Alec Bradley Family Blend Robusto
Jan 18, 2010 Cigar
Tonight’s review is the Alec Bradley Family Blend Robusto.
From their website, Alec Bradley Family Blend cigars were created expressly for the fathers of the company’s three principal executives, Alan Rubin (President), Ralph Montero (Vice President), and George Sosa (National Sales Director).
Available in only one size, the cigars are rolled into a 50 x 5 ½ Robusto shape capped with a classic Cuban pigtail at the head. The cigars are presented in handsome chests of 50 cigars bearing the signatures of David Rubin, Miguel Montero and Reinaldo Sosa, respectively.
The smoke is medium-bodied, creamy-smooth, and full-flavored with a marvelous aroma.
Alec Bradley Family Blend named #16 on Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25 Cigars of the Year: 2009 List.
Now, on to the review.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Size: 5.5×50 (Robusto)
Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Honduras
Binder: Indonesia
Filler: Honduras, Nicaragua
APPEARANCE and CONSTRUCTION – (17 of 20 pts.)
The wrapper is a medium brown color with no noticeable veins or blemishes. There is what appears to be a small glue mark towards the middle of the stick. I can only assume its wrapper glue as I didn’t notice this on any of the other samples I had. Feels firm all the way across the length of the cigar. The head is nicely applied with a small pigtail. Not sure why, but I love the addition of pigtails to cigars. It gives me a sense of the roller and even though it sounds silly, it makes me think of the rolling process and the skilled hands that created this cigar.
SMOKING CHARACTERISTICS – (21 of 25 pts.)
The foot and wrapper both have a mild aroma of fresh cut wood and some earthy sweetness. None of the aromas on the wrapper and foot are very strong however. Cut with my Palio cutter and lit with my Blazer torch. Cigar burned evenly until the final third where it got a bit out of control. each of the three samples I tried of this stick all had some sort of burn issue towards the end of the smoke. Not sure the reasoning there, but it was consistent. Draw was very good and smoke was light and airy.
FLAVOR – (25 of 30 pts.)
The initial flavors were a basic light wood, light leather and dry nuttiness. Flavors were good, but not overwhelming. Second third, each of the flavors intensified and the smoke became more enjoyable. There was also a slight saltiness I noted in the second third. The combination of wood, leather and nuts remained into the final third of the cigar.
OVERALL IMPRESSION – (20 of 25 pts.)
Considering how much I enjoyed the SCR blend by Alec Bradley, I was somewhat disappointed in this stick. It wasn’t bad, it just didn’t have anything that would compel me to pick one up again. It was a little too basic for me and didn’t have that “wow” factor that would separate it from any other cigar in its category. Flavors were good, not great. Build was good, not great. Impression was good, not great.
TOTAL SCORE – 83
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Tags: Alec Bradley, Family Blend
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