Notes & évaluations
Note de la rédaction
Note des amateurs
Soyez le premier
Organoleptic profile
Strength
medium
Balance
good
Draw
slightly tight
Intensity
expressive
- Bouquet
- complex
- Finish
- medium
- Ash color
- gray
- Smoke output
- medium
Aroma profile
Dominant aromas
Secondary aromas
Tasting notes
The El Septimo Empress Sheba Maduro, with its generous dimensions of 152.4 mm (6") in length and 23.8 mm (⅞") in diameter, captivates the eye with its meticulous presentation and its wrapper imbued with mystery. Although the exact wrapper is not specified, its appearance suggests a promising cigar, ready to deliver an unforgettable experience.
Upon lighting, the cigar opens with an enchanting olfactory first contact, delivering floral and sweet pre-light aromas. This initial freshness evolves elegantly, revealing savory notes of cocoa, coffee, and nuts, showcasing a beautiful complexity. With each draw, a rich aromatic profile unfolds, making every puff captivating.
On the palate, the development evolves harmoniously through its three thirds. The cigar begins with delicate and floral flavors, then transitions into a richer core where cocoa and coffee gently assert themselves. In the final third, a leathery and earthy base settles in, adding further depth while being supported by a fine sweetness.
The finish is medium, leaving a pleasant sensation with a slight salivation and a residual sweetness. Its balance of strength/sweetness is commendable, making this experience even more intriguing. This cigar is an exploration of the subtleties that the fusion of aromas can offer.
To fully enjoy this El Septimo, consider a peaceful end to the day accompanied by a black coffee or a glass of port, to enhance its cocoa and nut aromas.
Community impressions
Celebrated by enthusiasts, this cigar stands out for its floral pre-light aromas and its evolution towards notes of cocoa and coffee. Although it requires special attention for optimal burn, its balance and richness make it a recommended choice for a thoughtful tasting.
How to taste: El Septimo Empress Sheba Maduro
▼
1.The Visual Examination
The El Septimo Empress Sheba Maduro showcases a maduro wrapper, with a very dark brown to black color. Its velvety and oily wrapper results from a long fermentation, and its Gordito format is imposing, measuring 152.4 mm (6") in length with a ring gauge of 60.
This initial visual impression allows for an assessment of the leaf quality and anticipates the potential richness of the pre-light aromas. A glance at the construction can also indicate any potential issues.
2.Pre-Light Olfaction
Before lighting, the cigar emits aromas of white flowers, chocolate, and coffee. This olfactory palette is rich, offering a glimpse into the sensations to come.
The aromas perceived at this stage are often the most faithful to the raw tobacco. This step helps to begin establishing expectations for the flavor that will develop differently once lit.
3.The Cut
A standard straight cut is applied just below the cap, an essential gesture for an easy draw. This exposes the tobacco while preserving the integrity of the wrapper.
A careful cut ensures a consistent draw, which is crucial for a pleasant smoking experience. An improper cut can lead to combustion issues during the tasting.
4.Cold Draw
The cold draw reveals a slightly stronger resistance than expected, indicating a certain density in the construction of the cigar.
This simple test helps identify any potential defects before lighting, such as a blocked draw that could affect the burn. It also provides a first impression of the intensity awaiting the smoker.
5.Lighting
During lighting, it is crucial to ensure that the foot is evenly toasted to avoid canoeing. The flame should be applied carefully for an even burn.
A careful lighting avoids the inconveniences of an asymmetrical burn that could detract from the smoking experience and require corrections during the tasting.
6.First Third
The first third of the cigar displays a medium strength, with dominant aromas of chocolate and coffee, accompanied by a medium volume of smoke that develops well.
This initial phase is often where the flavors are most intense. Understanding this dynamic helps to better appreciate the evolution of the aromas throughout the smoke.
7.Second Third
In the second third, secondary aromas of nuts, leather, and damp earth begin to manifest, enriching the overall balance of the cigar.
This stage is crucial for perceiving the increasing complexity of the blend. Paying close attention to this evolution allows for an appreciation of the craftsmanship of the master torcedor.
8.The Finish
At the end of the tasting, the gray ashes testify to a good burn, while the residual sweetness and slight salivation extend the average finish.
The quality of the ashes and the finish are indicators of the minerality of the origin soil. A pleasant finish often reflects the harmonious balance of the tobaccos used.