Ratings & reviews
Editorial score
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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
Tasting notes
The Don Stefano Senor Matias Churchill, with its dimensions of 177.8 mm (7") in length and a diameter of 19.1 mm (¾"), presents itself as a majestic piece to handle. Although the wrapper and binder are unknown, the overall presentation invites exploration.
Upon lighting, a complex bouquet quickly unfolds in your nose. The initial pre-light aromas of cocoa, coffee, and nuts tease your senses. As the flame ignites the cigar, notes of spices and wood subtly join in, enriching the olfactory experience. However, a slight discomfort manifests quickly with a somewhat difficult draw that could detract from the initial pleasure.
On the palate, the cigar reveals an intriguing aromatic progression. After a promising first third, it is accompanied by notable evolutions that showcase flavors of smoke and other subtleties. The overall experience remains coherent despite some fluctuations in draw, complicating the enjoyment.
In the finish, the medium length and the balance of strength and sweetness captivate, but a residual bitterness tarnishes the experience. The mouthfeel is marked by a slight bitterness, leaving a sweetness afterward, although certain imperfections may intrigue. What makes this cigar unique, despite its flaws, is the richness of its aromas, sometimes delightful, sometimes in search of greater harmony.
Ideal for savoring during an afternoon break, it pairs delicately with a black coffee or a light whisky, which should be favored to soothe the ardors of the draw.
Community impressions
Enthusiasts of this cigar highlight the complexity of its bouquet and the richness of its pre-light aromas, particularly those of cocoa and coffee. Although it features an occasionally difficult draw and a slight bitterness on the finish, it remains an intriguing experience for those seeking new flavors.
How to taste: Don Stefano Senor Matias Churchill
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1.Visual Examination
The Don Stefano Senor Matias Churchill, with its length of 177.8 mm (7") and a ring gauge of 48, presents itself in a classic straight format. Although its construction appearance is deemed mediocre, this step allows for an appreciation of the overall shape of the cigar and the detection of any visible defects.
Observing the construction and dimensions helps anticipate the behavior of the cigar during tasting — good construction is often a guarantee of a more enjoyable experience.
2.Pre-light Aromas
Before lighting, the cigar exudes fascinating aromas of chocolate, coffee, and nuts, enriched by spicy and woody notes. This step is crucial for familiarizing oneself with the aromatic palette that will unfold later.
The pre-light aromas represent the raw nature of the tobacco — they serve as a guide to appreciate the transformation of flavors during the burn.
3.The Cut
Performing a standard straight cut just below the cap is essential. A careful execution for this Churchill format ensures good access to the draw, which can influence the smoking experience.
A well-executed cut helps avoid draw issues and guarantees an even burn, essential for fully enjoying the aromas.
4.Cold Draw
The cold draw of the Don Stefano Senor Matias Churchill proves to be a bit difficult, indicating resistance to airflow. This step allows for checking the integrity of the cigar before lighting.
Detecting a difficult draw allows for adjustments to the cut if necessary, to avoid discomfort during the tasting.
5.Lighting
Lighting must be done carefully to ensure that the foot of the cigar is perfectly toasted. This process is crucial to avoid uneven combustion and canoeing that could affect the experience.
A good lighting establishes a solid foundation for tasting — it ensures that the aromas will be released properly and that the smoke will be pleasant.
6.First Third
During the first third, the cigar presents a medium strength accompanied by rich dominant aromas of chocolate, coffee, and nuts, supported by a medium volume of smoke. These initial sensations are often indicative of the richness to come.
This first contact with the flavors prepares one for the increasing complexity of the aromas in the following stages.
7.Second Third
At this stage, the cigar evolves while maintaining a good balance. Secondary aromas such as spices, wood, and smoke begin to manifest, adding depth to the experience.
Observing this evolution helps appreciate the complexity of the blend and better understand the harmony between the different flavors.
8.The Finish
The gray color of the ash indicates good combustion, while a slight bitterness lingers in the mouth, accompanied by a residual sweetness. The finish is medium, offering a pleasant conclusion.
Analyzing the finish and the ash allows one to gauge the quality of the drying of the leaves and the minerality of the origin soil, key elements of the sophistication of the blend.