If you’re unfamiliar with the background of this Small Batch exclusive, take a look at our press release for the complete rundown.
Claude Le Chien is a collaboration between Andrew of Small Batch and Max Fernandez of Aganorsa Leaf, where Claude is the name of Andrew’s French Bulldog. In addition to being box-pressed, the other noticeable change was a wrapper swap in favor of Corojo Rosado for a bolder experience. Only 200 boxes were made.
Taking care to light just the partially closed foot, warm flavors of earth and Christmas spices shine from the wrapper before the brief moment is over. Once the rest of the cigar is lit and the smoke is rolling, sensations of suede leather, tangy earth, floral notes, and watered-down Hi-C take over.
There’s a bite on the back end of Claude as well, keeping things fresh with enough heat to keep me coming back for more. It reminds me of certain whiskeys in that sense, where it’s smooth and delectable up front before a wave of spice comes through on the finish and gives you that Aha! moment.
Speaking of tangy earth, I really have no other way to describe it. Aganorsa Leaf seems to be the common denominator, and it’s actually way better than it sounds. If you’ve got a better descriptor for it, please let me know.
That’s my cue to sign off and ponder my experiences with loam over a smoldering Claude Le Chien. If you’ve experienced this cigar already, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Cheers to a great week ahead!
Suggestions
I’ve smoked several of these now, and they keep getting better with rest from shipping. A gentleman by the name of Dom suggested that we dry box them for a little bit before smoking since they’re still relatively fresh off the truck, and that seems to have done the trick.
If you’ve been waiting for the right time to smoke Claude, I’d definitely give the ole dry box method a try! Definitely worked out the kinks from being so new to the scene. And if you haven’t snagged any yet, I’ll post the link right below.
For a pairing suggestion, my favorite accompanying drink so far has been a citrus beer. It highlights the floral notes beautifully, if you’re into that. I’d imagine something like Kombucha would also be a great pairing for the non-alcoholic enthusiasts.
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