My first sensations are of croissants and Arabic coffee. Holy cow. Maybe a more refined person would’ve defined those moments better, but I’m not that guy. Not today at least. Come at me, Vlad!
Seriously, though, the Arabic coffee consists of light-roasted coffee beans with the addition of cardamom. I know that cardamom is a bit of a meme tasting note, but I’ll eat my shoes if this lancero isn’t a perfect example of it appearing in cigars (at least early on.)
As I settle into this lancero, mild peppercorn, cedar, and Honey Grahams begin to develop on my palate. Peppercorn is gentle here, making itself known mostly in the lingering finish – not so much the heat generally associated with it. Cedar is the opposite, tasting exactly like my new cabinet humidor smells: it’s bold, refreshing, and somehow makes me feel more alive.
The texture is much creamier than you’d expect from a lancero, and I attribute that directly to Casdagli. It’s their way. Whereas some brands use the prospect of a lancero to beat you over the head with bolder flavors, Casdagli never misses an opportunity to weave flavors together in a sophisticated harmony.
The retro hale is absolute perfection. With the barest amount of heat, I’m able to taste things like honeysuckle, chocolate graham crackers, and what pleasantly reminds me of an old library. Taking to google, they say old books have a sweet smell of vanilla flowers and almonds, which is caused by the breakdown of chemical compounds in the paper. Take that, new books!
Dropping the first ash, I’m rewarded with leather, dark chocolate, and a finish that has a subtle touch of anise to it. It always amazes me how dropping the ash changes has the ability to change the flavor profile for a few minutes. Heat, ladies and gentlemen! It’s a big deal.
Alright, now we’re back. As the ash builds again, those amazing flavors begin to return with a twist. As they say, build it and they will come. Graham cracker, cedar, dark chocolate, weak coffee, rye bread, and now a faint trace of citrus joins the mix. Absolutely wonderful…
I believe I’ll take my leave now and figure out the second half of this Cremello in isolation. If you’ve smoked this cigar as well, I’d love to hear your thoughts below!
Suggestions
If you haven’t tried this Daughters of the Wind lancero yet, I can only hope that you do! Daughters of the Wind is the only cigar in my humidor that I carry multiple boxes of in different sizes, and this expression proves exactly why I do.
Casdagli treats every vitola a little differently, and this Cremello definitely provides a unique experience inside the Daughters of the Wind line and the Casdagli portfolio as a whole.
For a pairing suggestion, I’m going to recommend just sparkling water here. It’s how I’ve enjoyed mine today, and I couldn’t ask for a better experience. If you’re looking for something with a little more kick to it, try a Bourbon Rickey with sparkling water, bourbon, and a lime wedge.
And who knows! Maybe Vlad himself will jump in and provide even better pairing suggestions. He’s the Sommelier to the masses.
Comments
As far as pairings:
A) Water is a great choice, either still or sparkling works.
B) Continuing with the N/A approach: sodas would work well, a Coke or Dr Pepper are good options, though Dr Pepper might be a touch too big and bold and may overwhelm some of the more nuanced flavors.
C) For coffee, I would go with an Americano or a cappuccino. One contrasts it, while in the case od the cappuccino, it would complement the cigar.
D) Scotch wise - stay on the lighter, more nuanced side: Glenmorangie, Dalwhinnie or Auchetoshan.
I wouldn't do peat heavy ones or very strong sherry forward scotches, at most a Macallan 12.
E) Rum - anything from Plantation, Flor de Caña is a solid option too, as well as Diplomatico Exclusiva.
F) Wine: any and all sparkling, lighter whites (think Alto Adige Pinot Grigio), any rosé and lighter reds - Burgundy or Oregon Pinots, Gamay and even some basic Chiantis.
G) Teas - English breakfast tea (the bergamot note adds an extra layer of flavor), as well as herbal blends - hibiscus, rooibos or even chamomile for a light floral touch.
Hope you enjoy smoking it aa much as we've enjoyed making it!
Vlad