I hope everyone’s having a wonderful Sunday!
As I prepped for this moment yesterday, I was struck by the irony that this is not a cigar I would usually purchase. I still have a box of Morphine Lanceros from 2016 or 2017 that are – to this day – too strong for this cat. And yet, this robusto has been taunting me ever since it arrived from a Small Batch Cigar of the Month package.
I’ve been anticipating this cigar for a while now, because of a prior dabbling in a robusto sized Morphine. It seemed to be carefully balanced in the past and I’ve been curious to revisit this size.
My first impressions are of leather, chocolate nuances, and earth. Leather and chocolate lead the way for me, with earth dialing in only once I think about it. After a few minutes, a creamy texture takes over as a nougat-like sweetness settles in.
I wasn’t really sure if this cigar would make the cut this week, or if I’d have to choose something on the day of publication. Turns out, this size really is where it’s at for me on the Morphine line.
It’s balanced in only the way James Brown can fine tune the intricacies of strength and finesse. Imagine being able to sense the raw power underneath the hood of this cigar, yet never truly coming face to face with it. That’s what is impressed upon me right this moment – I can feel the nicotine strength but perceive a smoother-than-normal experience like a high-octane milkshake.
Read our 2018 LE Morphine Blind Review
A retro hale includes hints of floral notes, chocolate lava cake, and a good dose of sinus clearing pepper. From time to time, I’m pretty certain I can also taste fleeting, subtle notes of chocolate covered cherries that dissipate before I can be too sure.
Then, near the midway point, this 2019 Morphine flips the script on me with heavy doses of leather, something savory akin to grilled pork, and hints of burnt caramel on the finish. Wow! This might be the strongest impressions of both leather and burnt caramel that I’ve ever experienced in a cigar.
On that note, I believe I’ll take my leave and enjoy this little powerhouse on my lonesome. I’d love to hear your thoughts if you’ve smoked this cigar as well.
Cheers to a wonderful week ahead!
Suggestions
If you usually shy away from full-bodied, full strength cigars, I’d suggest skipping the Morphine as well. It’s full/full, even though it’s less confrontational than other cigars in the same category.
Of the three sizes released for 2019, the Robusto seems to be the most balanced to my senses, whereas the Corona Gorda had a little more octane. If previous lancero releases (and the vitola itself) can be trusted, I’d imagine that the 2019 lancero is still the rowdiest of the bunch.
I’d recommend this cigar to anyone that enjoys the heavy stuff, is looking to experience it for reference, or wants a cigar that shines alongside pairings such as Barrel Proof whiskeys. And for a non-alcoholic pairing, I think some sweet tea would be a beautiful thing.
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