Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade
Binder: Mexican San Andres
Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan, U.S.A.
Vitola: Corona Gorda (5 5/8 x 46)
Strength: Medium
Purchase Link: Dapper La Madrina Shade
LA MADRINA SHADE REVIEW – DOM
Summary: Hay and shortbread cookies have me feeling like Old McDonald at Christmas. A few inches in, the ash attempts to solve the nation's change shortage by stacking dimes aplenty. Hints of citrus and vanilla sew themselves into the grove of subtly sweet flavors. Apart from a fidget or two, my lighter gets no action due to the flawless construction (hopefully it doesn't turn blue). Pecans at the finish. I'd smoke this cigar at any time of day.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Hay rides and sleigh rides
Pairing Suggestion: Christmas Ale
Perceived Strength: Medium
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Box.
LA MADRINA SHADE REVIEW – RICH
Summary: This cigar brought notes of hay, cream, butter, mushroom, and a slight vegetal flavor. It wasn't terribly complex, and the profile didn't really change. I found the flavor profile enjoyable, though it didn't really hit me with any kind of 'wow' factor.
Construction-wise, the burn and draw were both on point and gave no issues.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Cream of mushroom.
Pairing Suggestion: Coffee.
Perceived Strength: Mild
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Single.
LA MADRINA SHADE REVIEW – TED
Summary: There is a very nice looking, smooth wrapper around this corona gorda size to cigar. The cold draw is a nice creamy mixture of hay, graham cracker and just a hint of cinnamon. I will say the draw is just a touch tighter than I was hoping for, but we will see how it burns.
Whoa. Ok, pay attention. Creamy smoke full of leather, bread and mild wood notes is also allowing some nice spiciness to sneak in. Green apple and the slightest citrus note wandering around occasionally too. The spiciness in the retro hale is a mix of red pepper flake and wasabi styles. It’s not overstated, but it’s there.
Middle section holding solid. Oak and leather with some sourdough, more green apple tartness and a little citrus in the finish. The pepper spice is AWOL. That’s alright though, this is very enjoyable. Construction is aces. Solid ash, great smoke, and a razor-sharp burn.
Last section is rocking smooth wood and bread notes along with leather and hints of black pepper. Absolute perfect performance from this cigar.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: New York style cheesecake.
Pairing Suggestion: Coffee with Irish Crème liqueur.
Perceived Strength: Medium (low end of Medium).
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Box.
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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