Notes & évaluations
Note de la rédaction
Note des amateurs
Soyez le premier
Organoleptic profile
Strength
full-bodied
Balance
very good
Draw
perfect
Intensity
expressive
- Bouquet
- complex
- Finish
- long
- Ash color
- gray
- Smoke output
- abundant
Aroma profile
Secondary aromas
Tasting notes
The CLE Criollo 11/18 presents itself with an elegant dark brown wrapper and a beautiful sheen. The texture of the wrapper, smooth and perfectly oiled, invites a pleasant grip. Its impeccable construction ensures an easy draw, promising a tasting experience that meets expectations.
Upon lighting, the pre-light aromas reveal themselves immediately as complex, blending notes of roasted coffee and spices. Once ignited, the cigar gradually releases an enchanting fragrance, enriched with indulgent hints of cocoa that develop harmoniously with each puff. Each inhalation reveals a beautiful aromatic evolution, maintaining your attention throughout the tasting.
On the palate, the CLE Criollo 11/18 stands out with a striking development in three acts. The first third offers a balanced sweetness, followed by a rich mid-palate filled with flavors of wood and dried fruits, while the finish intensifies with more pronounced spices. The coherence between each third is a testament to the artisan's mastery, reflecting a complexity that is indeed rare.
The finish is characterized by a long finish, accompanied by a slight bitterness that awakens the taste buds. The balance between strength and sweetness is very good, creating an overall captivating experience. This cigar stands out for its unique character, both powerful and delicate, ideal for enthusiasts seeking bold sensations.
Ideally, savor this cigar at the end of the day, accompanied by a black coffee or a fine whisky. Its intensity makes every moment of tasting a memorable occasion, to be enjoyed without moderation.
Community impressions
Enthusiasts of this cigar highlight its excellent draw and rich aromatic profile, evoking notes of coffee and spices. The beautiful finish and complexity of flavors make it a favored choice among connoisseurs.
How to taste: CLE Criollo 11/18 (54x6)
▼
1.Visual Examination
The wrapper of the CLE Criollo 11/18 displays a medium brown to earthy hue, indicative of meticulous craftsmanship. Its epicurean format, with a ring gauge of 54 and a length of 152.4 mm, ensures an elegant and robust presentation. The construction is very beautiful, suggesting particular care in its creation.
A first visual observation allows for anticipating the quality of the tasting — a well-made wrapper and a beautiful presentation generally foreshadow good aromatic characteristics and a pleasant experience.
2.Pre-light Aromas
Before lighting the cigar, the pre-light aromas reveal themselves to be rich and varied, with notes of coffee, spices, and chocolate emerging. This initial aromatic blend is supported by nuances of wood and dried fruits, creating a promise of forthcoming tasting experiences.
Evaluating the pre-light aromas allows one to familiarize themselves with the natural characteristics of the tobacco — these authentic scents are often a good indicator of the flavors that will develop during the burn.
3.The Cut
The standard straight cut allows for an even opening of the cigar, ensuring good access to the filler. A carefully executed cut is essential for maintaining good airflow throughout the tasting.
A precise cut avoids draw issues that could detract from the tasting experience — good preparation is key to a harmonious and enjoyable burn.
4.Cold Draw
The cold draw of the CLE Criollo 11/18 is perfect, allowing for good airflow and a first impression of the aromas. This moment reveals the quality of the construction and ensures that the cigar will be pleasant to smoke.
Testing the cold draw allows for identifying any potential defects before lighting — a good draw signals a surprise-free experience, while a difficult draw may require adjustments.
5.Lighting
During lighting, it is essential to properly toast the foot of the cigar to ensure an even burn. Taking time to achieve a steady start is crucial to avoid canoes.
A careful lighting ensures a balanced combustion — paying particular attention at this stage can prevent inconveniences during the tasting.
6.First Third
The first third of the CLE Criollo 11/18 reveals itself to be strong in strength, with dominant aromas of coffee, spices, and chocolate. The volume of smoke is abundant, contributing to a rich and enveloping experience.
This initial phase, often the most intense, is crucial for capturing attention — it lays the groundwork for the tastes and sensations that will develop subsequently.
7.Second Third
As we enter the second third, an evolution is felt with the emergence of secondary aromas such as wood and dried fruits. The balance is very good, revealing the complexity of the blend while maintaining a beautiful harmony.
Observing the evolution of the aromas at this stage allows for understanding the depth of the blend — a good balance between flavors is a sign of the craftsmanship behind the cigar.
8.The Finish
At the end of the tasting, the ashes are gray, indicating the quality of the tobaccos used. The finish is characterized by a slight bitterness accompanied by a pleasant salivation, and the finish is long, leaving a lasting impression.
Analyzing the finish is essential to appreciate the complexity and quality of the blend — good persistence on the palate and an appropriate ash color are indicators of the richness of the cigar.