PCA Magazine 2022 Show Issue

PREMIUMCIGARS.ORG VOLUME 2 2022 | PCA The Magazine 21 W H A T W E ’ R E S M O K I N G “The cigar boasts bold notes of wood and earth, with hints of pepper around the edges. The medium strength alludes to increased intensity over the course of the cigar.” MO DAHER Spring Street Cigars Saltillo, Mississippi CIGAR: Aladino Corojo Reserva SIZE: Toro SMOKE TIME: 1 hour, 45 minutes Appearance & Aroma This Honduran puro is firm to the touch and features a wrapper, binder and filler of well-aged Corojo, an Eiroa family specialty. The slightly mottled medium brown wrapper presents well with hints of red, notable veins, and a velvety feel. This cigar shuns cellophane in favor of a more traditional look with white tissue covering the bottom half, allowing for the modern convenience of a barcode. The simple Aladino band is joined by a secondary band that reads Corojo Reserva, highlighted by JRE’s signature yellow on the top and bottom. The cigar has the aroma of sweet tobacco and barnyard hay, and the cold draw gives hints of wet hay and toasted nuts. Light Up & Draw For a cigar with such a classic style, a straight cut felt most appropriate. The cap shaves off with no issues. On the draw, the medium amount of resistance will appeal to a wide variety of preferences. The foot toasts quickly and the cigar remains lit, requiring only one quick touch-up early on. Early Profile The cigar boasts bold notes of wood and earth, with hints of pepper around the edges. The medium strength alludes to increased intensity over the course of the cigar. There are distinct characteristics of well-aged tobacco on the draw and occasional notes of dark fruit on the retrohale. Middle Profile & Burn Creamy cedar wood and earth remain on the forefront with dry grass and nutty notes on the retro. A clean burn line gives way to firmwhite ash and streaks of black char. Smoke billows during the draw, though it tapers off quickly when the cigar is at rest. The strength quietly increases to medium-full. Late Profile The strength continues to build in the late stages, with rich flavor notes keeping it balanced. The wood note, while still present, gives way to leather and espresso. The cigar provides an occasional splash of pepper without overwhelming the palate. Final Word A great cigar for someone wanting a classic profile with a bit of kick. A good option to recommend to a novice seeking a challenge, though the original Aladino Corojo carries a broader appeal. Enthusiasts who enjoy this cigar should seek out the limited No. 4, an exemplary version of this blend in a corona vitola. WS W