Wrapper: La Maná 2016
Binder: Pelo de Oro Pero
Filler: Navarrete, Yamasa, Amina (Dominican)
Vitola: Robusto (5 x 51)
Purchase Link: Edgar Julian Friends & Family Edición 003
FRIENDS & FAMILY EDICIÓN 003 REVIEW – CALIFORNIA
Summary: The draw is to my liking as cream, nuts, and honey have me doing a little jig. The dancing slows a bit though due to the introduction of a slight bitterness. This cigar is burning at a record speed which would be a plus if you're smoking it outside during winter, but negative if it costs you a pretty penny.
Mesquite notes kick off the second third. I'm not sure if it's just the Connecticut shade wrapper, but some part of this stick feels young to me. Grass, potpourri, and more honey sweetness. Surprisingly, the retro hale has a good amount of punch to it.
Already entering the final third and I feel like I just lit up a second ago. For a lightly packed stick, the construction has been phenomenal. A great start, but I'm a bit picky about my connies I guess.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Carrot cake.
Pairing Suggestion: Cappuccino.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Single.
FRIENDS & FAMILY EDICIÓN 003 REVIEW – WISCONSIN
Summary: This cigar brought flavors of hay, cream, lemon, pepper, cinnamon, and grass. Toward the middle, it added bread, oak, and floral notes. The flavors generally worked together, though the notes didn't quite add up to a symphony for me.
I can only say good things about the construction; it was a well-made cigar. A good burn gave off voluminous smoke. The draw was slightly loose, but not in a way that hurt the experience.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: If you like a good malt, you might like this cigar.
Pairing Suggestion: Rum for a bit of extra sweetness.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Fiver.
FRIENDS & FAMILY EDICIÓN 003 REVIEW – OREGON
Summary: This is a really nice-looking Connie; smooth and appears well constructed. Sweet hay and tobacco scents off the wrapper coupled with caramel and green apple on the cold draw. Ok, I’m intrigued.
Sweet hay, caramel and soft notes of leather start things out. The retro hale has a sweet/citrusy note with a bit of spice as well. The flavors are well balanced, and this thing is just churning out the smoke.
Nearing the halfway point and I still have a solid ash hanging like stacked dimes. The flavors include hay, caramel, buttered toast and there’s still some of that green apple lingering to add a twist. The retro hale is super smooth with mild tobacco, nuts, leather and a bit of heat all offered in a very creamy-bodied smoke.
I’m nearing the end, waiting for the proverbial shoe to drop...but it isn’t. This stick is solid, start to finish. Fresh bread, sweet hay, creamy caramel and still holding on to just a hint of that fresh green apple as well. Perfect burn line... solid ash... shut up and take my money.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Starting the day feeling like you have a pocket full of Benjamin Franklins.
Pairing Suggestion: Cortado .
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Box all day.
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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