5 Vegas Series A - Artisan Review

[JGIORD]

Robusto 5x52 wrapped in cedar sleeve

I'll start off by saying that I'm not a big maduro fan. I seemed to have grown out of them and prefer natural wrapper.

This cigar isn’t maduro its oscuro and then some. Attractive looking with its cedar sleeve and oversized band. This cigar has a slight box press with a wrapper that is dark jet black and veiny with a slight oily sheen. The bunching is firm and hard throughout and the cigar has a nicely applied cap. I’m not overly fond of maduros so this stick isn’t the most attractive to me.

Prelight aroma gave way to a sweet loamy scent. The prelight draw provided no discernable flavors. The initial draw was loamy with a slight sweetness. There is a touch of zestiness, but I wouldn’t call it pepper. The smoke provides a heaviness consistent with many maduros. Its coating, thick and provides a lingering finish.

The initial flavors are loam and a slight vegetal undertone. After the first inch, I began picking up some toasted wood flavors and just a touch of spice.

Past the midpoint, the cigar hasn’t really changed. Maybe a touch of cedar but overall a loamy flavor and a touch of spice. The finish is long and the smoke definitely coats the palette. So far I’m a bit dissappointed based on some of the reviews. I was expecting more complexity and flavor. So far this is on line with a LGC Wavell Maduro. The draw and smoke volume are very good and the cigar is burning straight while producing a solid dark gray ash.

Approaching the last third, the cigar has picked up in intensity, or perhaps its harshness. My palette definitely feels like its been worked over and the cigar is beginning to smoke a bit hot. The aroma is a sweet spicy dark chocolate sent, very enjoyable and probably the best aspect of this smoke.

So far, I think I actually prefer a Padron 2000 maduro to this stick. Its just not doing it for me.

The last third seemed a bit harsh to me. Increase in vegetal note (read grassy) and cedar.

Overall this is a well made stick, but not my cup of tea. Runs a bit harsh and not as complex as I would have liked. I’d prefer a Padron and even maybe a LGC Series R maduro.

[deslni01]

Great review. I haven't had this cigar yet but it is on my list to try. Hopefully it treats me a little better!

[duckmanco]

I think you hit it right on, I was totally underwhelmed by these sticks, and 3 out of my 5 pack were plugged, and the flavors were ok when they came through, ok, not fantastic. I prefer the SPDM, cheaper, more choco goodness, great draw with less black pepper notes. YMMV of course.

[palm55]

Thanks for the review! While I disagree with your assessment of the "A" Artisan, it confirms what I've come to take on as my "mantra": Don't smoke it until it's been a year in the humi.

I smoked the Artisan out of the box well over a year ago... And I would AGREE with your description of that "loamy" flavor. Yet, after a year of rest, they're one of my favorites (provided I have a couple of hours to savor them)! They seem to have mellowed, and taken on a coffee-chocolate flavor that's quite pleasing.

As my old friend Henry says, "The hardest part about smoking cigars is the waiting for them to mature... It's like watching grass grow. You can't see it happening, but it's happening!"

[Benjy]

I smoked my first of these last night and my feelings mirror yours. Not a lot of flavor except for a slight sweetness the first two thirds. Mine became hot and spicy, almost numbingly so, with little transition just over two-thirds through. I was definitely disappointed after reading such great reviews. In the cigar's defense, I just received it and didn't give it any time to age, so I'll hold off on my final judgement until I've had a few sitting in my humidor for a while. I'm hoping a little time to age and reach equilibrium will give it more character in the first half and smooth out the last part a bit.

[borndead1]

IMO you gotta let these sit for at LEAST 6 months before they even start to taste good.

[fireman43]

Thanks for the review. I like the "A" series the best out of all the 5 Vegas I have smoked.

[BigBasMan]

Nice review. I had one that was still pretty young and thought it was pretty tasty. Nothing too special though.

[floydpink]

I got some of these in a mmega maduro sampler and liked them the best out of the whole sampler. I just ordered a Vegas 5 series A in a anomaly cigar, which turned out to be like a petite corona size. I won it on cbid for 32 bucks for a box of 20, and am satisfied