March 13th, 2017

Today, I am reviewing a sample from the 2016 IPCPR called Bellas Artes by A.J. Fernandez. My selection comes in a Toro-sized 6 inches long by 54 ring gauge vitola. The wrapper is a Connecticut Corojo Habano (2000), with a binder from Nicaragua and filler leaves from Brazil, Honduras and Nicaragua. The cigar usually runs for about $9.50.

Upon inspection, I take notice of a caramel colored wrapper, which is smooth and with a very little amount of veins. This cigar is oval, and looks fantastic. The wrapper gives off scents of cedar, cinnamon, hay and brown sugar. The foot changes things a bit, and has some molasses, crushed red pepper, brown sugar and nuttiness. The cold draw displays a flavor profile of peanut, earth, cedar and coffee grounds.

The cigar begins with coffee, earth, floral nuances, peanut, bread and some black pepper on the retro-hale. The second-third gives notes of cocoa, earth, bread, cedar and cream. The transition into the final-third shows more cocoa and cream along with woodiness. There are also some cinnamon and orange spice profiles. This portion of the smoke is a bit thicker or creamier.

There’s an easy draw with plenty of nice smoke. The burn is even, producing a light gray ash. Overall, this is a very nice cigar, and I would recommend picking up a few. You will thank me.

Score:

Pre-light: 9.5

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