Sancho Panza Xtra Fuerte Barcelona

Enjoyed the SP Double Maduros and had heard that these Xtra Fuertes were even better. Not a bad smoke, but personally I think the DM's win out. Wrapper was a slightly oily, medium brown color. Cigar had a firm but light feel. Nice pre-light aroma of wood, spice and cocoa powder. Cut and lit very easy and burn produced huge plumes of aromatic smoke. Burned quite evenly with no touch-ups or re-lights. Started out extremely smooth and creamy. Notes of toasted oak, cocoa, spice and sweet cream. First 2/3rd's remained a smooth and medium bodied smoke. Last 1/3rd became slightly hot and harsh, but still tasty enough to finish. I want to try a bigger vitola of these and see if they me a bit less hot toward the end.

It happens. You are not always going to get a good cigar when you're spending $3/stick. Just hot harsh and disagreeable. These can be good. Only 5-6 months aging may have been the culprit.

The double maduro Sancho Panza was one of my first cigars ever and holds a special place in my heart. Procured from a friend, I was glad to be able to try another Sancho Panza cigar. Maybe my expectations were too high for this stick. Appearance was good, cut smoothly with a good draw. The peppery taste was nice in the beginning, however it didn't last long. The spice disappeared to reveal a basic tobacco taste with faint woody notes. Extra Fuerte would make you think this cigar would have some staying power. After the first half was burned there was very little taste left. The cigar needed a touchup or two to keep it burning straight. I'm all for a cheap $2 cigar and my humidor has several, this one doesn't make the cut. If you're going to enjoy a Sancho Panza, stick with the double maduro for a cheap basic smoke that has some flavor.

Overall construction was very nice with a smooth wrapper ( almost a rosado color) Nice aroma and draw at prelight. Upon lighting the flavor was a slight pepper with a mild undertone of wood and spice. the cigar did not really develop into anything else. this was a very mild and enjoyable smoke , but not what i expected from the xtra-fuerte billing

On 2.5 years rest, these lose a good bit of their initial spiciness. Fresh vs. aged is like the difference between a JdN Antano and a Celebracion, perhaps, in that the core flavor and complexity is still there, but turned down a few notches. Though I should add that the second half of this smoke was no match for the first. It turned a little one-dimensional (wood). I prefer them fresh. As I recall, these come cello-wrapped from the factory. If I had it to do again, I'd leave them in their cello sleeves to delay their maturity.

I was looking for the SP double M's and found this one on the shelf above it. So I got some of each. Very attractive and aromatic prelight. Box pressed slightly red wrrapper. Cut it with a sharp punch and felt a little breakage in the wrapper about 2 inches from the cap end. the small crack I created never caused a problem in smoking but it bears mentioning.
Smooth spicey punch when you light it up. That spice continues and I can only describe it as "full tounge". Meaning it can be tasted all over your tounge but its never overly strong, just plentiful. I found it remniscent of a punch rare corojo but a bit more spice and less silky. Definately a great smoke that I want to experience more of.
I'm dinging the construction because it cracked when I was punching it.
For the record this one was enjoyed at the ball field in very cold weather with a thermos of black coffee and no accompanying food. Burn was consistant and until about 2 inches from the end. It was a bit moist by the end but that could have been my doing. Further tests will be required.

I loved this cigar. Excellent burn, no touch ups required at all. It started out very strong and spicy, but mellowed a little towards the mid and end. Almost minty.
Tons of smoke. For less than 4 bucks what's not to like?

I picked up this baby a few weeks ago and my B&M. I enjoy the other SPs, but this one is super smooth with a caramel aftertaste. One of the most unique cigars I've ever had, and for the money, these are easily one of my highest rated cigars. I would go get a box now, but I would have to kick someone out of my coolerdor!

This Sancho Panza will easily take an hour of your time and generate a lot of smoke and a lot of pleasure for you.

Very good cigar from the smell before you light it till the very last taste. Couldn't put it down. One of my favorite cigars and great for the price. Must Try!!!

this is a helluva cigar. nice burn and construction, perfect draw, medium-bodied, strong base of cinnamon, cream, and caramel, with flutters of mint and berry, and some nice fresh wood at various times, reminded me of the lumber yard in a home depot.
For the price it's hard to beat.

For three clams, this is all the smoke I could ask for. They look great, taste great, and I can afford more of them than I can smoke! The reddish hued wrapper is smooth and perfectly uniform in color (as is the entire Sancho Panza line). The flavor has some of the "red" spice you get from an Antano or an Opus, but it's meticulously balanced and smooth. It'll never leave you wheezing. A perfect "utility smoke" -- fuerte enough for post-meal, but balanced enough to smoke by itself at any time of day. BTW, I agree with jermball, that these are best on Day One.

Had a couple singles of these and loved them. Good balance between strength and flavor. I bought a box to age, had a few right out the box within the first month and they were just like the others. Let them sit 6 months and did not like them aged. Mellowed out way too much and the flavor profile just did not match the mellowness. Will still continue to buy singles, but no more boxes

This cigar is another value smoke. The flavor is excellent with a nice strong base with spice and cinnamon undertones mixing together to give this smoke a real even balance. Some burn issues but they are not terrible.
This is a great cigar at an even better price.

I've found the Cordoba to be a tastier cigar overall, this one seems to be a bit mediocre overall. It is dark and oaky with ligero overtones with a pretty big dose of vitamin N, but they tend to have a kind of weird flavor. Combine that with minor burn problems and the smaller Cordoba and Pamplona are better and cheaper.

Flavor profile is great: full-bodied, sweet/spicy with a good draw. Nice box press too. However, there were notes of harshness and it left a notable afterbite.

A squre pressed value that's like that akward looking girl you just know could grow up to be a world class beauty!

Spicy throughout with an impeccable draw, yet it is mellow as opposed to other ligero type cigars that are harsh or will just blow you away. Great balance but not complex.

This is a #1 go to cigar, and on many occasions I would prefer it to a Perdomo 1964 Anniversario!

Got one as a gift. Looked great, felt nice in my hand. Burned well. Nice taste throughout for an inexpensive cigar. I think i'll try a box.

I purchased a box of these largely because of the reviews on this site. I am sorely disappointed. The only strength of this cigar (besides the price, but come on, there are many inexpensive options that surpass this-try the Hoyo Governor) is its robust flavor. There is nothing special about its look, and its construction is poor. The butt starts to unravel about half way through, and it is very veiny. Don't waste your time.

I bought a box of these off one of the internet sites. I really like the regular SP gloriosos but was looking for a cigar that is more robust. I found it! I love this cigar. Flawless construction, box pressed cigar that created a party in my mouth without putting holes in the wall and destroying the furniture. It had just the right amount of spices. Just needs a tad more robust-ness for me to rate it a 9 in flavor. (I agree with antaean - never had a 10 - probably never will) Definitely worth the $2.30/stick I paid for them.

This is probably the best buy you can get. Medium-Full cigar with a great burn. Sweet tasting cigar....a must try!

Smoked a box of these and all were great. Pre-light scent is intriguing. Wrapper is a little veiny but at the right temp gets nicely oily. Roll is very good, draw is easy. Lots of smoke, lots of flavor and buzz factor is nice. Spicy taste is a true winner and does not affect the throat. Actually tingled my tongue. These smoked cool all the way to the nub. The barcelonas were ready to go right out of the box, but the cordobas (separate review) seemed a bit "young" and were put in humi for a few weeks. I will get more of both sizes. I prefer the barcelona but the cordoba is a bit shorter smoke (needed in winter for me). Heartily recommended for experienced smokers who enjoy some spice in their smoke. My favorites now, and cannot beat the price/value. I didn't give any 10's since perfection has not been found yet, at least by me. Burn was a bit uneven from time to time but was always self correcting.

Love this cigar, relatively inexpensive, great looing box press, fulll flavored smoke, spicey, what I really love about this cigar is that it burns perfectly for a fuerte. TOP NOTCH!

Got a 5 pack for $12 on an auction site. An attractive box-pressed cigar with a great pre-light aroma. I was expecting a strong smoke, but it was surprisingly tame for its name. It burned very evenly, and had a nice laight grey ash. The taste was never harsh or overpowering. It smacked of cedar and dough, and had hints of spice. For the price, it is a kick-ass cigar, and blows many pricey smokes out of the water. Highly recommened to anyone who enjoys a tasty cigar.

I must agree with the other raters that this is a hell of a cigar, especially for the dirt-cheap cost. This box-press had one of the most lush draws ever, just smacking of minerals and sweet cedar. It just made my taste buds tingle as well as the back of my throat. The smoke itself was very earthy and chewy, but the finish was tangy and even a little fruity. Definitely sit down when you smoke this one. It lasted me almost 2 hours and was quite satisfying.

Tonight I fired up my second SPEF slow to ignite but after the first inch BOOM! The med-full power fills the nostrils and tongue with hot cinnamon and smooth, strong tobacco. Square pressed with the best burn on a boxed pressed cigar I have ever experienced. Can't beat the price and quality.

I settled into a hot tub with a glass of cognac in one hand and this cigar in the other for my first try off the box I bought. This is a surprisingly strong smoke for me with quite a spicy flavor. It was a great smoke and reminded me of the last Cuban I had as I got quite a buzz off it. Extra Fuerte sums up this cigar just right and the price makes it Extra Nice.

Don't get me wrong, I love the SP Double Maduro line, esp the Escudero. But this is no more fuerte than those. Still a smooth great tasting cigar that is well worth the money. Don't overpay for these, as there is always the double maduro to go to

Quite possibly the finest $10 cigar you will ever buy for $3. Honestly, these are EXCELLENT cigars and I like this better than the Madrid which CA rated 91 pts and one of the 100 best of last year. A medium to full bodied, creamy, smooth one and a half hour long smoke.

So far I am a big fan of Sancho Panza, the Barcelona is no exception. Lovely reddish brown wrapper with a soothing sweet aroma. Spicy but not harsh with floral and dry wood flavors. This cigar really hit the spot in my mind and went very well with some assorted chocolates. Nice finish on a medium to mostly full body. Highly recommend.

Another good, dependable smoke from SP. Nice wrapper, always good construction, and complex flavors. Full bodied, just the way I like'em. Can't wait to try the Madrid next

This cigar was most definitely potent. I got a good loopy buzz off of this cigar. Flavor was little harsh to nice and burn your throat spicey. I learned if I smoked this cigar slow it was good, if I smoked it to quick the flavor took a dive. I will try another one now I learned it requires a slow smoke.

Nice dark, slightly rough and oily wrapper. Box pressed. A spicy bite upon lighting, then smooths out. Remains flavorful and 'fuerte' throughout. Occasional uneven burn, generally self correcting, though touched it with the torch once or twice. Bought a ten-pack and continue to reach for them in the humidor. Rich and flavor. A good smoke at any price and a great smoke for about $3.

A high-value cigar that is more "fuerte" than the traditional SP line, but IMHO doesn't meet the label, let alone the Xtra ...

The best of Sancho Panza line. Rich and spicy but also very smooth. This is an affordable cigar that can compete with any $20.00 cigar out there.

A good full bodied cigar. Not for beginners. This cigar gave a decent buzz at the end, last 2". This cigar had a great smelling smoke and a good taste. Nothing super memorable, but a good cigar. Relatively smooth for a fuller tasting cigar. Good draw and burn all the way down.

First one I tried was a gift from a friend. Wow had to go out and buy a box before I even finished smoking that one.

Smoked as part of 3 pack of regular, double mad, and super fuerte. very surprised at flavor of this cigar. no doubt the best $3 cigar out there. taste rivals padron anniversary and other rich maduros. tasted like a spicy chocolate bar.