Today’s cigar reviews on Puff.com will take a closer look at the Alec Bradley Crescendo Interlude and the SWAG SoBe Edition Infamous.

Alec Bradley Crescendo Interlude

The Alec Bradley brand has put out plenty of popular cigars over the years, but its Crescendo line is one that seems to fly under the radar.  That’s probably because it was made exclusively for Holt’s Cigar Company, which is based out of the City of Brotherly Love, aka Philadelphia.  The Crescendo gets its name from the fact that the cigar supposedly builds in strength as you smoke it.  It’s also made in small batches and is quite affordable, so I decided to purchase one of its Interlude offerings for this review.

The Alec Bradley Crescendo Interlude measures 5 x 50.  Other sizes in the line include the Encore, which is a Toro shaped cigar that measures 6 x 54, and the Sonata, which measures 5 5/8 x 46.  The Crescendo features a filler of aged tobaccos from Honduras and Nicaragua.  Its binder and wrapper are both Honduran as well.  In terms of strength, the Crescendo is listed as being smooth and medium-bodied.

The Crescendo Interlude has an inviting appearance thanks to its chocolate brown wrapper.  It has some oil that is visible and a few minor veins.  Construction appears to be solid.  I feel no soft spots as I give the cigar a squeeze.  A large band near the head displays the Alec Bradley and Crescendo names.  The band’s ornate graphics and gold accents are eye-catching.  Before lighting there’s an earthy cold taste and an aroma that is spicy.

I don’t recall ever having burn issues with Alec Bradley cigars in the past, and the Crescendo Interlude is no exception.  The cigar’s burn is even from beginning to end and it has a great draw.  There’s plenty of thick smoke.  No touch-ups or re-lights are necessary at all.  The ash is gray and firm.