It’s the time of the year where people ask me what my cigar of the year is, and while this cigar wouldn’t be eligible since it has been on the shelves for a couple of years the Byron would easily be in my Top 2 Cigars smoked. Each size of the Byron is a different blend to reflect a specific era of Cuban cigars. We reviewed the Londinenses and gave it a 98 back in September.
The brand Byron has roots to the 19th Century when two cousins with roots in the Canary Islands owned a small cigar factory in the province of Havana on the island nation of Cuba. The cigars were made from two tobacco farms that they owned about 25 kilometers apart.
In 1998 the brand Byron was brought back by Nelson Alfonso who is well-known for his input in the Cohiba Behike line and other Cuban cigars such as Montecristo, Romeo y Julieta, H. Upmann and many more.
The cigars are available via United Cigar Retailers and site sponsor 2GuysCigars.com.
Cigar: Byron Reserva 5 Anos (Siglo XX)
Size: 4 7/8 x 52 (Poemas)
Wrapper: Not Disclosed
Binder: Not Disclosed
Filler: Not Disclosed
Strength: Medium-Full
The Look: The Byron Poemas features a chocolate looking wrapper that is glistening with oils. There are two bands present on this cigar that is flawlessly rolled. The primary band features Lord Byron with elements of red and gold foil on a white background. The secondary band of red and gold denotes “Reserva 3 Anos” letting us know the cigars have been aged for 3 years. In the hand the cigar has a hefty weight to it with no soft spots and a well packed foot. This is what a cigar should look like in my opinion.
The Notes: The nose of the cigar has some earthy notes, but once I clip the cap it opens up to reveal some sweet molasses. The cold draw of the Byron Poems serves up some continued molasses that is easily detected and easy to get lost in. I used a cedar stick to light this cigar because I feel a cigar of this caliber deserves to be given that extra attention. One lit there is some sweetness and a hint of coffee.
As we progress into the first third of the cigar it is evident that this cigar is above and beyond so many cigars on the market today. There is a sweetness present over notes of nuts and cedar and a slightly earthy finish.
In the second third of the cigar the Byron continues to deliver a profile that is described by one word, Luxury. The notes of nuts and cedar remain, but when the ash falls off at the halfway point of the cigar some elements of dried fruit develop with a slightly sweet finish that reminds me of a tangerine.
The final third of the cigar begins as we remove the secondary band and the cigar continues to provide the smoking experience of a lifetime. Incredibly supple, smooth and complex the Byron Poemas serves up notes of cedar, molasses, coffee and pecans. The finish is short, and enjoyable without lingering.
The Burn: The Byron burns from first light to last puff without needing a relight or touch. The cigar burns even and slow with a nice solid ash that holds on for the first half of the cigar before falling off again in the last third of the cigar. The draw serves up a slight resistance which is perfect in my book and there is more than ample smoke production.
The Finish: The Byron Poemas is a take on Cuban cigars of the 19th Century. It serves up an experience that is like no other cigar on the American market today. I hesitate to use the term Cubanesque but I will use it here with this cigar. Luxury defined and while pricey I am confident in saying that it is worth every penny.
Score: 97
Price: $24.99
Byron Poemas
Byron Poemas Foot
Byron Poemas Burn
