Yesterday we reviewed one of two new cigars that were introduced by C.L.E. at the 2016 TAA. Those cigars were Chele, which is slang for light-skinned and Prieto, which is Spanish slang for dark-skinned. The names provide an interesting take when applied to cigars with light and dark wrappers. Both cigars are made in Nicaragua which is a departure for Christian Eiroa who normally works his magic in Honduras.
Cigar Review: C.L.E. Prieto
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: Not Disclosed
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 6″
Ring Gauge: 46
Vitola: Corona Gorda
Strength: Medium
The Look: The new packaging being used lately by C.L.E. for me really changes the face of the company on the shelves of your local tobacconist. The finished cabinet style boxes look like a pierce of furniture. Inside the cigar sits with a tissue paper sleeve denoting the brand name Prieto, with a black and silver band adorning the stick. The Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper is rustic looked and dark chocolate in color. There are few thin veins present and the cigar is well packed and hefty in the hand.
The Notes: The cold draw of the Prieto serves up notes of caramel and chocolate with a subtle earth in the background. The aroma off the foot reminds me of warm spices on Christmas and a hint of cedar. Sometimes I think I need my head examined with the notes I pick up on the cold draw.
One the cigar is toasted with a Vertigo Injector lighter, the initial notes are a hint of cocoa with some coffee and earth. On the retrohale is some red pepper. As we work our way through the initial third the notes of coffee slowly become the dominant profile with a nutty finish that is moderate in length.
The second third of the Prieto continues with notes of coffee as some hints of chocolate are introduced that become dominant by the halfway point. On the retrohale red pepper continues but some cacao is introduced into the aroma that remains on the lingering finish.
As the cigar comes to a close some notes of nutmeg dance on the palate with subtle notes of chocolate and coffee. The red pepper remains on the retrohale with some traces of cacao that continue to linger on the finish which bring this cigar to the next level in my humble opinion.
The Burn: The CLE Prieto features an impeccable draw with a thin combustion line. The cigar burned cool, and the burn line true. From first light to last puff the cigar performed to perfection. The light color ash with a dark stripe was firm holding for about a third at a time with little to no flake.
The Finish: If you ask me, Christian Eiroa is making some of the best maduro cigars on the market right now, and the Prieto continues that streak. The Connecticut Broadleaf wrapped cigar has inviting notes with excellent construction. It was savory and enjoyable to the point where it has become my latest box purchase.
Score: 93
Price: $7.19 / $157.99
C.L.E. Prieto
C.L.E. Prieto Foot
C.L.E. Prieto Burn
