This Alfonso Añejos No. 2 is the route back to greatness for Selected Tobacco S.A. The early days of having incredible nuance, balance, and in general a great cigar is almost back with this release. This cigar (for the first two thirds) had such a large array of flavors that worked in great harmony. It's not often I smoke a cigar like this, but it is a treat.
The Atabey Corona Cigar 25th Anniversary, for the vast majority of the time, had a wonderful, full flavor experience that ranged from sweet and pastry like to earthy and spice. I certainly don't think it's worth the commanding price point of $34, but I can see myself smoking one here and there on rare special occasions.
United Cigars began release of the 2013 vintage of the Byron 19th Century Grand Poemas on Friday. Allocations of the Grand Poemas were made as only 200 boxes were produced with this unique tobacco. All 200 boxes are offered in humidors designed by Nelson Alfonso of Selected Tobacco.
Overall, I enjoyed my experience with the Byron Serie Siglo XXI Aristócratas. For fans of softer and more subtle notes (think a more traditional Connecticut shade or Cuban cigar), this will be a good fit. The only gripe I have is, for such a long (3 hour) smoking time, there weren't enough transitions and build ups as I'd like it to have.
The Atabey Spiritus is a complex and rich Lancero smoking experience. The cigar has bold flavors that don't overwhelm the palate, for a truly luxurious profile. If you are an Atabey fan, or are simply looking for a premiere smoking experience, you would do well to pick yourself up a Spiritus.
The trianglar design will match the standard logo shape but the depth of the ashtray is designed to resemble the hat worn by the character in the Count of Monecristo, Edmond Dantes. The three points of the triangle drop down to create the feet of the ashtray, lifting the base above the table it is on, creating a magical effect that the ashtray is levitating.
This would be more of a special occasion smoke and in that regard, the cigar doesn't disappoint. If you reach for this cigar, make sure it's something you can dedicate the time to uninterrupted as it deserves your full attention to get all of the flavors it presents. I would gladly smoke more of these when the opportunity presents itself.
The flavor is primarily centered around wood and carried some baking spice, black pepper and cream as accompanying notes. I'd recommend a larger vitola if you want to try the line, but this still provides an enjoyable experience.
I know that this line gets lost with the Atabey and Byron getting most of the attention, but this is still a pretty solid smoke. I would definitely recommend picking one up to give a try.
This is by no means an everyday cigar for the typical cigar enthusiast, as the taste has the price to match it. But for those more special occasions, or when you just want to treat yourself, this is it.