Ratings & reviews
Editorial score
Community score
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Organoleptic profile
Strength
mild
Balance
medium
Draw
tight
Intensity
subtle
- Bouquet
- simple
- Finish
- medium
- Ash color
- gray
- Smoke output
- light
Aroma profile
Dominant aromas
Secondary aromas
Tasting notes
The Flor de Selva 2024 Year of the Dragon showcases a seductive, typically Honduran appearance with a shiny wrapper. Its texture is smooth to the touch, promising a rich and harmonious tasting experience. With dimensions of 190.5 mm (7½") in length and a diameter of 20.6 mm (¾"), this cigar is a beautiful piece to behold.
From the first olfactory contact, one is welcomed by notes of milka café, highlighted by subtle hints of chocolate and a touch of cream. Upon lighting, these pre-light aromas intensify with the emergence of a more pronounced woodiness, carrying a delicate spice that begins to manifest promisingly. The initial puffs suggest an interesting potential and aromatic development.
On the palate, this Flor de Selva reveals a notable evolution throughout the three thirds. The wood strengthens, and aromas of leather and mineral earth emerge, creating a beautiful coherence. However, the progression is more subdued than flamboyant, leaving a sense of certain complexity that should not be expected to be extravagantly bold.
The finish is marked by increasing mineral sensations, while a slight bitterness accompanies the persistence of the aromas. The finish is revealed to be medium, and the balance between strength and sweetness remains medium, providing a reliable experience without being particularly striking. This cigar can be seen as a pleasant, albeit fluctuating, option.
Ideal for a summer tasting or a moment of relaxation, this cigar pairs wonderfully with a light coffee in the late morning or a refreshing beverage for a pleasant break under the sun.
Community impressions
Enthusiasts of this cigar highlight its smooth character and notes of milk coffee and chocolate. Despite a certain difficulty in the draw and a subtle intensity, it offers a pleasant evolution. The balance remains acceptable, although some may be disappointed by the lack of strength and aromatic richness.
How to taste: Flor de Selva 2024 Year of the Dragon
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1.Visual Examination
The Flor de Selva 2024 Year of the Dragon features a medium brown to earthy wrapper. As a Double Corona, it measures 190.5 mm (7½") in length with a ring gauge of 52. However, the construction is noted as poor, which could pose challenges during the tasting.
Observing the construction allows for anticipating potential irregularities in the draw or burn, essential elements for a harmonious tasting experience.
2.Pre-light Aromas
Before lighting, the aromas of the Flor de Selva evoke notes of milka coffee and chocolate, accompanied by subtle woody accents. These initial impressions provide a glimpse into the cigar's aromatic potential.
Identifying the pre-light aromas helps calibrate expectations for the tasting, allowing one to focus on the aromatic transformations that will occur during the burn.
3.The Cut
A standard straight cut is made under the cap. This method is essential to ensure adequate access to the aromas and draw. It is crucial to achieve a clean cut, especially considering the average construction.
A well-executed cut promotes a consistent draw and prevents combustion issues that could arise from an improper cut.
4.Cold Draw
The cold draw reveals notable resistance during inhalation, indicating a difficult draw. This could be due to the construction of the cigar, which requires special attention.
This preliminary test helps identify potential defects before lighting, providing the opportunity to adjust the cut if necessary to ensure an acceptable draw during the tasting.
5.Lighting
During lighting, it is crucial to ensure proper toasting of the foot to avoid canoeing. Taking the time to evenly light the cigar enhances the burn.
A careful lighting prevents the inconveniences of uneven combustion, which could compromise the overall experience and expression of the aromas.
6.First Third
In the first third, the strength of the Flor de Selva remains mild, with dominant aromas of milka coffee and chocolate. The smoke volume is low, which may influence the intensity of the flavors.
This introductory phase is often decisive, as it lays the groundwork for the tasting, and low smoke production may require adjusting the pace of consumption for an optimal experience.
7.Second Third
As we move into the second third, the cigar begins to reveal secondary aromas such as damp earth and leather, while maintaining a medium balance. The flavors evolve, offering new complexity.
Recognizing this progression is essential to appreciate the development of the aromas and adjust one’s tasting accordingly, thereby maximizing the richness of the experience.
8.The Finish
The color of the ash is gray, indicating the quality of the burn. The finish leaves mineral sensations with a slight bitterness, and the finish is medium.
Analyzing the finish allows for evaluating the degree of complexity and quality of the blend, providing insights into the drying process of the leaves and the depth of the flavors.