Today was one of those days and upon arriving home, I wanted nothing more than to sit and have a relaxing smoke and contemplate the quiet. I didn’t want a strong cigar that would shrivel my teeth, nor did I want a cigar that wouldn’t leave a lasting impression. My choice: a Fuente Gran Reserva Cuban Belicoso.

This cigar uses the same Dominican binder and filler blend as the rest of Fuente’s Gran Reserva line. The difference is the exclusive Ecuadorian sun grown wrapper, which is grown in limited quantities and is much sought after around the world. This wrapper is exposed to a greater amount of sun, wind, rain and other punishing conditions of nature, and is forced to draw more nutrients from the soil, becoming stronger, more robust, and flavorful.

I sat down in my usual smoking spot on my back patio with one purpose in mind: to enjoy a relaxing smoke and a smooth libation. It was a clear yet cold night outside, but I didn’t mind. I have two propane heaters and, after I launched them, I was as snug as the proverbial bug. At that point, I pulled the cedar sleeve off my cigar and began my pre-light inspection. The wrapper on this cigar is a gem. A chocolate brown color; smooth with hardly noticeable veins. Not much of a nose, but I was expecting this after my other run-ins with this breed. I quickly trimmed and set this puppy aflame.

Just as quickly, it developed an uneven burn and the ash flowered; so much so that I had to drop the ash after a half-inch to keep it out of my lap. However, the burn quickly righted itself and I settled back to enjoy.

The flavors were spicy and bittersweet: literally. There is a sweetness to the wrapper leaf, along with enough spiciness, to give it a hint of bitterness…. Don’t ask.

The draw was near perfect. There is something extra relaxing about a cigar that you don’t have to puff all the time to keep it lit. This stogie stayed lit and I was able to relax and just enjoy it.

I smoked the previous cigar of this batch about 3 months ago and remember that it was over spicy and had some burn problems near the end. Not so with this bad boy. It was a joy to smoke from start to finish.

At the halfway point, it developed a bit of an irregular burn and I was in no mood, nor did I have the patience to allow it to right itself. So, I touched it up with my lighter and it took perfectly to the disciplining.

This cigar batch has matured nicely with the extra age. After nearly 4 1/2 months in my humi, this specimen has blossomed into an excellent and relaxing smoke. It is medium bodied and medium flavored, full of roasted nuts and spice and yet not overdone with either; the perfect choice for the end of an otherwise less than perfect day.

I complemented this cigar with a short glass of Blanton’s Single Barrel bourbon. A smooth, complex libation with a hint of orange zest.

~Doc