El Rey del Mundo 1848

Well rolled, excellent draw and cedar wrapped for improved aging and extra flavor. One of the better cigars in the 3-4 dollar price range. A complexity of flavors, ranging from cedar and nuts, with plenty of toasty bread, and very slight traits of tangy berries. Medium to full bodied bellows of smoke, very smooth, and not a hint of harshness. Highly recommended.

Big as a railroad spike, this cigar had a tough, leathery EMS wrapper with some obvious veins and a weathered look. Clad in a long cedar sleeve emblazoned with the 1848 marking, the cigar sported the distinctive ERdM band and a colorful paper ring at the foot. It was a very firmly rolled stick with slight give to it. The foot was somewhat ragged and the wrapper at the foot was cracked and torn, but the cap was large and well applied. It clipped cleanly and had a smooth pre-light draw.

As a test I lit the edge of the raggedy foot and the cigar passed by quickly settling into a good, even burn. The flavor was medium and smooth, obviously tempered by the sheer size of the cigar. Interestingly, the smooth, rich taste was delivered in a deceptively small amount of smoke, but what smoke there was came packed full of flavor. There were notes of muted herbs, slight woodiness, and a balanced finish. Good mouth feel and heft added to the pleasant smoking experience. The flavor built slowly and peaked with a powerful crescendo in the final two inches.

The cigar matched perfectly with a cup of Earl Grey and honey and kept my attention for a solid 90 minutes, burning dead even all the way to the band. The aroma of the smoke was light, pleasantly herbal, and not intrusive.

Overall an imposing, rustic looking cigar that offers a nice mellow range of flavor and balance throughout the burn. This is a great way to spend a couple of hours in restful contemplation. Recommended.