Alec Bradley - Tempus Terra Novo Maduro Cigar - 1 Single

Tried for the first time tonight. I can only write as I found! Dark chocolate coloured wrapper with single cap, oily but toothy in texture. Gives a very earthy smell with a hint of black cherry on the foot. Dry-draw is quite sweet. Took quite a while to toast and light, and initially gave off little in the way of smoke output - however, taste on the first draw was very spicy with a peppery finish. First impression was that this was going to be a tough smoke that would need lots of babying, and perhaps would be a little overwhelming. However, after the initial draw, the smoke output became very voluminous and creamy. First third was very chocolaty and sweet with hints of mocha, continuing with the spicy finish. The middle developed into a full coffee-like taste with hints of liquorice, whilst the back third was very leathery, and increased in strength. Final draw was spicy and coarse, but surprised with a final note of aniseed. Overall, very nice flavours, and a great burn time of 95 minutes. A little too sickly-sweet in places, and VERY powerful at the end. However, construction is not great - this particular stick needed to be touched up no fewer than three times.

Big fan of AB, but this one is a bit of a surprise, pleasant, but a surprise. Wrapper reminds me of a Tatuaje, bit toothy, subtle veins and an oily sheen. Few imperfections added to by the blasted bands being glued to the wrapper so no matter how careful some damage when removing. Good feel in the hand and an open draw from the off with clouds of white mellow smoke. The flavours surprise, hint of sweetness, and an almost menthol quality, reminds me of an aromatic pipe blend I used to smoke, so much so it could be! Some burn issues that no amount of love seemed to remedy. Ash clings on for dear life and darker than I'm used to for a non-Cuban. Definitely worth a try if you like AB. Me, another before I render a verdict...