
Purchase Link: BLTC Last Rites
LAST RITES REVIEW – CALIFORNIA
Summary: Starting off with hazelnut syrup over a crispy waffle. The retro hale has an almost hairspray tinge to it, as in when you get a slight whiff of the receptionist's hairspray when chatting it up (not like walking into a salon and being bombarded with bouquets of napalm). Also, that waffle mention was spot on because buttermilk is now joining the nutty sweetness.
Much the same in the second third with the addition of Cynar. A little rosé as well.
Final third has lost some of the sweetness, but remains savory and herbaceous. No touch-ups throughout. Some Thyme closes this stick out.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: WAFFLES FOR BREAKFAST LUNCH AND FOREVER.
Pairing Suggestion: White Russian.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Box.
LAST RITES REVIEW – WISCONSIN
Summary: This trip to long and skinny town starts with a big punch of spice on my tongue and lips. Its wasabi-like heat might do some wonders in clearing your sinuses. I also got early notes of leather and cream, but the beginning of the cigar was dominated by spice. Oaky notes joined in, and they became stronger throughout the cigar. I also tasted peanut, chocolate, a slight sweetness, and a very distinct occasional cherry note. The flavor story of the cigar was mostly spice and oak, complemented with a long peppery finish. It's worth noting that the nicotine strength was pretty high.
Construction-wise, the draw was perfect. The burn was very good, except for the two times when it simply went out. It showed no other issues with burn at all, just went out on me twice.
I anticipate this being a polarizing cigar. If I were you, I'd try a single. That will be enough for some people. For others, they'll want to grab a whole box right away.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: If you like a bold, spicy, oaky smoke and don't mind a good bit of nicotine.
Pairing Suggestion: Cream soda
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Start with a single
LAST RITES REVIEW – OREGON
Summary: The scents from the wrapper on this week’s cigar smell like sweet tobacco and a chocolate-cherry sheet cake my mom used to make. Not surprisingly, the cold draw has most of the same flavors with dark cherry, chocolate and a smooth leather finish.
Out of the gate, this cigar is letting me know it means business. Strong coffee, chocolate and just a touch of pepper spice create a bold, in your face profile. On the retro hale, chocolate is very forward in the profile and it finishes with quite a heavy hit of pepper spice. About an inch and a half into this cigar and the ash is holding very solid but the burn is seriously messed up. Against my hopes, I am probably going to have to correct it. It’s worth noting that there is a subdued spiciness in every aspect of the profile. I want to call it chili powder but it’s really faint.
One-third of the cigar is finished and the ash just dropped. I am taking the opportunity to touch up the crazy burn...and I’m rewarded with a tunnel. I’ll work past it just to see if this profile builds. There’s molasses and notes of dark toast working into the mix as I pass through the middle section. There is also a heavier sweet tobacco flavor adding some increased depth without bringing harshness.
Moving into the final third and yet another void in the filler. I’m not thrilled. I’m allowing the cigar go out on it’s own and I will cut past the most recent tunnel. I’m sacrificing about a quarter inch of the cigar.
After the relight, we are back in action with notes of leather, dark toast, coffee and a dash of cocoa. Things have really smoothed out after getting past that last tunnel. The cigar is producing a lot of really nice smoke and the temperature of the cigar is cooling down considerably. This change allows the profile to finish with a bright spot.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Cigars that seem worth a little maintenance work.
Pairing Suggestion: Bourbon or a hearty stout.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: 5er.
Participants in this blind review were completely unaware of the cigar they were evaluating until all submissions were received and processed. Each participant was asked to answer a summary paragraph, an if/than statement, a pairing suggestion, and a purchase suggestion. Cigars were provided by Small Batch with only the expectations of candid responses. All pictures, information, and formatting were completed by a Coordinator outside of the reviewing process.
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