Notes & évaluations
Note de la rédaction
Note des amateurs
Soyez le premier
Organoleptic profile
Strength
mild
Balance
poor
Draw
slightly tight
Intensity
subtle
- Bouquet
- simple
- Finish
- medium
- Ash color
- gray
- Smoke output
- medium
Aroma profile
Dominant aromas
Tasting notes
The A. Flores Gran Reserva Maduro Puritos presents a seductive appearance, evoking a deep black with shiny reflections. Its wrapper, with a silky texture, catches the eye, while its compact format of 101.6 mm and 13.5 mm in diameter allows for a comfortable grip. Overall, it conveys an impression of finesse.
Upon the first olfactory contact, the aroma that emerges pre-light reveals slightly spicy notes, particularly of cocoa, pepper, and a hint of earth. Upon lighting, this base is complemented by nuances of liqueurs and coffee, while a light citrus fragrance gradually settles in. This olfactory exploration, although rare, hints at an interesting potential.
On the palate, the development of flavors evolves with an unstable balance, dominated by notes of earth and cocoa, but quickly followed by a sensation of pepper that can become unpleasant. The complexity is limited, and the progression remains linear, sometimes leading to difficulties in the draw. Enthusiasts may find that the volume of smoke is satisfactory, though not explosive.
Its finish expresses a sensation of lightness, leaving a slight bitterness in the mouth, but without notable persistence. The balance between strength and sweetness is what makes it unique, despite notable flaws in the finish. The tasting of this cigar could ideally take place in the late afternoon, paired with a sweet beverage, such as a light coffee to echo its aromas.
Thus, while the A. Flores Gran Reserva Maduro Puritos attracts with its appearance, it fails to deliver a tasting experience that meets expectations, with limited complexity and combustion issues that may disappoint connoisseurs.
Community impressions
Enthusiasts of this cigar highlight an overall disappointing experience due to its issues with balance and burn. Its aromas, although promising, remain too linear and lack depth, providing a tasting experience that falls short of expectations.
How to taste: A. Flores Gran Reserva Maduro Puritos
▼
1.The Visual Examination
The A. Flores Gran Reserva Maduro Puritos features a maduro wrapper, very dark brown to black, with a velvety and oily texture. This result is the product of long fermentation, indicating potential richness. Upon observation, one also notes the mediocre construction which could influence the burn.
A visual assessment allows for anticipating the quality of the tasting by identifying both the aromatic potential and any manufacturing defects.
2.Pre-light Aromas
Before lighting, the aromas revealed by the cigar are primarily dominated by chocolate, pepper, and damp earth. These notes promise an interesting complexity once the cigar is lit.
These initial olfactory impressions pave the way for a better understanding of the forthcoming flavors, preparing the senses for the transformation of aromas during the burn.
3.The Cut
Performing a standard straight cut just below the cap is crucial for this straight format. Although the construction is not optimal, a careful cut can help improve the draw.
A precise cut opens the door to a more enjoyable smoking experience, thus avoiding draw issues that could arise due to construction defects.
4.Cold Draw
The cold draw reveals some difficulty, signaling a potential entanglement of the leaves. This may raise concerns about the smoothness of the smoke. However, there is still time to rectify this draw if necessary.
Testing the draw before lighting allows for detecting defects that could harm the smoking experience, prompting a possible re-cut to ensure a pleasant tasting.
5.Lighting
An even lighting is essential, especially with an initially somewhat difficult draw. Be sure to properly toast the foot to avoid any uneven burn.
A good lighting ensures a consistent burn of the cigar, thus avoiding defects like canoeing that could alter the tasting experience.
6.First Third
At the beginning of the tasting, the strength is mild and the dominant aromas of chocolate and pepper manifest, offering a medium-volume smoke. This start heralds a pleasantly sweet moment.
Evaluating the strength and initial aromas allows one to form an idea of the flavor trends that will develop, thus establishing expectations for the later phases.
7.Second Third
At this stage, secondary aromas such as liqueur, coffee, and some citrus notes begin to emerge. However, the balance remains mediocre, which may alter the overall complexity of the tasting.
Observing the evolution of aromas in this third helps to appreciate the depth of the blend and to identify whether the cigar manages to stabilize to offer a more harmonious experience.
8.The Finish
The ashes of the A. Flores Gran Reserva Maduro Puritos are gray, with a finish marked by a slight bitterness and a pleasant salivation. The finish is medium, concluding the tasting without excess.
Analyzing the finish allows one to gauge the quality of the blend, revealing the persistence of the aromas and the mastery of the drying process, essential elements for fully appreciating the heritage of the cigar.