TABACALERA Robusto (5x50). Philippines

I bought a bundle of seconds of these on the strength of other Tabacaleras I'd tried.  Once I started smoking them, I kept telling myself I'd write one up later.  I enjoyed them so much I almost forgot to write a review.

This slow-smoking robusto has medium strength and rich, woody taste, with smooth spice.  Yeah, I know, smooth spice is an oxymoron, but maybe that's the phrase for good Indonesian wrapper.  The smooth part is sort of oily.

As the cigar goes down, the spice comes up very gradually to complement the other flavors as they build.  Put this stogie into a holder and smoke it all the way to nothing.  It keeps getting better, and you can relish it for close to an hour.

Cognac is the drink with this.  The brandy adds woodsmoke and leather to an already complex flavor.

Sometimes you can find segundos at half price or less.  Jump on them.  Even at full retail, primos are a bargain for about $5.00.  They're that good.

4 Stars

Back To Budget Connoisseur