by Elliot on Thursday 05 October, 2017
Well what a cigar - Absolutely world class. The length, the draw and the smoke made for this to be one of my favourite smokes. Notes started of cool cedar before moving onto a heavy coffee taste before ending on a sweet spice to end - Didn't want to put the stick down! Only issue is the length and having two of these made for some Tetris in my humidor but both are gone now and once my knew cabinet arrives, I shall certainly be stocking up! If you haven't tried one, I would recommend!!! 5*
by Staff on Tuesday 07 June, 2016
Reviewed by Joe Gellman
Do not be put off or frightened by the size of this cigar. It is properly classified as a Gran Corona but know as an Especial or diademas. The cigar is presented in boxes of 10 and the box I bought, dated from March 1998 looked as if it were made for someone who was going to write a critical review, i.e., perfect in every respect. At $27.00 USD a cigar I expected something that would be memorable - I was neither surprised nor disappointed.
At an impressive 9 1/4 x 47 (235 mm x 18.65), the cigar has an elegance to it, perhaps due to the color. It is 1/4 inch shorter than a Monte "A", but is the same weight. Do not expect the draw to be difficult, however, due to being packed a bit more firmly that the "A". It was clear that quite a bit of care was used in rolling this cigar, and each one could have been cloned from the other.
The cap was tight, smooth, and even, on all 10 cigars. The foot evidenced swirls of evenly blended filler and binder, all of exacting color. The head, body and base were of a uniform firmness, and the wrappers on all were unblemished but for a few tell-tale green spots.
Holding the cigar (no, not with both hands) left me with the impression of smoothness, and almost rich and silky, but not fully developed vis-a-vis oils on the wrapper. The cigar was well balanced, like a professional throwing knife.
I cut the cap and noticed a small dimple at the center. The cigar had a vegetal taste before lighting with a hint of sweetness. The cigar lit up without a second thought and, with careful management, I was able to enjoy this cigar without having it go out on me right to the finish.
The first draw brought a light taste of wild flowers and a hint of sweetness. The smoke was bountiful and was easy to puff on. The smoke coming off the foot had a lovely woody aroma and, belying its size, would be acceptable to smoke indoors. After a few minutes the aroma reminded me of being in my wife's kitchen when she was cleaning out the herb drawer. I guess that is a pleasant herbal scent that does not mar the palate as many stronger cigars are want to do.
The ash was a medium to dark gray and held fast. I was able to produce a firm ash for about 2 inches, and would have kept it on but for the fact that I jerked my head around at the shrill sound of a police siren outside my house. The ash was very firm but upon testing, became powdery and of a single hue in the ashtray. The ash came off evenly and the cigar never gave thought of running.
From the first, the cigar smoked cool, and did not falter in this important aspect. My experience was quite nice, not having to draw heavily and never experiencing other than mellifluent tones from this giant. The aroma and taste did not falter nor grow unpleasant, at any time during the 2 1/4 hours it took to smoke the cigar. The cigar is a tad lighter than medium bodied, and remains fresh to the end. The sweetness dissipated after about 40 minutes and there was a hint of warm wood fires stoking somewhere in the soul of this cigar.
I would have liked a stronger finish, akin to the no-longer produced Dorados, but such is the burden memory makes. The flavors did not linger in the air but, fortunately, it did linger on my palate for some time after the last embers said good night.
by ArchivedCgarsReviews on Thursday 08 November, 2007
The Sancho Panza Sanchos, is a delightful cigar, with a daunting size, that is never overpowers, yet is always rich, with developing flavors. Starting floral, moving onto wood, about half way through, finishing spicy with a little pepper. A classically cuban smoke, lasting for about two hours. Making it ideal, for watching a football match with. I light one before kick off, putting it down, whilst leaving the ground, perfection. Be warned though, in our anti-smoking times, as with sublimes, Churchill's and double coronas, they draw lots of attention to themselves and the person smoking them, particularly in a crowd.
written by Kevin Hemsley
by ArchivedCgarsReviews on Thursday 08 November, 2007
Agree with the above review. Great for a night out 'big celebration', or just a relaxing Sunday. Introduced by a former boss to this beauty, and it does show them who's the boss! You do need the time with this lady and 2 hours is pushing it, not for a novice!
written by JC
by ArchivedCgarsReviews on Thursday 08 November, 2007
The enormous Sancho Panza Sancho is quite a smoke indeed. I had the pleasure of smoking a six year old one recently - Sanchos are light but flavoursome cigars, and one of the "forgotten Cuban" brands. Pity more people don't smoke them - there are subtle flavours of cocoa and coffee in there. Make sure you have a lot of time to smoke this particular one - takes forever to get through ! The draw isn't so good but is manageable - a relaxing, enjoyable smoke, not one to set the world on fire, but a very pleasant way to spend an evening.
written by Dave Francis