The HVC Hot Cake Golden Line No. 5 is a newer addition to the HVC portfolio, introduced at the 2023 PCA Trade Show. This cigar, with its golden-hued Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper, is an elegant evolution of the original Hot Cake, promising a creamy experience that stays true to its Cuban roots.
At first glance, the Hot Cake Golden Line No. 5 impresses with its smooth, golden brown wrapper, which lives up to its name. The cigar is well-rolled, with a nice sheen that adds to its visual appeal. However, the delicate nature of the wrapper is evident, as some reviewers noticed a few nicks and cuts before lighting.
The initial flavors are a delightful mix of creaminess, black pepper, and wood notes of cedar and oak. There’s a prominent hay-like quality that gives it a Cuban-esque profile, and the flavor of bread and butter comes through, reminiscent of a buttered pop tart crust with a hint of lemon zest.
As the cigar progresses, the wood notes become more pronounced, with grassy hay continuing to play a significant role. The black pepper that was more evident in the first third becomes faint, leading to a milder segment. New flavors of leather and cashew nuttiness are introduced, along with a slight hint of licorice, adding layers of depth to the experience.
The final third sees the nuttiness and cedar notes taking center stage, with the pepper making a comeback. There’s a heavy, sweet hay and barnyard flavor on the finish, which, combined with the returning bread notes, creates a familiar and satisfying conclusion. The bitterness that creeps in towards the end, paired with the creamy profile, evokes a sensation akin to sipping tea with a touch of lemon.
The HVC Hot Cake Golden Line No. 5 is a solid mild cigar with a good balance of flavors. Its Cuban-style profile, while subtle and mild, was said to not be bold enough to make it into a regular rotation for some of the STARS. Additionally, issues with the wrapper and burn did detract from the overall experience for a few STARS reviewers, affecting the final score.
Overall Score: 88.20 out of 100
Overall Strength Score: 3.27 out of 10
This blind cigar review (Cigar #13-C) was scored by a distinguished panel of cigar enthusiasts, including: Mike Cokeley, Nick – Cigar Pulpit, LKOUTS, Justin Fultz, Jim DeLuca, AustinDan, Mike Fox, Ray Forslund, Munch., Dwight Jones, Nick B, Hawkeye, and Andrew J. Clark
