Long Overdue: Don Carlos Edicion de Aniversario Robusto Review

[boonedoggle]

Well, I decided that I wanted to fire one of these up for no particular reason except for the end of a long week. I also decided to refrain from smoking for the last 4 days to ensure my pallet we totally clear for optimum taste on this high-end treat.

The initial impression of the cigar was of that of an antique. The wrapper seemed faded around the veins, with a very nice caramel aroma. I could envision this cigar being a rare treat only to be savored on rare occasions.

Upon the light, I was amazing at the uniqueness of this cigar. I thought cigars all had a similar taste, within a particular range. This cigar gave me a taste of something I’ve never had. The closest thing I can compare it too are sweet almonds.

I am now typing real-time as I smoke. The tastes are making my mouth water, almost with a sugar water taste in my mouth after the smoke is expelled. I am afraid to take a sip of my Jim Beam, but I do so anyways.

The aroma is intoxicating and fragrant. After each draw up to this point, my mouth is left with a light, fruity feeling. Not harsh, yet I feel the smoke wanting to creep into my sinuses…and what a good amount of smoke it is. My stomach is feeling a bit uneasy now, but I’ve just had a meal. Strange.

10 minutes into it now, and I feel I am just scratching the surface of the dynamics of this cigar. Am I hyping this cigar up too much because in my subconscious I know this is a high dollar cigar…or is it more. For the record, I do not enjoy smoking regular Don Carlos cigars. But this one is different. Far more exotic than any other Fuente cigar I’ve had.

Around ¼ of the way through, I get a slight numbing sensation on my tongue, similar to a menthol cigarette effect. Very unusual, but not in a bad way.

One fault of this dynamic treat is that it burns uneven. This is not a big deal to me, but I do not think this smoke would make a good “long-ash” contestant.

I know this might sound odd, but my mouth feels revitalized. Maybe because I have not had a cigar in several days. Whatever the case, this slow burning cigar is excellent so far.
She is a perfect example of a smoke that is fuller bodied, yet remains mild to medium in strength. Fascinating.

I normally do not go on and on about a particular smoke, but this one changes very subtly from draw to draw. I am currently experiencing an apricot type flavor and it has attached itself to the roof of my mouth long after the previous draw.

As she nears the band, she begins taking characteristics of a typical hand rolled. The short life span of a lit cigar has begun to take its toll, even in this cigar with its array of different types of tobacco. But even as the seconds continue to take their toll, she still surprises me with kicks of spice to my lower jaw.

Closer to the band now, and I decided to ash her off just to keep from wearing the ash. Even now, she doesn’t burn hot at all and still manages to keep her composure with a short ash.

Crap…I was so overwhelmed by the smoke, I forgot to fire up the jazz. Taken care of now as we graduate to the end.

I also noticed that this one didn’t leave an unpleasant “smoke” smell after leaving the room, then reentering. Even the smoke was unobtrusive, which seems to be rare in many cigars I’ve had. I cannot help think that this would be a great cigar in a public environment that might not offend non-smokers as much as other pungent smelling cigars.

Final Thoughts:
This is a highly sophisticated cigar…probably more so than any I’ve had from any country. The flavors are amazing, most of which I cannot even express in words. Take it from me, this is a cigar you must try just for the experience. I cannot say it is the best cigar I have ever smoked, but absolutely the most unique and nice special occasion cigar.


Sorry about the overexposure on many of these shots (following posts). I’m still working out the fine tuning of this new camera.

[boonedoggle]

[boonedoggle]

[shaggy]

wow...nice review jimmey

have to add this to my list

[gnukfu]

Mmmm - great review! Must get one of these to try

[Addiction]

OK you've sold me on this. Looks like Friday afternoon I may have to burn one of these over at signature.

[jovenhut]

Thanks for the Great Review! I have 3 sitting from last year and have been scared to death to try it. You have given me the confidence to burn one of my collectables. If the cigar is half of what you described I will smopke alll three

thanks

[doctorcue]

Great review! Looks like a smoke I'm going to have to try one day... if I can find one.

[Puffin Fresh]

Had one of these today over at Jimmy's. He'd kill me if he knew it was his! JK, I was actually given this stick by a very generous and knowledgable BOTL.

Very good still, but I think I like Anejos just as much, and they are 1/3 the price at most.

The stick started off actually kind of flat and bland, maybe even a bit bitter. Took about half an inch, then wow. Very good stick. It just got more creamy and better tasting every puff from that point. I had a few burn issues. I had to touch up a couple times, which was disappointing for a stick this expensive, but that didn't ruin it for me.

The stick was hard to keep lit towards the end, but I pretty much nubbed it.

Great stick, but I don't think I'll be buying more.

I did nub the Anejo I smoked afterwards though. Actually burnt my fingers twice.

[boonedoggle]

Originally Posted by Sauer Grapes

Had one of these today over at Jimmy's. He'd kill me if he knew it was his! JK, I was actually given this stick by a very generous and knowledgable BOTL.

Very good still, but I think I like Anejos just as much, and they are 1/3 the price at most.

The stick started off actually kind of flat and bland, maybe even a bit bitter. Took about half an inch, then wow. Very good stick. It just got more creamy and better tasting every puff from that point. I had a few burn issues. I had to touch up a couple times, which was disappointing for a stick this expensive, but that didn't ruin it for me.

The stick was hard to keep lit towards the end, but I pretty much nubbed it.

Great stick, but I don't think I'll be buying more.

I did nub the Anejo I smoked afterwards though. Actually burnt my fingers twice.

You're on crack. That DC is much better than an Anejo...then again, I need to try a 20 year old Anejo to be sure!

[gnukfu]

OK I got one and it is sitting in my humi (calling my name) - I must resist. Please stop bumping this review and reminding of it. I have no self control.

[Puffin Fresh]

Originally Posted by boonedoggle

You're on crack. That DC is much better than an Anejo...then again, I need to try a 20 year old Anejo to be sure!

Flavor-wise I liked it better than the Anejo I had that night, but I think it was the burn and draw problems the DC had that made me say that. I will say this, halfway through, the DC was one of the creamiest smokes I've had.

Bump.

[Darrell]

I got one of these from Fred as a gift. I need to fire it up sometime.

[longknocker]

Great review, Boonedoggle! I love a complex, smooth, full-bodied smoke! I'll definitely have to try this one. Thanks for the review!!!

[Tour De Cigar]

very awesome review.. now the bad part about this review is im for sure now that ill have to go spend the big bucks to get this cigar and try it...