Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano
Binder: Nicaraguan Habano
Filler: Nicaraguan Habano
Size: 5.625 x 46 “Corona Gorda”
Body: Medium
Price: $8.50 MSRP
This is a very limited small batch run.
From Gran Habano web site:
“Created many years ago for his private collection, by George Rico himself. This unique blend of cigar comes in both a Connecticut and Habano wrapper.
“Each box features a unique image commissioned by George Rico From Miami artist, and friend, known as “kid”. The Zulu Zulu is a limited run, part of the Gran Habano STK line.”
From BestCigarPrices.com”
“The boxes, which are hand-painted by Miami Artist “KID”, depict child rebel soldiers wielding firearms. The inspiration for the artwork comes from the non-profit organization “Invisible Children Inc.”, a group that uses film and social media to end the use of child soldiers, and restore war affected communities in Central Africa, and a percentage of each box sold will be donated to Invisible Children to help fund their efforts.”
IN order to dissect the construction of the cigar, I need to remove the beautiful wrapper. And surprise, surprise….Underneath is a normal cigar band that simply reads: “ZULU ZULU” in bold red lettering.
The light brown wrapper has a reddish tinge in the sunlight. Seams are tight. A normal amount of veins. Some oil on the wrapper which feels very sandy. And a triple cap with a nice fantail on top.
I clip the cap and find aromas of strong hay, some exotic melon, a very strong floral aroma, and honey.
Time to light up.
First up is a medium powered spiciness. The floral notes and sweet fruit hit immediately. The draw is excellent.
And right away, the stick is delicious. One of the most unique starts I’ve encountered.
There is a tangy quality. Maybe citrus. But seems to go hand in hand with the spiciness which is looming large. The ash is very flaky.
A nice cedar note enters. Along with a woody taste. A brand-like flavor shows itself. It derives from the tanginess of the citrus which by this point is orange zest.
I have smoked less than an inch and it qualifies as a flavor bomb.
The price point takes a real dive at the box price to $6 a stick.
Burn issues arrive as the first third ends and requires a touch up.
Flavors are very intense as the second third begins which sees the spiciness tamed a bit.
It’s not brandy. It is Midori Liqueur. The green melon is the fruitiness, not orange.
The second third begins and some creaminess jumps on board as well as some cocoa.
The cigar is not jam packed with tobacco and therefore seems to burn quickly. I’ve been smoking the stick for less than 30 minutes as I approach the halfway point.
We are now in complex territory. Balance is good. Very long finish. And my Midori is just swimming around my palate. Absolutely delicious.
The sweetness/tartness of the melon and the creaminess of this cigar are quite impressive. I’ve never tasted a Nic puro that is anything close to this. Just goes to show an old dog that surprises always lurk around the next corner.
I’m getting a slight bitter taste changing the melon to bitter melon. The flavor profile is like being on a merry-go-round.
The last third begins. Flavors are very bold and expansive. The bitterness lasted only a minute or two and is now gone.
There is a new flavor lurking in the bushes. Strong coffee. Almost espresso.
The creaminess is waning. Here are the flavors, in order: Melon, sweetness, tartness, cocoa, spice, coffee, wood, and floral notes.
With less than a couple inches to go, the spice returns and the tip of my tongue burns. The green melon returns much stronger than earlier.
The strength has remained a classic medium body throughout the smoke.
This is a most unique cigar that everyone with a trained palate should try.
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Categories: CIGAR REVIEWS
