I posted this review on 1/24/2007
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Last week, I pulled a Anejo #55 out of the Coolerdor with intentions to smoke soon. The coolerdor stays steady at 70% RH between 55 and 65 degrees F now in the winter. I had picked these up on December 22 at a local B&M.
I let it rest in my desktop humidor at about 65% 68F for a week waiting for the right time to smoke. Today was one of those days, I was working from home, the sun was shining, but a little chilly. I decided to pair up the Anejo with some black coffee at about 4 PM today.
Arturo Fuente Reserva 55 Anejo
Construction: After removing the cedar, I found the Anejo very veiny but consistent in shape. The cap construction is almost a perfect swirl.
Pre-light draw - slightly on the tight side, but not so much that you have to work to pull air through.
Pre-light taste - Little cinnamon spice.
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After toasting the foot I torched at 4:30 PM. There is not much flavor, just a touch of spice with a very smooth draw. The triple cap had a vein on the edge of it which I found a little distracting. I picked up a few hints of grass/straw flavors.
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First 1/3rd, Medium body with subtle Maduro flavors. A subtle nut flavor, subtle spice, subtle sweetness. The cigar burns with a very tight white ash and even burn. I noticed a slight floral bouquet 1/3rd into the smoke.
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The ash fell off gently at an inch long.
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At the halfway point - draw became tight. I worked on the draw with a few hard pulls thinking it was about to stop burning. I picked up heavy smoke flavor from several back to back hard pulls as expected. I'm still waiting for this cigar to come alive. I let the cigar rest for 2 minutes, the draw corrected itself. not much of a flavor bomb here. The cigar picked up
a little spice in the 2nd half. A little more nut and spice 2/3rds into the smoke. I decided not to let this burn down to the nub after smokin a little bit into the last 3rd. The cigar stayed consistent with subtle flavors. It may have been a little too complex for me to pick out all the subtleties. I have to say I was a little disappointed. I let it burn out shortly after dropping the 2nd ash. The finish after I came inside lingered for quite a while with hints of grass and straw. Perhaps this was a little too young.
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