Notes & évaluations
Note de la rédaction
Note des amateurs
Soyez le premier
Organoleptic profile
Strength
mild
Balance
very good
Draw
easy
Intensity
expressive
- Bouquet
- complex
- Finish
- medium
- Ash color
- gray
- Smoke output
- medium
Aroma profile
Tasting notes
The CLE Connecticut 11/18 presents itself as a generous format cigar with a diameter of 21.4 mm (⅞") and a length of 152.4 mm (6"). The wrapper is shiny, light sandy in color, offering a silky texture to the touch. Its imposing dimensions add a certain visual elegance, although the band is considered unattractive by some aficionados.
Upon first contact, one perceives pre-light aromas of delicate wood, followed by notes of pepper and a subtle herbal touch. Upon lighting, these aromas reveal themselves as creamy and indulgent, enriched by fruity notes that gradually emerge. The aromatic complexity unfolds, particularly with a crisp nuance of coffee and nuts that invites itself from the first third.
On the palate, the cigar offers a structured development throughout the thirds. The first third initiates a harmony between wood and pepper, bringing forth clearly creamy and slightly herbal flavors. In the second third, the aromatic richness intensifies, adding sweet notes of fruit and a hint of coffee, all well-balanced by the creamy texture. The final third confirms the complexity of the blend, where wood aromas marry with a tangy nuance of fruit, evoking a bold mix of strawberries and green pepper.
The finish is characterized by a pleasant sensation in the mouth, where a slight sweetness persists alongside a stimulating salivation. The cigar recalls a perfect balance between strength and creaminess, while maintaining a medium finish, conducive to prolonged tasting. What makes this CLE Connecticut 11/18 so unique is its ability to offer a rich aromatic journey without ever being overwhelming.
Ideal to enjoy at the end of the day with a good Pilsener, it pairs perfectly with the light and fruity character of the beer, while enhancing the complexity of its aromas. Enjoy it outdoors during a moment of relaxation or an enriching conversation, as this cigar is best appreciated at its true value, reinforcing its exceptional quality-price ratio.
Community impressions
Enthusiasts of this cigar highlight its remarkable balance with woody and creamy pre-light aromas. Its complexity and pepper notes create a rich and enjoyable experience, appreciated for its smoothness and easy draw. The construction and consistency of the smoke also receive praise, despite some criticism regarding the aesthetics of the band.
How to taste: CLE Connecticut 11/18 (54x6)
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1.The Visual Examination
The CLE Connecticut 11/18 features a natural-looking Ecuador wrapper, light brown to golden, that catches the eye. Its construction is very beautiful, while its dimensions of 152.4 mm (6") in length and a ring gauge of 54 make it a rather imposing cigar.
The visual examination provides an initial insight into the quality of the cigar and its aromatic potential. A beautiful presentation is often a sign of care taken throughout the manufacturing process.
2.Pre-light Aromas
Before lighting, the cold draw reveals captivating aromas of wood and cream, with pepper notes mingling with more delicate hints of fruit and coffee.
This step allows one to understand the raw nature of the tobacco and anticipate the flavors that will develop with heat. The aromas perceived here are valuable for appreciating the complexity of the blend.
3.The Cut
The standard straight cut should be made just below the cap, allowing for a clean opening that promotes an optimal draw. This gesture is essential for preparing the tasting.
A careful cut ensures a consistent draw, thus avoiding the inconveniences of uneven burn that could detract from the tasting experience.
4.Cold Draw
The cold draw of this cigar is easy, indicating good airflow. This highlights the quality of the construction and the good selection of tobaccos.
A smooth draw before lighting is a good indicator of a pleasant experience to come, while a difficult draw could signal defects that would require special attention.
5.Lighting
During lighting, it is crucial to ensure proper charring of the foot to avoid any canoeing. A uniform flame helps guarantee balanced combustion from the start.
A good lighting contributes to an even burn, avoiding inconveniences later in the tasting, and ensuring a continuous release of aromas.
6.First Third
The first third of the CLE Connecticut 11/18 reveals a mild strength, with dominant aromas of wood and cream, accompanied by a medium volume of smoke that envelops the palate.
This first contact with the cigar allows one to become familiar with its aromatic profile. Understanding this initial phase helps to better appreciate the evolution of flavors that follows.
7.Second Third
In the second third, secondary aromas such as fruit, coffee, and nuts begin to emerge, enriching the experience while maintaining a very good balance.
This transition is crucial for assessing the complexity of the blend and its elegance. A good balance indicates a harmony of flavors that enhances the tasting.
8.The Finish
The color of the ash is gray, and the finish on the palate is characterized by a slight sweetness with a pleasant salivation that lingers, offering a medium length.
The appearance of the ash and the mouthfeel at the end of the tasting reveal much about the quality of the tobacco used. A pleasant finish is often a reflection of careful craftsmanship and good drying of the leaves.