In attendance were Fernand, Robert, John L., Joe, Patrick (remotely), John O., and John D. As usual, we gathered to enjoy a recently recommended cigar and give our opinion on it by holding a 'group-tasting' following dinner.This herf marked our first (hopefully of many) to be held at The Vertigo Club. Clubmember, and official club tobacconist, John (also a Vertigo member) was kind enough to host is there for this splendid evening.
The dining portion of this herf differed from our usual approach. Instead of one of us hosting a home-cooked meal or dining out together at a local restaurant, we each brought hors d'œuvres to The Vertigo Club, potluck style.
Our selection for this herf was the Illusione Epernay La Ferme. This robusto was our Cigar of the Week back on December 21st. Recently named the #19 Cigar of the Year by Cigar Aficionado, the La Ferme holds a current published rating of 92 (Dec, 2009).
Following CA's 4-part rating system (Appearance & Construction, Flavor, Smoking Characteristics, and Overall Impression) we began the tasting while also enjoying some Elysian winter ale and Aberlour Scotch whiskey.
Upon initial examination of these Epernay’s looked beautiful; few defects noted. The wrapper texture was smooth and uniform, with skillfully applied caps and only the slightest bumps or rough veins detected. Typical Illusione quality shone through in this attractive example of how cigars premium should be crafted.
Most of these cigars drew and burned pretty well. A couple drew a little tight and a couple burned a little crooked. Most of us had to perform a re-light or two along the middle portion and into the final third, but it wasn’t enough to be a nuisance.
The flavors were mild and enjoyable right off the bat. Floral notes and pleasant, woody flavors dominated with subtle complexities abundant to keep things interesting through the first third. The middle third saw things simplify a bit, which one of our tasters described as monotone. Fortunately, the final third brought back some richness and complexity that once again brought our attention back to this very captivating blend. A few of us did record brief periods of a slightly bitter, citrus sort of character that was not dominant, and fortunately gave way to eventual savory and rich.
The volume of smoke produced sufficient, for the most part. We would liked to have seen the ash a bit more stable, but in all honesty, that’s being a bit picky.
After throwing out the highest and lowest, then averaging the remaining scores, The Cohiba Club's official rating for the Illusione Epernay La Ferme is 90. An outstanding cigar.
Here's the points breakdown:
I. Appearance & Construction: 14 pts (93% of the points possible)
II. Flavor: 22 pts (88% of the points possible)
III. Smoking Characteristics: 22 pts (88% of the points possible)
IV. Overall Impression: 32 pts (91% of the points possible)
What an easy recommendation to make. This cigar was never overpowering, making it an alluring choice for fans of mild-to-medium strength sticks. Anyone yet to experience an Epernay should add this to their ‘must-try’ list.
Thanks to John of J&J Cigars for giving us such a good deal on these sticks and for hosting us in an unparalleled environment as The Vertigo Club. It was truly a pleasure!
See you at the next herf, March 7th.
© 2010 The Cohiba Club – All rights reserved.
Most of these cigars drew and burned pretty well. A couple drew a little tight and a couple burned a little crooked. Most of us had to perform a re-light or two along the middle portion and into the final third, but it wasn’t enough to be a nuisance.The flavors were mild and enjoyable right off the bat. Floral notes and pleasant, woody flavors dominated with subtle complexities abundant to keep things interesting through the first third. The middle third saw things simplify a bit, which one of our tasters described as monotone. Fortunately, the final third brought back some richness and complexity that once again brought our attention back to this very captivating blend. A few of us did record brief periods of a slightly bitter, citrus sort of character that was not dominant, and fortunately gave way to eventual savory and rich.
The volume of smoke produced sufficient, for the most part. We would liked to have seen the ash a bit more stable, but in all honesty, that’s being a bit picky.
After throwing out the highest and lowest, then averaging the remaining scores, The Cohiba Club's official rating for the Illusione Epernay La Ferme is 90. An outstanding cigar.
Here's the points breakdown:
I. Appearance & Construction: 14 pts (93% of the points possible)
II. Flavor: 22 pts (88% of the points possible)
III. Smoking Characteristics: 22 pts (88% of the points possible)
IV. Overall Impression: 32 pts (91% of the points possible)
What an easy recommendation to make. This cigar was never overpowering, making it an alluring choice for fans of mild-to-medium strength sticks. Anyone yet to experience an Epernay should add this to their ‘must-try’ list.
Thanks to John of J&J Cigars for giving us such a good deal on these sticks and for hosting us in an unparalleled environment as The Vertigo Club. It was truly a pleasure!
See you at the next herf, March 7th.
© 2010 The Cohiba Club – All rights reserved.
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