Southern Draw Manzanita
Southern Draw Manzanita Toro is an AJ Fernandez blend of corojo and ligero filler, a Habano binder and a hybrid Habano wrapper. I could not find countries of origin for the tobacco. Did the Holts permit passport-less leaves across the Texas border? The Holts and AJ are getting as mysterious as Robert Caldwell.
Had to use the Perfect Draw overtime - reamed twice to open the tight draw. The second ream pulled a chunk of tobacco out that was a half inch long causing a brief weak smoke output. My bad. The good news: it did not harm the cap or the wrapper. Once I got past the “hole” in the filler the cigar was fine.
From this point on, the draw is open, the smoke production is ample, the white ash is firm and solid, and the burn line is reasonably even.
Heavy on the pepper, herbal, spices abound including cinnamon, and cedar. Also notes of hazelnuts, raisins (dried fruit), earth/hay/vegetal, and leather. There’s just a touch of occasional milk chocolate/cocoa, citrus and cream notes. The dominant flavors are spice, cedar and nuts by the second third, but they politely make room for the other flavors to push their way into the mix. The pepper subsides by the final third, although spice continue as part of the forefront notes. The retrohale is quite spicy. It’s a medium-full bodied stick pushing full by the final third and medium strength start to finish.
Southern Draw Manzanita is a pleasant smoke. It’s fairly balanced, but not very complex. The flavor profile turned a shade bitter during the final third, but not astringent or abrasive. The flavors just kind of fell out of balance and went flat. My rating on the first 2 thirds would be a 4. It’s barely a 3 by the finish line. I’m a big fan of Southern Draw, especially Rose of Sharon. Kudzu and 300 Hands Maduro. The Manzanita is my least favorite of the line.
Comments
13 All American
(3 months ago)I've only smoke one Manzanita robusto that had been resting for over a year.
I got a strong caramel taste from it. Quite enjoyable. I immediately picked up a ten pack and stuck them away for a year or so.
100 chipc73
(3 months ago)I loved that cigar (thank you @shortstackz )! And, thanks to our aforementioned brother, I have a Kudzu patiently waiting in my humidor. I am very much looking forward to trying that one. 😊
100 Bear On The Air
(3 months ago)My favorite Kudzu is the Lustrum. Enjoy!
100 shortstackz
(3 months ago)Different smokes , for different folks 😎 That’s my favorite SD. I always catch Granny Smith apples notes in the Manzanita.
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