Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Brazilian Mata Fina
Filler: Nicaraguan
Vitola: Lancero (7 x 38)
Purchase Link: Herrera Esteli Connecticut Broadleaf Tienda Exclusive
HERRERA ESTELI CT BROADLEAF REVIEW – CALIFORNIA
Summary: You could put makeup on this cigar and it'd still be ugly. Nevertheless, it's what's on the inside that counts, so I'll toss my superficiality to the wind and get this thing cooking. Earth and some THICC smoke right away. Fig Newtons. The stark contrast between the white ash and dark wrapper catches my eye.
Lack of attention in the second third warrants a relight; it's not you it's me. Earth and leather. Smoking outdoors has saved me from having to use Visine to combat the torrents of smoke coming out of this thing that would be engulfing me if I were in a lounge. (That was one heck of a sentence.)
The final third maintains the dark profile of earth, leather, and pretzel. 'Twas a decent date, but we're just not meant for each other.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Flat-billed hats.
Pairing Suggestion: Peanut Butter stout.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Single.
HERRERA ESTELI CT BROADLEAF REVIEW – WISCONSIN
Summary: This cigar is bitter and spicy, bringing notes of earth, espresso, spice, pine, and leather. The flavors were bold in a 'smacking you in the face' kind of way.
No construction issues to speak of; it burned and drew well. Smoke was voluminous. It was a well-made cigar, it just wasn't my cup of tea at all.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Adding cayenne to your coffee.
Pairing Suggestion: Bourbon.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Single.
HERRERA ESTELI CT BROADLEAF REVIEW – OREGON
Summary: Pinkies up! It’s lancero time. The wrapper smells like raisins and sourdough bread. The cold draw is perfect. I feel my expectations climbing already.
Starting out with a chalky cocoa flavor combined with some coffee, leather and dried dark fruit; like plums. There’s a spice in there as well that I can’t put a name to. The retro hale is full of pepper spice in the sinus and heavy with darkly toasted bread, wood notes, a very fresh earth flavor and more of the unidentifiable spice. It’s really good.
The middle section brings oak, sourdough bread, baking spices, raisin, cocoa and black tea. The profile is much creamier in the middle and the pepper spice in the retro hale is much more subdued. B+ on construction...just looking for a bit more smoke output from this one.
Ending with notes of oak, leather and dark bread along with roasted nuts and some baking spice. Right on cue, this stick is now churning out the smoke...receiving a solid A in construction. The retro hale is a creamy mix of coffee and dark chocolate with a hint of pepper for some kick.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: All those cheesy Christmas movies you still enjoy.
Pairing Suggestion: Coffee and Baileys on ice.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: If you love a good lancero, box purchase this one.
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.
Leave your comment