Wrapper: U.S.A. Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Nicaraguan Jalapa
Filler: Costa Rican, Nicaraguan Ometepe and Pueblo Nuevo
Size: 6.125 x 52 Torpedo
Strength: Medium
Price: $13.00
NOTE: I was diagnosed with Covid a week or so back. I can’t swallow. My taste-o-vision is gone. And I sound like George Jessel when I drink. But the good news is I’m not dying and I’m beginning to see daylight. Thanks to Moose & Squirrel Theology, I should be back at it soon…lots of crap to shed daylight on. Here is a review of an excellent cigar from earlier this year.
My cigars received 4 months of naked humidor time.
BACKGROUND:
From Small Batch Cigar:
“Le Pâtissier is a PCA exclusive, only offered to Crowned Heads retailers that attended the tradeshow in Las Vegas last year. It’s inspired by the popular Le Carême release, but this time produced at Tabacalera Pichardo.
“When we were approached to do a PCA 2021 exclusive we wanted to bring something special to the show,” said Jon Huber, co-founder of Crowned Heads, in a press release.
“Pâtissier is an amazing expression of Connecticut broadleaf that exudes a unique combination of complexity, finesse and balance. We’ve produced broadleaf-based blends with three other factories to this point; however, Pâtissier brings a different dimension to the profile that makes it stands on its own.”
THE WHOLE MEGILLAH:
HW’s reviewers critiqued this cigar twice in 2022. Two different soul men. Two wildly different reviews. Goes to show you…the palate is a mysterious thing. And we boneheads continue to look towards the written, or video, critique for guidance. We honey do it or we honey don’t. Love it or Leave it. Nixon in ’68. Get out of Vietnam. Stop the commies in their tracks.
Belicoso and torpedo sticks nearly always have draw issues. Modus operandi of the beast. I reach into my empty ball sack and retrieve my impeccable PerfecDraw. It glimmers in the darkness like the fangs of Soupy Sales. I let out a blood curdling scream as I plunge the tool into the netherworld…and voila! I can now freely suck to my ever-lovin’ delight without the added distraction of sunken cheeks. The other cheeks. The ones I used in D Block in Quentin.
The wrapper smells spectacular…bright and spicy cinnamon, vast golden fields of floral arrangers on break, vanilla creaminess, warmed cashews, dark cocoa, glistening & globally erect ferret fur, and freshly baked bread.
Not a big broadleaf fan but first impressions are I’m huffing on a stick with an Ecuadorian sleeve. While the Nic guts provide zest, the Costa Rican leaves provide silky smoothness.
The wrapper engorges itself around my lips. (I’m still not gay). A stunning richness ensues. I don’t recollect the Crowned Heads catalog brimming with deeply complex blends. They seem to parallel the AJ playbook. And there is nothing wrong with that road. The Le Pâtissier has an immediate impact with a causation that raises my eyebrows as if Groucho was here. Super smooth.
Instant awareness of rich flavors held at bay just enough to tantalize this palate into wanting more. I sense complexity. The trick is to continue the process.
The PR says: Baking Chocolate, Spice, Bread, Stone Fruit, and Cream. So far, so good.
Flavor points are a dime a dozen. I don’t sit here like a fucking moron and think that displaying a litany of gingers means I’m a smart smoker. I’m not. Just like you, I know what I like…and discard the rest. Individual flavors are displayed by the reviewer to impress the blender that we know what we’re talking about. Dumb ass rating systems still rely on subjectivity. Advanced algebra or throwing a dart…either will do. We in the trench smokers care about richness, complexity, and transitions. And this blend is delivering. After promo codes, a $11+ stick. A bargain.
And it burns nicely:
Does this cigar wreak of surplus rutabagas? No. That’s just me before I Lume up.
Strength is medium. A very nice morning smoke with coffee. I love coffee. I used to love cocaine but that was 45 years ago. My nose is still healing.
Construction is just immaculate. I wish you were here.
The album we recorded at Island Studios London was a long succession of hangs and intrusions by people we didn’t know. I had no idea who to be nice to…or people I should ask ‘How much for the drugs?’
I’m cruising as I pass the halfway point. Supremely easy-going satisfying smoke. It reminds me of much more expensive blends with flag waving innards. This is one of the best cigars Crowned Heads has brought to our attention. The best part is it is regular production…and it’s affordable. We have a winner.
It used to be we officious critics would review whatever the companies sent us. But now, the massive influx of choices makes it nearly impossible to keep up.
The blend provides a minimalist approach to spiciness. A lightness that once again makes it a nice a.m. smoke. A sweet brioche tingles. Reviews over the last couple of years have raked this blend over the coals. They’ve been overly critical. There is nothing wrong with a good time amusing cigar. It’s not a steam roller. Not every cigar must carry a heavy bat. A ton of crap out there at this price point. This is my third Le Pâtissier. It doesn’t waver. I don’t like surprises when I reach into my humidor.
Not a lick of harshness. It contains elusive richness. Lightly complex. Transitional. I want something I can count on. Mime is money. This is a reliable stick. Will it make my top 25 list? Nope. What is my reaction? I’d like to have a box. I do. Jon Huber did good. The negative reviews were severe. A professional reviewer tends to overlook simplicity. If done correctly, it results in a pleasant smoke. In the current Land of Giant Price Tags, the $13 stick that performs in a courteous manner is a good time.
You can purchase this cigar from sponsor Small Batch Cigar (10% off with promo code ‘katman’.
RATING: 94
Don’t miss out! Paul Stulac Cigars can now be purchased from Small Batch Cigar. And don’t forget to use promo code KATMAN for 10% off your purchase.
Stay tuned for the next SWAG Daddy contest coming soon…
Check out Katman’s Kartel page at Small Batch Cigar and score deals on cigars from My Top 32 Cigars of 2023 ~ Rated 96 or Higher! Use that promo code: KATMAN
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Categories: CIGAR REVIEWS
OK, for my latest noob question, Why are cigars purchased from a cigar store that is essentially a giant humidor not considered to be aged, even when they have sat in the store for an undetermined amount of time? Why does the clock start when they hit my humidor?
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My Covid is starting all over again.
This is too complex a question for a man sick with the plague.
I’ll get back to you.
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