Ratings & reviews
Editorial score
Community score
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Organoleptic profile
Strength
mild
Balance
excellent
Draw
perfect
Intensity
expressive
- Bouquet
- complex
- Finish
- medium
- Ash color
- light gray
- Smoke output
- medium
Aroma profile
Tasting notes
The Balmoral Anejo XO Connecticut Torpedo MK52, with its dimensions of 158.8 mm (6¼") in length and 20.6 mm (¾") in diameter, presents a silky texture and a slightly shiny wrapper that showcases top-notch craftsmanship. Its appearance is captivating, drawing the eye with its light hues and perfectly rolled form. This cigar is a true visual delight.
Upon cutting, the pre-light aromas reveal themselves to be rich and inviting. You will discover notes of cedar, accompanied by a hint of earth and sweet nuances of cocoa. Upon lighting, the cigar opens with a beautiful harmony, displaying aromas of coffee and delicate herbs that highlight its complexity while creating anticipation for the rest of the tasting.
On the palate, the Balmoral Anejo evolves harmoniously through its thirds. The first third offers a fascinating aromatic development where elegant wood and creamy notes intertwine, accompanied by touches of hazelnut. In the second third, one experiences an intensification of flavors with notes of leather and a subtle fruity sweetness that delights the palate. Finally, the last third treats us to coffee, leather, and pepper, a finish that leaves a memorable impression.
The finish is marked by a long persistence, where the creamy and woody texture combines with a pleasant slight bitterness, rendering this balance between strength and sweetness simply exquisite. This cigar clearly stands out for the richness of its blend and its ability to renew itself throughout the tasting.
Ideal for a quiet evening, this cigar pairs perfectly with a smooth whisky or a black coffee, enhancing the captivating aromas and showcasing its well-structured character. You will savor it over a duration of approximately 60 to 120 minutes, depending on your smoking pace.
Community impressions
Praised by enthusiasts, this cigar stands out for its exceptional balance and complex aromas. Lovers of a rich flavor profile will appreciate its notes of wood, cream, and coffee, creating a delightful tasting experience. Its perfect draw and moderate smoke volume make it an ideal option for refined tasting moments.
How to taste: Balmoral Anejo XO Connecticut Torpedo MK52
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1.Visual Examination
The Balmoral Anejo XO Connecticut Torpedo MK52 showcases a medium brown wrapper, with a very beautiful construction and a conical shape that catches the eye. Its dimensions of 158.8 mm (6¼") and a ring gauge of 52 indicate a comfortable grip and a marked presence.
The external appearance of the cigar is a first indicator of the quality of the leaves and craftsmanship — a beautiful construction often signifies a pleasant smoking experience.
2.Pre-light Aromas
Even before lighting, the aromas emanating from the cigar reveal notes of cedar, nuts, and coffee. This aromatic bouquet, perceptible during the pre-light aromas, prepares the palate for the tasting to come.
This step allows one to familiarize themselves with the characteristics of the tobacco in its raw state — the anticipated aromas can guide your attention to the nuances present during the burn.
3.The Cut
Cutting a conical cigar like the MK52 must be precise to avoid damaging the wrapper. A cut at the tapered tip optimizes the draw and releases the full intensity of the aromas.
An adequate cut is essential to ensure a consistent draw — a poor cut can lead to smoking difficulties and uneven combustion.
4.Cold Draw
The cold draw of this cigar is perfect, offering ideal resistance with each puff. This simple test informs us about the proper flow of smoke.
An easy draw guarantees a pleasant smoking experience — any potential blockage may require correction before lighting, thus avoiding discomfort during the tasting.
5.Lighting
During lighting, it is crucial to toast the foot well to ensure an even burn. Paying particular attention at this stage reveals its great importance in preparing the cigar.
A good lighting prevents the risk of canoeing, where one side burns faster than the other, allowing for a harmonious tasting from the very first puffs.
6.First Third
In the first third, the strength is mild and the dominant aromas of cedar, nuts, and coffee emerge with a medium volume of smoke. This phase offers an engaging introduction to the flavors of the cigar.
This period is often the most intense, and appreciating the aromas at this stage allows for a reference point for the developments that will follow.
7.Second Third
As we progress into the second third, secondary aromas such as cream, vanilla, and spices begin to appear. The balance remains excellent, offering increasing complexity.
Observing these evolutions in the aromas contributes to a deeper understanding of the blend — a good balance among the different flavors reflects the quality of the filler.
8.The Finish
At the end of the tasting, the light gray ash and the creamy, woody sensation in the mouth, with a slight pleasant bitterness, testify to the complexity of the cigar. The finish is medium, leaving a beautiful impression.
The color of the ash and the finish in the mouth are indicators of the quality of the tobacco and the drying of the leaves — a good finish enriches the smoking experience and is a good marker of the mastery of the blend.