As a fan of Pelo de Oro tobacco, I was eagerly awaiting the arrival of the new release from Aging Room Cigars. Pelo de Oro, was once a popular tobacco in Cuba before being phased out due to issues with blue mold during its growth. The name which translates to “golden hair” is now grown in Peru, Domincan Republic and Nicaragua to name a few locales.
For the Aging Room Pelo de Oro, Rafael Nodal steps outside of his comfort zone and travels to Nicaragua to get access to the tobacco from AJ Fernandez. The question is how does this Nicaraguan puro perform, does it live up to the hype?
Cigar Review: Aging Room Pelo de Oro
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua (Pelo de Oro)
Filler: Nicaragua (Pelo de Oro)
Length: 5.5
Ring Gauge: 55
Vitola: Scherzo (Double Robusto)
The Look: The cigars are gorgeously packed in 10 count silk screened boxes. Inside the cigars are lined up inviting you to smoke them all. The primary band of the cigar matches the box with a silk screened effect. A secondary band denotes Pelo de Oro.
The wrapper has a subtle brindle effect to it with a little bit of crystallization visible to the naked eye. It is flawlessly rolled with a triple cap and pig-tail.
Made in one size called Scherzo which is defined as a a vigorous, light, or playful composition, typically comprising a movement in a symphony or sonata,
The Notes: The cold draw has a sweetness that is Pelo de Oro. There is a subtle spice present as well with a hint of raisins. The aroma off the foot has a touch of black pepper (yes, I sneezed) and earth.
Once the cigar is lit, there is a subtle spice, oak and it is slightly bitter. However, the bitterness fades after a half-inch or so as the cigar develops a note that reminds me of a Bavarian pretzel which is ironic considering at the time of this review Mr. Nodal is in Germany for InterTabac.
Moving on to the second third the notes of Bavarian pretzels remain dominant with hints of nuts and coffee beans. In the background there is a subtle sweetness of chocolate. The retrohale is loaded with white pepper.
Moving on to the final third of this excellent smoke from Aging Room, I don’t want to put it down. The pretzel note moves to the background, and the cigar becomes slightly hoppy. There are notes of rye, nuts and oak as the cigar comes to a close. The retrohale is still heavy on white pepper.
The Finish: I will be the first person to admit Pelo de Oro isn’t for everyone, but if you like a stronger cigar with a long finish and a lot of complexity and character the Pelo de Oro from Aging Room is the cigar for you. As a fan, I can’t get enough of them and I plan to light up another for the ride home from work.
Score: 93
Price: $13.99 / $125.99
Aging Room Pelo de Oro
Aging Room Pelo de Oro Foot
Aging Room Pelo de Oro Burn
