If you listened to The Cigar Authority this past weekend we smoked the CLE Connecticut in the 11/18 size during the second hour. The size of the cigar is named for the birthday of Christian Eiroa’s mother on November 18. We raved about the cigar on the show and I enjoyed it so much I opted to make it the feature review on The Cigar Authority today.
Cigar Review: CLE Connecticut
Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Honduras
Length: 6″
Ring Gauge: 48/54/48
Size: 11/18
The Look: Packaged in 25 count boxes with a slide top, the cigars are laid out in 5 rows of 5. In lieu of cello, the cigars come wrapped in tissue paper covering the cigar from the band down. Underneath the tissue paper which is marked with the type of wrapper, in this case Connecticut sits one of the most flawless looking Ecuador Connecticut wrappers. It’s almost blonde in color and the cigar is well packed throughout.
The Notes: Once the cigar is clipped there are notes of cedar, vanilla and a subtle citrus component. The aroma off the foot is cedar with some buttery components. Once the cigar is lit there is a honey like sweetness that envelopes the palate.
Moving into the first third the honey notes remain dominant with touches of apricots and some cedar that grows in intensity as the first third progresses. This cigar which has a perceived mild strength to it is loaded with flavors. There is a lot going on but they are all balanced to perfection.
As we enter the second third of the cigar some pepper notes are added to the mix especially when the cigar hit hits fattest point in the ring gauge. There remains nuances of vanilla and cedar with a touch of honey on the finish. The retrohale is smooth and adds to the vanilla notes on the palate.
The final third of the cigar sees some apricot notes return along with notes of cedar and honey. The finish of the cigar has a buttery smooth richness to it, and the retrohale has some subtle pepper notes.
The Finish: Those who know me know I prefer stronger cigars. Despite this some of my highest ratings have gone to Connecticut cigars and this cigar continues that trend. Why? It’s easier to blend a stronger cigar, but on a mild cigar the showcase is on the tobacco and the abilities of the master blender. This is a cigar that shows you how great the tobaccos at CLE are and the masterful job they do at blending them. An epic Connecticut in an iconic size that needs to be in your humidor and rotation.
Score: 96
Price: $8.59 / $189.99
CLE Connecticut 11/18
CLE Connecticut 11/18 Foot
CLE Connecticut 11/18 Burn
