The cigar I have been most looking forward to smoking since hearing about it just before the IPCPR Trade Show is the Aging Room Bin No. 1. Made by Rafael Nodal, the Aging Room is a line of cigars that has gotten a lot of deserved notoriety lately. This past year they had the No. 1 available cigar in the USA according to Cigar Aficionado.
Well they have arrived at my home shop, and site sponsor 2guyscigars.com so needless to say I didn’t waste much time in lighting a few of these up.
Cigar: Aging Room Bin No. 1
Size: B-Minor (5.25 x 54)
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Dominican Habano (Aged 7 Years)
Filler: Dominican Habano (Aged 7 Years)
Strength: Medium
The Look: The thing that stands out the most is the oversized parchment like cigar band with a gorgeous red foil that denotes Aging Room. The band which takes up more than half the cigar is partially secured in the back by tape, which is a little disappointing as it adds some difficulty in removing it. However, underneath the sheath of a band, is a more traditional one. The wrapper of the cigar is flawless and rolled to perfection. There does appear to be one stem on the foot of the cigar, but I do not expect it to be an issue. In the hand the cigar has a nice look to it and a hefty weight.
The Notes: On the cold draw of the Aging Room Bin No.1 there are notes of caraway seeds and a slight rye. In the distance is the slightest bit of molasses that is fighting to come to the surface but fails to reach it and make any kind of impact. The foot of the cigar has the same hint of molasses and some earthy components mixed in.
Once the cigar has been properly toasted the initial draw reveals notes of oak and sunflower seeds on the initial draws. As we delve further into the first third a subtle cinnamon joins the mix and a sweetness that hasn’t yet revealed its true colors.
In the second third of the Aging Room Bin No.1 it really explodes with flavors and nuances that help this cigar reach it’s expectations. The sweetness begins to define itself as caramelized sugar, and the cinnamon teases and tantalized the palate. Some of the rye experienced on the cold draw works its way into the fold making the second third one of the most complex smokes I have had in a long time with an oak finish.
In the last third of the Aging Room Bin No. 1 the complexity of the second third continues with some added dimensions. The sweetness has faded, but the cinnamon remains with some subtle paprika over a canvas of earth. As we move closer to the nub some mesquite notes develop with a hint of molasses that leaves me wanting more.
The Burn: The draw of the Aging Room Bin No. 1 had a slight resistance which is how i prefer the draw to be, this helps the cigar smoke slow and it doesn’t overload you with smoke. The ash of the cigar was a medium gray in color, and held firm for about a third of the smoke. The cigar burned even, and remained lit from start to finish.
The Finish: Rafael Nodal of Boutique Blends seems to have the midas touch as of late. The Aging Room Bin No. 1 which features Dominican Habano grown by Jochi Blacno in 1997, 1998, and 1999 creates an experience that brings cigar smoking to the next level. The complexity experienced in the final two-thirds might have been one of the most complex segments I have ever experienced. Yet, I think about the video he filmed with us at IPCPR where La Boheme was the cigar he was most giddy about, but I can’t see that topping this one, or will it?
Score: 94
Price: $13.69
Aging Room Bin No. 1
Aging Room Bin No. 1 Burn
