Notes & évaluations
Note de la rédaction
Note des amateurs
Soyez le premier
Organoleptic profile
Strength
medium
Balance
medium
Draw
slightly tight
Intensity
subtle
- Bouquet
- simple
- Finish
- medium
- Ash color
- gray
- Smoke output
- medium
Aroma profile
Secondary aromas
Tasting notes
At first glance, the Vegas de Santiago D8 El Gordo presents itself with a shiny wrapper and a silky texture that immediately captures the eye. Its generous dimensions of 127 mm in length and a diameter of 26.2 mm give it an imposing appearance and a well-crafted presentation that will surely appeal to enthusiasts.
The first olfactory contact reveals complex pre-light aromas, where cocoa and notes of hazelnut delicately intertwine. Upon lighting, a subtle transition occurs, with hints of toasted bread emerging as the cigar takes flight, promising a tasting experience rich in nuances.
On the palate, the cigar develops its character over the course of its thirds. The first third highlights flavors of wood and spices, with a slow progression towards more intense nuances as one approaches the core of the cigar. Unfortunately, the complexity and coherence are sometimes hindered by a somewhat difficult draw, which may frustrate some smokers.
The finish reveals a medium length, tinged with a slight bitterness accompanied by a velvety texture. This balance between strength and smoothness is intriguing, but the cigar could benefit from a richer aromatic profile to leave a lasting impression. What makes this Vegas de Santiago unique is its promise of discovery: it invites you to explore its aromas beyond the initial impressions.
For an optimal experience, consider enjoying this cigar in the late afternoon, paired with a strong black coffee or perhaps a port to accentuate its sweeter and deeper notes.
Community impressions
Enthusiasts of this cigar highlight its aromatic potential and beautiful presentation. Despite interesting nuances and a pleasant experience, some lament the difficulty of the draw and the insufficient finish of the smoke. A cigar to be rediscovered in another format.
How to taste: Vegas de Santiago D8 El Gordo
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1.The Visual Examination
The Vegas de Santiago D8 El Gordo features a silky wrapper, light brown to golden in color, which catches the eye with its natural texture. With a length of 127 mm and a ring gauge of 66, this cigar displays a palpable robustness, although its construction is deemed mediocre.
This initial inspection allows for the identification of the wrapper's quality and the aromatic promise it holds. A well-made wrapper is often a guarantee of a more enjoyable tasting experience.
2.Pre-light Aromatics
Before lighting, smelling the cigar reveals notes of chocolate, hazelnut, and wood, which blend subtly. These pre-light aromas foreshadow a rich and complex tasting experience.
This step is crucial for anticipating the flavors to come and preparing the palate for the aromatic diversity. The aromas detected pre-light are often the purest, allowing for an assessment of the tobacco's authenticity.
3.The Cut
A standard straight cut is recommended for this cigar. Ensure that it is clean to avoid compromising the draw.
A careful cut is essential to promote an even draw. A defect at this stage can negatively impact the burn and the overall tasting experience.
4.Cold Draw
The cold draw on this cigarillo proves to be slightly difficult, which may suggest a somewhat laborious smoking experience.
Testing the draw before lighting the cigar allows for the quick identification of any potential defects. A draw that is too restrictive may indeed require a re-cut to ensure a good airflow during the tasting.
5.Lighting
During lighting, it is crucial to ensure that the foot of the cigar is evenly toasted to avoid a chaotic start.
A good lighting sets up a balanced burn from the outset, which is essential for a pleasant first impression and to avoid canoeing later on.
6.First Third
In the first third, the strength is medium, with dominant aromas of chocolate and hazelnut that are well expressed. The smoke volume is also satisfactory.
This beginning of the tasting is often decisive for the overall experience. A good concentration of aromas can entice the smoker while ensuring that the strength is not too overwhelming.
7.Second Third
During the second third, secondary aromas of toasted bread and spices begin to manifest, adding complexity to the tasting. The balance remains medium.
This phase is often one of revelation, where the subtleties of the blend become more apparent. Observing the aromatic evolutions allows for an appreciation of the cigar's depth.
8.The Finish
The ashes of the Vegas de Santiago D8 El Gordo are gray, and the finish presents a slight bitterness with a velvety texture. The finish is medium.
The color and retention of the ashes can indicate the quality of the tobacco, while the finish is often revealing of the blend's complexity. A nice finish is synonymous with a successful experience.