Puros Indios Special aged Review

[donp]

I had my first one after letting them rest for over a month. I took Palm55's advice and resisted the urge to fire one up as soon as I got em; I'm glad I did.
To start, this is a BIG cigar! It is firm but not too much so, and well rolled; a bit of a dichotomy there but, R. Reyes Sr. makes it work.
From what I've read they were rolled back in 98, and so are well aged. T%he tobacco supposedly has mellowed a lot, and is therefore a lot smoother.
So I found this to be true but, IMO it is still one helluva smoke with lots of body. I am struck by the fact that it has so many transitions as I smoked it.
The pre-light draw had an interesting tase but, didn't give a hint as to how complex it was gonna be. I knew the draw was gonna be good because as I pulled on it before lighting, I got a strong mouthful of tasty air. So I lit the thing and it was smooth, and there was a lot of smoke that was very aromtic and sweet. Within an inch of it I got a strong taste of spice and a sweetness, kind of like caramelized brown sugar. The taste got stronger and a smoky woody taste made it's appearance. So far so good, and I'm thinking 'hell this is more of a fullbodied smoke', and then it changed again at about a quarter of the way through. It became creamy with the spicy taste never far away, and just in the background. It was kind of back and forth like that throughout the entire smoke. I had a little trouble with the burn during the first quarter but it self corrected after about 3 inches. The ash was a light grey with white flecks, and sturdy; I flicked it after about 2 1/2 inches.
The second half of it was pretty consistent; the spiceiness waned a bit, and the sweet, woody, leatherlike flavors took over for a bit. The last 2 inches I thought it got kind of hot but not harsh; still a stronger taste than the regular Puros Indios I have smoked.
The only thing I am confused about is the wrapper. I have seen it described as a maduro but frankly, I don't see it. It doesn't have that deeper brownish coloring. Rather, it is a mottled brown color with deeper brown spots of color throughout.
I really like this smoke but, for me it will be more of a mood cigar. I mean the type that I would want to settle in and read a good book with a good scotch. Given the complexity of it, I can't help but feeling there may be something I missed. The next time, I will want to pay more attention
I definitely recommend this stick to those who like a complex, and large smoke.

[Dr. Stogie Fresh]

An excellent review donp!

I haven't tried one of these yet. I really like the PI Double Maduro and, yes, you are right, the maduro wrappers he uses are not especially dark. But they are good. I have only really liked the double maduros and I've had them in three different sizes now.

Doc

[Lopez]

Nice review. I've had a few of these & they always seem like a lot of cigar for the money - an excellent buy.

[Teninx]

Great review, thanks. I've been disappointed with my recent PI purchases, but this will make me give the Special Aged another look.

[donp]

Originally Posted by Teninx

Great review, thanks. I've been disappointed with my recent PI purchases, but this will make me give the Special Aged another look.

Thanks guys. I went after these myself on a recommendation from Palm 55, I wasn't sure when I bought em. I'm really liking Rolando Reyes' work; he's old, knowledgeable, and very good at what he does. I have a healthy respect for the old ones as they are usually a wealth of knowledge and possess skills which we may all soon miss. I read a review over at CI, and the guy (Gonzo I think) says it's always a good idea to rest any PI stick because they are usually wet.

[12stones]

I just had one of these the other day after letting it rest for a month and had pretty much the same experience. Thanks for a good review donp.

[stogie_kanobie_one]

A good review, the PI's are very tasty sticks. I've never had a special aged though. With time after mine gain a little age Ihope they only get better as these special aged sounded.

[donp]

Originally Posted by 12stones

I just had one of these the other day after letting it rest for a month and had pretty much the same experience. Thanks for a good review donp.

Thanks Stones I'm glad you liked it. Btw, If I were living in TX, I'd vote for Kinky; Kinky is cool

[tazziedevil]

Now that is a nice smoke. I definately agree with the "Complex, large smoke." It certainly is alot of cigar for the money.

[cquon]

Great reveiw. I have only tried the rothschild maduro and roly maduro's, so I think I'll have to get some of these and try 'em.