Cigar Geeks - Xikar HC Series Connecticut Grande

Cigar Geeks Geek Critique

Xikar HC Series Connecticut Grande
Written by Cigar Geeks Member: Nathan (nwb)

90
Cigar Geeks Rating

Welcome to another Cigar Geeks Critique of a vitola provided to us by our friends at Xikar Cigars. This is part 2 of our 2 part series for Xikar cigars. Up for review this time is the Xikar HC Series Habano Colorado Petite Corona. A special thanks goes out to Nathan (nwb) for setting this one up.

Xikar HC Series Connecticut Grande

Brand:: Xikar
Name:: HC Series Connecticut Grande
Length:: 6
Ring Gauge:: 60
Country of Origin:: Nicaragua
Filler:: Costa Rica
Mexico
Nicaragua
Binder:: Sumatra
Wrapper:: Connecticut Shade
Ecuador
Color:: Colorado Claro
Strength:: Medium
Shape:: Toro Gordo
Average Member Rating:: (3 Review(s))

This cigar was enjoyed with Water

Pre-Light: 17 Points of 10 Possible

Looking over the cigar, I noticed that the wrapper is moderately veiny and mottled with some green sun-spots. For such a light colored wrapper, I did notice that it was oily. It is constructed well with a seamless roll and cleanly applied cap. It is also packed firmly with the only soft spot being close to the head. The prelight aroma is intoxicating: hay, honey, and a slight sweetness all intermingled. Using a V-Cut, it clipped well with no damage to the head. The cold draw tasted of well-aged tobacco with some white pepper.

Lighting and Burn: 15 Points of 15 Possible

For such a big ring-guage, it lit easily, and the burn line was razor straight for the length of the cigar. The salt and pepper ash was very firm as well, holding for at least an inch at a time. There were no re-lights required, and the draw was perfect, allowing for billowing amounts of smoke with each puff. The total burn time was almost two hours.

Construction: 28 Points of 30 Possible

As noted above, construction was nearly flawless. The wrapper was a little "rustic", but the roll and cap were expertly done. The head was soft, but it didn't create any problems. The draw was perfect throughout.

Flavor and Aroma: 30 Points of 45 Possible

1/2 - It opened with a rich, silky smoothness with notes of cream and toast with a long, white pepper finish. Once it mellowed, the the core flavors became a little more grassy with healthy doses of cream and toast with an almost honeyed sweetness on the finish.

2/2 - As the cigar burned, I noticed faint nuances of earthier flavors, like coffee with cream. In addition, the finish became spicier and longer. It was definitely full-flavored and smooth with a medium-body throughout.

Summary

Overall, this was a particularly great Connecticut cigar. Medium-bodied, complex, and expertly constructed, there was very little I could find wrong with the cigar. Although I'm not a fan of the big ring-guages, I believe this format showcased the blend well, and I enjoyed it to the finger burning nub.