Quick Smoke: Caldwell The T. Lonsdale

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.”

Although this cigar is generally referred to as a Caldwell smoke, it’s the result of a collaboration by Robert Caldwell, Matt Booth, and Abdel Fernandez of A.J. Fernandez. All are credited on the cigar’s green and gold secondary band. The T.’s Nicaraguan binder and filler are covered by a San Andrés wrapper. Surprisingly, I noticed none of the “dirt” taste I so often associate with that Mexican tobacco. Instead, I found a pleasing, complex smoke that begins with sweetness reminiscent of chocolate. Along the way, flavors of pepper, wood, burnt coffee, and a little nuttiness came and went. Performance was excellent. At about $10, the 6.5-inch, 44-ring gauge, lightly pressed Lonsdale is a cigar I can recommend highly.

Verdict = Buy.

–George E

photo credit: Stogie Guys