Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Sumatra
Filler: Nicaraguan
Size: 6.5 x 48
Strength: Medium
Price: $11.00
My cigars received 2 months of naked humidor time.
BACKGROUND:
From Lovely Cigars:
“In Green Bay, Wisconsin there was a robust labor union for cigar making. This union’s name was The Local 162. Green Bay was a major Midwest producer of cigars due to its proximity to the Great Lakes by way of the Fox River. One of the oldest cigar brands on the market from Green Bay was named, Ain’t They Lovely. The Ain’t They Lovely brand was sold throughout the state of Wisconsin, and as far down as the Chicago Land area. In fact, part of the original artwork on the boxes incorporates blue ribbon medals from the World’s Columbian Exposition, better known as the “World’s Fair” in 1893.
“Being from Green Bay and understanding the history of the cigar business, we wanted to pay tribute to our area and its rich history. When we found and opened the original ‘Ain’t They Lovely’ box of cigars from the early 1900s, the gem of an idea was formed. We were going to bring back this iconic brand.
No. 162 is named after a Cigar Roller union from the Green Bay area known for being very progressive, offering high wages, sick benefits, and being one of the first to provide maternity benefits.”
THE WHOLE MEGILLAH:
In October 2022, I reviewed Lovely Cigars’ first outing Ain’t They Lovely. A 6 x 52 toro with Ecuadorian, Mexican, and Nicaraguan ingredients. Pretty good cigar. I rated it 95. And inexpensive at only $11.00. Lovely Cigars has continued its robust effort to provide affordable cigars by pricing their latest entry at still only $11.00. Only $9.35 after promo code. The $10 cigar of yesteryear is beginning to look like found gold.
A small blow hole is achieved. I used my PerfecPunch to cleave an effortless opening. If you don’t have one of these things, well…
A mild start. After a few seconds, my taste buds are slammed with welcome flavors of spicy peppers, caramel, grapefruit, creaminess, potato chips, and chocolate milk. Nice.
I like the size of this cigar. Almost a Churchill. Almost a Corona Gorda. Almost a Toro.
There is a sophisticated blend happening here. If I had to guess the leaves’ origins, I’d be off base by a mile. There is a lovely (sorry for the pun) Dominican feel in its mouth feel and finish. Maybe a Peruvian touch to keep it balanced. A sweet Brazilian influence. But none of these apply. The Habano wrapper does not incur the usual bustiness one expects from that leaf. The Nic guts only give away their presence by the perfectly balanced spiciness. Never would guess Sumatra is in play.
I must admit that after a month, this blend was not ready for prime time. It took a few sols for this blend to breathe and spread its wings. I found no existing reviews. I’m thinking that the chrysalis period of this cigar’s life may have put the kibosh on the reviews. This is not uncommon. Most cigars taste like dirt upon receipt.
A very slow roll. Construction is excellent. The burn is spotted dick (British steamed pudding).
I have a memory of violinist Darry Way making me dinner. He took a beautiful beef roast and threw it in a boiling pot. He served it with undercooked potatoes. Still have trauma dreams from that. My Earth Shoes were more tender.
The flavors get bigger. Buttery popcorn, lemon crème pie, chocolate mousse, dried figs, and raspberries.
Even better is the supreme richness and assembling complexity. Each puff finds me slapping my tongue around the far reaches of my giant maw. Emulating the art of taking bread to gravy.
Strength began at medium and continues that course at 2” burned. 30 minutes.
It wasn’t Yoko Ono. Bands end.
I adored Lovely Cigars first entry into the competitive world of boutique cigars. The No. 162 is just as good and maybe a scoche better. I quickly scan my review of Ain’t They Lovely to remind myself of that experience. A totally different blend. But on the same page for its commitment to excellence. The common denominator is the complexity that both blends bring to the table. This is extremely rare for a fledgling outfit. Nailing it on both outings is unheard of.
The halfway point is screaming laughter. Full body but its strength remains at medium. This ain’t easy. Or lovely. I’m amazed at blenders that can maintain the middle ground in power throughout. Most blends plummet towards medium/full. Constraints on muscle is to be admired.
Great cigar. I’m enthralled. I have a few sticks left. I’m a happy clam. Don’t you just adore a cigar that keeps on impressing. Thrilling you with its complex nature at every turn. A break of dawn cigar like this with my cup of coffee is textbook perfect. If I want to hallucinate, I’ll smoke an AJ. But now that I’m old, easy as she goes is preferred.
This is a 2-hour smoke. Loving it.
The first time I had a Wimpy Burger in London I thought it was a joke. A gray patty with a few listless grilled onions atop was something out of a WWI battle scene.
There wasn’t a McDonalds until a couple months before I left the country. I drove 45 minutes across town to scarf up the American Big Mac. Sad.
The flavors are laser focused now: Caramel, creaminess, brioche, black pepper, raw peanuts, grapefruit juice, Three Musketeers bar, black coffee, raspberries, and dried dates. If that ain’t lovely, I’ll eat my hat.
This is the best $11 cigar you’ll find. The denseness of this blend shames cigars at twice this price point. The blend comes in three perfect sizes: 5 x 50, 6 x 52, and 5.5 x 48. The boys at Lovely were smart not adding a Gordo. You can gander at the Lovely Cigars website here.
No one has gotten the excellence from an Ecuadorian Habano that Lovely achieved.
The last two inches are bliss on toast. If you like an intense experience with your cylindrical bundle of leaves, I’ve got a cigar blend for you.
I’m so happy for Dylan Masse and Keith Archiquette of Lovely Cigars. Two young men who have the passion and determination to make a difference in the world of boutique cigars.
If you choose to explore the two blends from Lovely, wait at least two months before lighting up. You don’t want to waste a single cigar to impatience.
You can purchase both Lovely blends, No. 162 and Ain’t They Lovely, from sponsor Luxury Cigar Club (15% off with promo code ‘katman’).
RATING: 97
Discover more from Cigar Reviews by the Katman
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Categories: CIGAR REVIEWS
