Casa del Puro testet für Euch - Teil 14 -

Format: Double Figurado (16.2 cm / 2.06 cm / RM 52)

Single price (September 30, 2020): €16.90

Useful information

Many aficionados will be aware that the most famous Cuban cigar brand of all, Cohiba, unlike most other brands, was not founded by private entrepreneurs in the 19th century, but only after the revolution on the initiative of Fidel Castro himself. What is less well known, however, is that several other brands have also been relaunched since the 1960s and into the 1990s; in addition to Vegas Robaina and Trinidad, these include the Cuaba cigars, which unfortunately stand somewhat in the shadow of the big names and have been hand-rolled in the Romeo y Julieta factory since 1996. Like "Cohiba", they are also named after a word from the indigenous language of Cuba, which refers to a plant used to light tobacco. The special feature of the brand is that all cigars are made in the form of Perfectos aka double figurados - a difficult format to roll, which is not only tapered towards the head like a torpedo, but also tapers to a pointed cone at the end of the burn. It is not only something to look at, but also offers pragmatic advantages such as immediate combustion and an exciting smoke pattern - initially, in the thickest part, a generous volume of smoke, with increasing aroma concentration and a slower burn as the circumference decreases. We tested the second largest Vítola "Distinguidos" with a length of 6 3/8" (16.2 cm) and a maximum diameter of 2.06 cm (RM 52).

Aroma and smoke pattern

Not every Perfecto draws well right from the start - this one does. The narrow "trunk" tastes quite intense, offering woody spice and robust roasted aromas. Immediately afterwards, honey sweetness and charming fruit notes with a floral component spread. One thinks of elderflower - very fragrant, elegant aromas! The floral scent becomes even more opulent, underlined by light spice tones and a hint of melting almond flavor. Then the wood facets are taken up again, now more gently. A complex cigar right from the start, perfectly balanced. A little later, a little leather and hay, and also some malt, are added to the palate. The initially moderate strength picks up slightly. Slowly one notices a tendency towards darker umami aromas, cocoa becomes noticeable in the background. The fine, distinctive sweetness, which is now reminiscent of forest honey, remains constant. It also persists in the second third, and the strength remains the same. The taste here offers more cereal tones and unobtrusive but clear "toasty" notes. The creaminess increases even more. Great balance of sweet and savory components! The draw is perfect throughout. Gentle spice notes and now a minimal earthy impression can also be felt. As the cigar begins to rejuvenate, increasingly noble, bitter facets emerge - cocoa and mocha, while the aromatic intensity and strength now increase slightly linearly. A wonderful fermentation sweetness is also offered at the end of the middle section, complemented by tingling, piquant cedar wood spice! One is delighted to note that the young test batch (12/19) tastes as if it has been aged in the last section - outstandingly good! Honey bread with milk coffee, walnuts, cane sugar, nutmeg and cinnamon shoot through one's head as associations. The smoke becomes noticeably stronger, but not in the least rough. Towards the finish, it continues to remind one of honey and coffee, now also of bread crust and caramel. It becomes a little earthier without losing the balance. The last few puffs - which are definitely worth taking! - offer even more power, but above all a lovely nutty taste alongside leather and sweetness. The incredibly productive format burns for a full 2 ​​hours.

Conclusion

The non-Cuban competition never sleeps and regularly produces great cigars, often at comparatively reasonable prices. And yet a leaf roll like this one suddenly reminds you where the best tobacco in the world still grows. This wonderful mixture of subtlety and intensity, gentleness and power, this exciting development that turns the smoke into a journey for the taste buds, is (almost!) only offered by a first-class large Habano. Overall medium-strong, it should not be too challenging for beginners and will delight even the most experienced aficionado. Like the whole brand, it is unfairly considered a niche product and deserves much more attention, because with its playful, "summery" aroma (which Trinidad fans, for example, will love) it is one of the top quality products in the Habanos portfolio. With this cigar, you don't even have to leave your balcony to travel to Cuba!