Quick Smoke: Aging Room Solera Shade Fantastico

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.”

Part of Aging Room’s new Solera line, Shade takes its name from the Ecuadorian Connecticut shade-grown wrapper that covers the cigar’s Dominican filler and binder. The tobacco aging process—combining various vintages as they age before being rolled into cigars—was adapted from the solera method of wine making. The Fantastico (5.5 x 54) runs a little over $7. The first half is a slow-burning, spicy treat, later mixing in a syrupy sweetness. It’s an enjoyable, medium-strength smoke from start to finish.

Verdict = Buy.

–George E

photo credit: Aging Room