Quick Smoke: Alec Bradley American Sun Grown Robusto

Each Saturday and Sunday we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief verdict on a single cigar of “buy,” “hold,” or “sell.”

This Nicaraguan puro from Alec Bradley and made at Nestor Plasencia’s factory features a sun-grown Habano wrapper from Jalapa. The dark leaf is a stark reminder of the difference that location makes, as it’s one of the darker Habano wrappers I’ve seen (especially compared to Ecuador, which also grows a lot of Habano wrapper). It started out with a burst of bitterness, but fortunately that fades relatively quickly leaving blend dominated by dry earthy flavors. Construction was free of any problems. It’s a decent smoke at a reasonable price ($4.75) but hardly inspiring.

Verdict = Hold.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys