Notes & évaluations
Note de la rédaction
Note des amateurs
Soyez le premier
Organoleptic profile
Strength
mild
Balance
very good
Draw
perfect
Intensity
expressive
- Bouquet
- complex
- Finish
- long
- Ash color
- gray
- Smoke output
- medium
Aroma profile
Tasting notes
With a visually appealing aspect, the Alonso Menendez No. 10 presents itself with a brown wrapper reminiscent of a rich Maduro. Its slightly rough texture and responses indicate meticulous artisanal craftsmanship. Upon handling, you will be impressed by its elongated and elegant shape, perfectly proportioned with its 165.1 mm length and 16.7 mm diameter, making it an ideal choice for a cigar break.
At first olfactory contact, a flavorful palette awakens with notes of fine chocolate and a subtle hint of hazelnut. After lighting, this complexity develops: woody nuances blend with a sweet aroma, offering an enriching sensory experience from the very first puffs. The transition to the heat activates the pre-light aromas, revealing notes of cedar and a subtle spicy touch.
On the palate, the tasting of the No. 10 unfolds harmoniously across three thirds. In the first third, sweetness combines with creamy flavors, giving way to richer accents of caramel and hazelnut. As it progresses, a spectrum of aromas opens up: intoxicating vanilla, enhanced by spicy nuances, enriches the experience while maintaining a remarkable balance between strength and sweetness.
The finish is characterized by a long persistence of flavors, providing a pleasant sensation of return in the mouth with a residual sweetness. The gray ashes and an easy draw attest to a controlled combustion. This creation by the Brazilian master stands out for its refined taste and creamy texture, offering a moment of pleasure that is both accessible and sophisticated.
An ideal moment to savor this cigar would certainly be a sunny morning, accompanied by a creamy coffee. It also proves to be a wise choice for a well-deserved break in your day, appealing to both novices and cigar aficionados alike, thanks to its excellent quality-price ratio.
Community impressions
Cigar enthusiasts highlight this cigar's remarkable value for money, its balance of flavors, and its smooth, creamy character. The combination of indulgent pre-light aromas such as chocolate and hazelnuts makes it approachable while offering a beautiful complexity. Its solid construction also ensures a pleasant experience, even for beginners.
How to taste: Alonso Menendez No. 10 (Lonsdale)
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1.The Visual Examination
The Alonso Menendez No. 10 features a very dark, almost black wrapper, accentuating its intense maduro character. The construction is remarkable, showcasing high-level craftsmanship. With a length of 165.1 mm and a ring gauge of 42, it presents itself as an elegant Lonsdale.
Visual analysis allows for an understanding of the manufacturing quality and anticipates the depth of the pre-light aromas — a rich color and beautiful construction often suggest a complex tasting experience.
2.Pre-light Aromatics
Before lighting, aromas of chocolate and hazelnut reveal themselves in the cold draw, accompanied by woody and sweet notes. This aromatic palette demonstrates the richness of the Brazilian tobacco used in its creation.
This step captures the essence of the tobacco leaves before the transformation by heat — it offers a first taste preview that can guide attention during the tasting.
3.The Cut
The standard straight cut of the Alonso Menendez No. 10 should be made just below the cap, ensuring an optimal draw. This method preserves the integrity of the wrapper and prepares the cigar for balanced combustion.
A precise cut is essential to avoid discomfort during the tasting — a poor cut can lead to uneven burn or obstruction in the draw.
4.Cold Draw
Performing a cold draw reveals a perfect airflow, indicating flawless construction. This test shows adequate resistance, conducive to a pleasant smoking experience.
An easy draw is the guarantee of a tasting without surprises, allowing for a quick assessment of the cigar's quality even before lighting — a blocked draw may require correction.
5.Lighting
During lighting, it is crucial to ensure that the foot of the cigar is evenly toasted for correct combustion. Paying particular attention at this stage guarantees a good start.
A careful lighting avoids canoeing and ensures that each side of the cigar burns evenly, thus preventing difficult adjustments during the tasting.
6.First Third
The first third of the Alonso Menendez No. 10 reveals a gentle strength, with dominant aromas of chocolate and hazelnut fully emerging. The smoke volume is medium, offering a rich experience without being overwhelming.
This beginning of the tasting is crucial, as it creates the first aromatic impressions that will influence the overall appreciation — a well-balanced cigar from the start can set the stage for a pleasant experience.
7.Second Third
In the second third, secondary aromas of cedar, vanilla, and spices begin to emerge, enriching the flavor profile while maintaining very good balance. Complexity develops, delighting the palate.
This phase reveals the evolution of flavors, highlighting the mastery of the blend — successful balance is essential to prolong enjoyment and avoid unpleasant sensations.
8.The Finish
At the end, the gray ash testifies to a regular burn and good quality tobacco. The residual sweetness in the mouth, accompanied by a slight salivation, leaves a very pleasant impression and marked finish.
Analyzing the finish allows for an evaluation of the complexity of the blend and the quality of the leaf drying — a good finish is often a sign of the cigar's excellence.