Quick Smoke: Royal Agio Balmoral Añejo XO Rothschild Masivo

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.”

Unlike the limited edition Balmoral Añejo 18, the XO doesn’t state the exact age of its Brazilian Arapiraca wrapper. However, we’re told the wrapper, the Dominican binder, and the filler tobaccos from Nicaragua, Brazil, and the Dominican Republic are all “eXceptionally Old,” hence XO. The large robusto (5 x 55) performs flawlessly with a solid gray ash, straight burn, and an open, easy draw.  I’d classify the XO’s flavors as muted and subtle, but also complex. There’s a rich creaminess, raisin bread, and just a hint of wood and cinnamon spice. This is the type of cigar I’d smoke with a rich cup of coffee or a balanced brown ale.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys