My Father La Gran Promesa Lancero 7.5 x 38 w/thanks to Delta1
10 JUL ‘24
Stunning beauty of Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro, invisible seems, subtle vein structure; cocoa, herbs, barnyard, leather on nose. Cocoa, leather and earth on a cold draw that had just enough resistance. Kickoff w/peppercorn but not blowing my head off, toasty like unsalted sourdough pretzels. Subtle sweet note like a dried strawberry takes the deep background and a toasty backbone reminds me of dark chocolate graham cracker crust w/o the sweetness. Finishing first third the strawberry has morphed into a 7-Up citrus flavor w/o the sweetness. There is a sweet note, just not associated w/the flavors I’ve mentioned. Black pepper has dissipated to barely discernible. Mellow yet mouthful of flavors. Second third 7-Up now more like orange peel. Cocoa and chocolate have left the building but now a peanutty type flavor is showing with faint herbs replacing the pretzel. At halfway mark just a smidgen of anise that isn’t off putting but I hope it doesn’t stick around. Cinnamon mouthfeel appears in second third. The mouth tobacco is beginning to tingle with a sweet and sour note - this cigar is probably upper end of medium strength. Back end of second third showing brown bread and honey with nutmeg. Anise is gone and a flat subtle vanilla hits a tiny bit on retro finishes, transitioning to final third. Draw perceptibly tightening but still ok. Been smoking for 55 minutes. Suddenly burnt grilled meat marinade, white pepper, orange peel. In peeks cordial cherry. Mild molasses. Draw is now tighter and cigar is smoking hotter, mouthfeel of spicy pepper. Definitely feeling some nicotine. Retro on beautiful afterburner setting now in the finishing stretch. Burned espresso, cocoa nub, orange peel bitterness. Finished at about one hour and seventeen minutes. This was better than good and I’d definitely smoke it again. I don’t know if it makes it to my favorites list but it was a darn good cigar. Muchas gracias, Al, for a terrific never-had cigar.
