Backyard Smokes

Size: Gordo 6×60
 
Wrapper: Honduran (Connecticut)
 
Binder: Nicaraguan
 
Filler: Nicaraguan
 
Strength: Mild
 
Price: $4-$6
 
Drink of choice: Cherry Coke
 

 
Pre-light:
At first glace in the humidor of one of my local cigar shops, the wrapper of the American Classic Blend by Alec Bradley didn’t appear to be the prettiest. From first glance I noticed a few color spots and a slight hole(this could just be the individual stick and not a characteristic of these as a whole). No large veins to speak of with a matte finish to the wrapper and a gorgeous band that reminds me of a classy circus poster makes me excited to try this stick.
 
First third:
Right off the light I am getting a medium draw from this stick, which is ideal for my tastes. Too much draw means too hot, and too little means it’s going to go out. About halfway through the first third the ash falls off on my shirt(not exactly a rare thing with me lol) but I start to get some leathery notes and the cigar is living up to the mild rating that it is branded with. I had a slight issue with the burn but it was easily corrected by putting it down for a few moments and from that point on, it remained perfect.
 

 
Second third:
At the start of the second third I was met with a draw that was indeed tougher than what I had gotten from the first third, but it did not tamper with the cigar’s experience. A little resistance never hurt anyone. This is where the flavor kicked into gear. I got a small dose of almonds for maybe 5-10 during this time, which is something I’ve never gotten from a smoke before. There was also a bitter after taste that was reminiscent of biting into a coffee bean. Almost an expresso type feel but not as pungent. Burn is still perfect and the ash is hanging on for dear life.
 
Final third:
As I approach the finish of this smoke, I am definitely sold on having another one really soon. The bitterness of the almonds and expresso has diminished and the taste is beginning to get harsh. The leather notes are much heavier than the first third but this is most likely due to the increasingly harsh flavor. The strength of this cigar should be set at a mild to medium as it has intensified greatly since the light. Right before I put it down, the burn started to turn for the worst but this is expected as I nub cigars to the bone.
 
Overall:
I was very impressed with this cigar overall. Branded as a mild smoke, it had a ton of flavor and really made me want to come back for more. From the construction to the taste and the burn, this was high up there on my list of weekend enjoyables, and a must buy for the casual smoker who likes a light cigar that packs a punch.
 
Total Smoke Time: 1 hour, 25 minutes
 
Rating: 9
 
Worthiness: I’d buy a box
 

 

Welcome to BackyardSmokes.com

Backyard Smokes is a website me and a few of my friends have put together to share our love for cigars. I’ve been smoking cigars recreationally for a few years now. I’ll be the first to admit that my opinion is just that, my own opinion. So please take everything I write with a grain of salt, I know I’m young in the game and I have a lot to learn.

On that note, I know what I like and I’ve smoked a fair variety of cigars in my lifetime. In this particular post I’d like to share my thoughts on the Guesta Rey Centro Fino I just smoked.

 

 

Analyzing the cigar (pre-light)

The construction of the Guesta Rey seems solid. The wrapper has a medium complexion - not too dark, not too light and there isn’t any noticeable veins in the wrapper leaf.

 

Initial Light:

It was a very easy cigar to light and once lit, it had a nice effortless draw. The flavors are best described as subtle to mild. Nothing wild here, just a smooth mellow tobacco flavor. The draw is plentiful and the tip of the cigar echos that by giving off an abundance of smoke. You can tell that this cigar likes to burn and if put down for a few minutes, would still continue to burn.

 

15 minutes mark (first 1/4):

The flavor started to slightly pick up but didn’t change much in tone. A nice subtle tobacco taste – not overbearing and not particularly spicy. The wrapper started to slightly crack where the ash met the unburnt tobacco. The ash was medium gray in color, slightly rough, and gave the impression that it may fall off at any given moment. The burn was starting to become uneven and letting the cigar sit didn’t fix it.

 

25 minutes mark (halfway point):

The ash finally broke off of the cigar. Up to this point, the flavor has stayed consistent the entire life of the cigar. Personally, I don’t think there is anything exceptional or distinguishable about this particular cigar. Its not bad by any means but I wouldn’t beat down the doors at the cigar shop to get another one.

 

35 minute mark (Entering the last 1/4):

The flavor changed a bit. Slightly spicier and a little more harsh. Its starting to burn a little hotter. I found myself leaving it sit for a little longer between draws. In between the halfway point and the last 1/4 I had to correct the burn.

 

Final Thoughts (45 minutes of total smoke time):

I put the cigar out when I was slightly past the last 1/4. The Guesta Rey hits me as a solid back up to your normal line up of heavy hitters in the humidor. A good cigar to offer guests at a bbq that may not be into cigars or looking for something less than medium to full bodied. Personally, if I was offered one I wouldn’t turn it down but I also wouldn’t see myself seeking one out in the near future.