Stogie News: Alec Bradley to Release ‘Vice Press’

The Alec Bradley Cigar Company, maker of such blends as the Tempus, Select Cabinet Reserve, and MAXX lines, have announced the release of the new Vice Press blend, presented in three box-pressed sizes: “6T4” (5 x 64), “6T2” (6.5 x 62), and “6T” (7 x 60 torpedo).

The 5-country blend includes Nicaraguan, Honduran, and Mexican long-fillers with a double binder consisting of Costa Rican and Colombian tobaccos. The wrapper is a deep brown and oily Nicaraguan Jalapa leaf.

While the Vice Press is being introduced as a new line, in some regards it is a spin-off of the popular MAXX line. In 2007, Alec Bradley added the box-pressed “Vice” size to its MAXX series. Originally it was presented in a chest of 50 cigars with sliding Spanish cedar trays, but the new three-size Vice Press line will come in multi-level chests of 20.

The company will officially debut the new Vice Press cigars in New Orleans at the annual International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers (IPCPR) trade show in August.

Vice Press 6T2 Tasting Notes

While not yet officially released, I recently had the opportunity to sample a single Vice Press “6T2″—the six and a half inch by 62 ring gauge toro. Please keep in mind that what follows are just my impressions of a single cigar, not multiple sticks (all StogieGuys.com full reviews, unless otherwise stated, are the result of multiple tastings.)

The dark brown velvety wrapper has only a few small veins and features small streaks with black colorations. Sharply pressed, the toro is slightly spongy to the touch, but even throughout. Upon snipping the head, I found an easy draw. There is a delicious pre-light aroma of cedar and cinnamon.

Once lit,  I found lots of black coffee, hints of cocao, and some roasted nut flavors. It has a bit a depth in the medium- to full-bodied flavors, though the taste is consistent throughout. With the exception of a only a slightly uneven burn, construction was flawless.

Overall, the Vice Press is a promising new addition to Alec Bradley’s portfolio that will be enjoyed by fans of its MAXX lines, as well as by those who prefer cigars with lots of coffee and chocolate flavors.  Similar cigars include the CAO Brazilia, Padrón Maduro, and Isla de Cuba Blend 376. I look forward to publishing a full review following the IPCPR trade show.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys