The Alfonso Añejo No. 4, a creation by Selected Tobacco, boasts a blend that epitomizes the pinnacle of craftsmanship and meticulous aging. Wrapped in an Ecuador wrapper with an Ecuador binder, its fillers feature a blend of Nicaraguan ligero and Peruvian tobaccos. The aging process, a signature of Selected Tobacco, unfolds over five years, culminating in the final stages within French Oak-lined rooms.
The Alfonso Añejo immediately captivates with its flawless golden wrapper, radiating a smooth, oily sheen. The construction is solid and well-rolled, exuding an aura of ultra-premium quality. Its appearance promises an exceptional smoking experience.
Igniting the Alfonso Añejo unveils a symphony of flavors. The influence of French Oak aging is apparent, delivering nuanced notes of honey, cherries, and a delightful vanilla sweetness. The taste is clean, smooth, and accompanied by the comforting richness of toasted nuts.
Transitioning into the second third, the Alfonso Añejo continues to evolve gracefully. Subtle shifts emerge, introducing additional citrus notes reminiscent of honeysuckle. The oak presence intensifies, and the nuttiness persists, resembling the delightful blend found in Chex mix. A touch of southern sweetness, akin to perfect sweet tea, along with a buttery undertone, adds to the complexity. Subtle pepper and cinnamon nuances enhance the overall experience.
The final third of the Alfonso Añejo brings a subtle increase in strength while maintaining the prominent wood and sweetness notes. Cherry undertones make a return, and the buttery texture persists. Subtle hints of pepper and cinnamon linger, contributing to a well-rounded and satisfying conclusion.
The Alfonso Añejo is a true gem, earning admiration for its beautiful appearance and exceptional flavor profile. Some may find it milder than their usual preference, but the consensus is a thorough enjoyment of its offerings. The construction and burn are nearly flawless, elevating the smoking experience. With its consistent flavor and outstanding construction, this cigar is deemed worthy of a box purchase. Paired with a morning cup of coffee, it stands out as an exceptional choice.
Overall Score: 91.38 out of 100 – A remarkable achievement, marking the Alfonso Añejo as the first cigar to score above 90.9 points.
Overall Strength Score: 3.38 out of 10 – Despite its lower strength score, the Alfonso Añejo excels in delivering a refined and satisfying smoking experience.
This blind review (Cigar #5-A) was conducted by the Cigar Review Team comprising of: Paul Nabs, Drew Seruya, The Scuse, Scott Trepow, Joe Hallett, Chris Leblanc, Shayne Diersen, Chris Safranski, Brett Yannalfo, & Rob Smith.
