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El Catador reviewing a non Cuban cigar, and actually saying something positive about it? Has the world gone mad?
Well perhaps it has my ‘Brothers’, perhaps it has.
(Don’t' panic, normal service will be resumed shortly).
The dull, boring facty bits:
Cigar Brand – Nica Libre 1990 Exlusivo (A gift from EricF – Ta ever so old chap)
Origin - Nicaragua
Wrapper - San Andres Maduro
Binder - Nicaragua
Filler - Nicaragua
Size and Ring Gauge – 5.5 x 50 (But 'box-pressed' - Goddammit!)
Typical Cost - $6 or ?4 a stick (Bloody cheap – IMHO)
Having noticed a recent influx of ‘cash-strapped college boys’, (and other assorted newbie’s) joining the Forums lately and asking about ‘Value’ cigars (i.e. the cheap and nasty NC variety), I thought I’d dig into the bottom of my Humidor and see if I could find something suitable to review, and here it is.
The Nica Libre 1990 Exclusivo, and, if I may say so, a potential candidate for the ‘Best Budget Buy Cigar of the Year Award’.
So, here we go.
First off.
These are cheap, not just cheap, but really, ridiculously, “are you serious?” cheap.
Second. There’s the look.
Those of you familiar with the Padron range will notice a strong similarity, not just in the construction, size and shape, but also how the band mimics the look and style of the Padron Anniversary range of bands. (Like a Supermarket ‘own brand’ copying a more established manufactures packaging)
So, is this nothing but a cheap Padron knock-off then, I hear you ask (Yes, I know, hearing voices is not a good sign)?
The answer?
Yes. Of course (Well, what did you expect me to say?), however, it’s a pretty close (N.B. I said ‘close’) approximation of the Padron in terms of taste and flavour too. Factor in the fact that these things are about a third of the price of an equivalent Padron, and it suddenly becomes an appealing proposition (to those of you who like Non Cubans anyway).
Rich, smooth, creamy smoke. Plenty of earthy flavours, Cedar and sweet espresso, and that indefinable non-Cuban flavour (like the leaves have been washed in soapy water and not rinsed properly). Good construction and a perfectly weighted draw.
More one-dimensional than a Padron, but then you get what you pay for (that’s why Cubans are pricier), but a pleasant way so spend 45 minutes.
(O.K. it’s not one I’d choose to end a good meal with – but if I had some onerous chore like unblocking a drain, and I needed something to mask the smell. . . well these would be right at the top of the list).
Why ‘o’ why did they box press the things though? It’s like smoking a cigar made from Lego – it just feels. . . unnatural (again, just MHO).
Still, it’s only a minor complaint. For what they cost you can’t go wrong.
My work is done.
Time to wash away the stigma of shame with a good Cuban.
I feel slightly dirty and cheap – worse still, it wasn’t actually that bad.
Don't look at me!!!!
El Catador reviewing a non Cuban cigar, and actually saying something positive about it? Has the world gone mad?
Well perhaps it has my ‘Brothers’, perhaps it has.
(Don’t' panic, normal service will be resumed shortly).
The dull, boring facty bits:
Cigar Brand – Nica Libre 1990 Exlusivo (A gift from EricF – Ta ever so old chap)
Origin - Nicaragua
Wrapper - San Andres Maduro
Binder - Nicaragua
Filler - Nicaragua
Size and Ring Gauge – 5.5 x 50 (But 'box-pressed' - Goddammit!)
Typical Cost - $6 or ?4 a stick (Bloody cheap – IMHO)
Having noticed a recent influx of ‘cash-strapped college boys’, (and other assorted newbie’s) joining the Forums lately and asking about ‘Value’ cigars (i.e. the cheap and nasty NC variety), I thought I’d dig into the bottom of my Humidor and see if I could find something suitable to review, and here it is.
The Nica Libre 1990 Exclusivo, and, if I may say so, a potential candidate for the ‘Best Budget Buy Cigar of the Year Award’.
So, here we go.
First off.
These are cheap, not just cheap, but really, ridiculously, “are you serious?” cheap.
Second. There’s the look.
Those of you familiar with the Padron range will notice a strong similarity, not just in the construction, size and shape, but also how the band mimics the look and style of the Padron Anniversary range of bands. (Like a Supermarket ‘own brand’ copying a more established manufactures packaging)
So, is this nothing but a cheap Padron knock-off then, I hear you ask (Yes, I know, hearing voices is not a good sign)?
The answer?
Yes. Of course (Well, what did you expect me to say?), however, it’s a pretty close (N.B. I said ‘close’) approximation of the Padron in terms of taste and flavour too. Factor in the fact that these things are about a third of the price of an equivalent Padron, and it suddenly becomes an appealing proposition (to those of you who like Non Cubans anyway).
Rich, smooth, creamy smoke. Plenty of earthy flavours, Cedar and sweet espresso, and that indefinable non-Cuban flavour (like the leaves have been washed in soapy water and not rinsed properly). Good construction and a perfectly weighted draw.
More one-dimensional than a Padron, but then you get what you pay for (that’s why Cubans are pricier), but a pleasant way so spend 45 minutes.
(O.K. it’s not one I’d choose to end a good meal with – but if I had some onerous chore like unblocking a drain, and I needed something to mask the smell. . . well these would be right at the top of the list).
Why ‘o’ why did they box press the things though? It’s like smoking a cigar made from Lego – it just feels. . . unnatural (again, just MHO).
Still, it’s only a minor complaint. For what they cost you can’t go wrong.
My work is done.
Time to wash away the stigma of shame with a good Cuban.
I feel slightly dirty and cheap – worse still, it wasn’t actually that bad.
Don't look at me!!!!
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