Cigar Geeks Geek Critique
89
Cigar Geeks Rating
|
Welcome to another Member sponsored Geek Critique generously sponsored by our member ninfiction (Brian). The cigar provided for this round is the Warped Upper Realm.
The Upper Realm is an exciting release from the mind of Kyle Gellis, limited to just 250 boxes of 200 cigars. Aganorsa Leaf was tapped to produce these Nicaraguan puros that feature a Corojo 99 wrapper from Jalapa, a binder from Esteli, and filler tobaccos from Esteli, Condega, and Jalapa. "The blend is deliberately transitional, and clearly showcases each individual region," said Kyle Gellis. "This is the first time we are using so much Estelí and Criollo material, and it celebrates the essential raw power of Nicaragua and the Estelí region, and it delivers a powerful, primal taste."
|
|
|
|
This cigar was enjoyed with Dark roast coffee, black
Pre-Light: 9 Points of 10 Possible
Not oily, moderate veining, one larger vein. Even, consistent coloring of the wrapper. Triple capped. Firm body but not overly. Pre-light aroma is grassy and light spices but nothing dominate tot too strong. Cap cut clean with no fraying.
Lighting and Burn: 13 Points of 15 Possible
Initial burn was very good, experienced a slight wobble during the second third, but self-corrected. Ash is firm, held well, and in layers, dirty white to a light grey. Smoke volume was light during rest but very good during draw. No tunneling or canoes, no relights. Burn rate was excellent.
Construction: 28 Points of 30 Possible
Overall construction was excellent, no issues with the wrapper, nor any issues with the cap, which held up really well. Pre-light draw was very good and that carried over into the smoking portion. Band removed easily without damaging the wrapper.
Flavor and Aroma: 39 Points of 45 Possible
First third: Initially the first few draws showed a strong white pepper, almost harsh that was really pronounced on the retrohale. It overrode any chance for any other notes to sneak through. Was the third closed you could begin to see a less robust white pepper and some nuttiness peaking through.
Second third: it continued the move to less pepper and was less noticeable in the retrohale. While it was still the dominate note, you could really begin to get some more of the nuttiness and some grassy notes that seemed to also bee in the pre-light draw.
Final third: The pepper was now well balanced with a few of the other notes. Began to get some notes of baking spices also. Towards the end it got a little hot and you could feel it on the lips and tip of the tongue.
Summary
In reading follow up about this cigar after the review it was interesting the amount of corojo tobacco used. The wrapper and binder and again in the filler. When I think of any corojo cigars the bell weather for me is the Aladino Corojo Reserve. While this was not that stick it was still a close match. I felt it had decent complexity as it moved both through the strength and flavors. I am a Warped fan and while this might not be my favorite is could see it hitting the regular rotation.
|
|
(1 Review(s))