Wrapper: Rosado-Claro Corojo ‘99
Binder: Corojo ‘99
Filler: Criollo ’98, Corojo ’99, & Medio Tiempo
Vitola: Toro
Blender: Max Fernandez
Production: Limited to 500 boxes of each size
Purchase Link: Aganorsa Leaf Signature Selection
AGANORSA LEAF SIGNATURE SELECTION REVIEW – CALIFORNIA
Summary: Lighting up, I get bananas and cream right away. Peanut butter and anise. The peanut butter is more like tahini now (sesame seed butter) because the sweetness has dissipated a touch. A floral perfume note adds to the complexity and I want to say it tastes like daffodils but I really don't remember the last time I smelt a daffodil so I could be wrong, or just full of crap. The ash is a bit flaky, but it's still holding on after two inches.
Green pepper starts out the second third. The sweetness that I tasted on the onset of this stick returns once more, but has taken on an herbal quality somewhere between anise and mint.
This smoke has lost most of its pizzazz by the final third. I'm getting some herbs and bitter tobacco. No burn touch-ups throughout, though.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Stone-skipping contests.
Pairing Suggestion: Margarita.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Fiver.
AGANORSA LEAF SIGNATURE SELECTION REVIEW – WISCONSIN
Summary: This cigar started with a potent blast of spice, which dropped in intensity and gave way to a whole host of enjoyable flavors. At its core, it was like a latte. And it had all sorts of other flavors going in and out of the profile: bread, cream, caramel, pepper, spice, hazelnut, leather, and a sweetness that reminded me of Werthers candy (don't tell me your grandparents didn't have these when you went to visit).
The burn got wavy at times, but didn't need any correction. The draw was on point. This was a great cigar both in construction and in flavor.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: A nice latte with something to spice it up.
Pairing Suggestion: Coffee.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Box.
AGANORSA LEAF SIGNATURE SELECTION REVIEW – OREGON
Summary: This cigar is firmly packed and is medium brown in color and appears to be very well-made especially in regards to the cap which is almost seamless. There is a lot of spice and barnyard scent from the wrapper and the scents from the foot are heavy with cinnamon, hay, and a hint of cocoa sweetness. The cold draw is perfect and holds a little bit of sweetness and a mixture of mild spice.
Leather, almond, cinnamon and fresh apple construct a very enjoyable, smooth initial offering. This is starting as a great smoke for both experienced aficionados and new smokers. Some very nice nuances that are mild but enjoyable. The retro-hale is super smooth as well and carries just a touch of pepper heat, but not in an overbearing way at all.
The middle of the cigar remains smooth but finds an addition of a citrus note with leather, mild coffee and very mild cinnamon. Smoke production is excellent and the retro-hale is extremely nice with a mild mixture of citrus and mild tobacco.
The last portion of this stick isn’t holding any noticeable transitions for me but I’m fine with that. The profile is smooth. The smoke is heavy. The burn is perfect. What more could a cigar smoker want?
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Relaxing to some cool jazz.
Pairing Suggestion: Rum in the evening, spicy chai in the morning.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Fiver.
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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