A little info here….

The blend is the same as the Don Carlos Senior Blend which was only given out at select events.  The Don Carlos 75th and 76th are given to certain retailers as a gift and the retailers can do as they wish with them.  It is 5 by 48 and the general consensus is that the tobacco used in the cigar is at least ten years old and one of the better tasting Don Carlos.  Comparing the 76th Anniversary to a Don Carlos Robusto, they look very similar on camera but the 76th Anniversary is certainly lighter at least to the Don Carlos Robusto that I used.

Don Carlos 76th Anniversary

1/16/2012

Don Carlos 76th Anniversary

Size: 5 x 48

Drink:  Water

Smoke Time:  1 hr 30 min

Location:  Blowin Smoke

Don Carlos 76th Anniversary

Construction:

The Don Carlos 76th Anniversary feels very well packed with barely any give.  It also has a rugged feel but is certainly well rolled.  The medium color wrapper contrasts well with the double bands as stated earlier while the normal production Robusto and 76th Anniversary may look similar on camera, you can notice the difference in person.

Don Carlos 76th Anniversary

Burn/Draw:

The prelight draw is smooth and it’s been a very good week for me as all of the cigars that I reviewed lately have the ideal draw.  The Don Carlos 76th Anniversary lights easily giving off plenty of smoke in the process.  The ash throughout the smoke was solid with hints of gray scattered.  I never had to touch up the cigar even once with the burn line staying absolutely perfect and the draw never getting hot or showing any buildup of tar.

Don Carlos 76th Anniversary

Flavor/Aroma:

On the prelight I am detecting hints of cedar and cinnamon with the initial few puffs reminding me of sweet spice and wood.  Once the cigar fully gets into the first third, the Don Carlos 76th Anniversary is mixing up pepper and leather quite well.  This cigar is almost changing flavors every time I take another puff and it is quite entertaining.  Entering the second third I am completely intrigued by how this cigar has notes of pepper, leather and even some sweetness harmoniously playing together.  The finish is deliciously sweet (with a bit of spice) and even the smoke gives off a beautiful sweet aroma.

Don Carlos 76th Anniversary

The final third doesn’t disappoint me as it maintains the same profile but adding a little bit more spice to balanced out the flavors.  As I get closer to the end, notes of earth and cedar are dominating while the spice is leaving an impression on my lips.  With half an inch left and the cigar starting to burn hot, it’s time to put it down.

Don Carlos 76th Anniversary

Final Thoughts:

The excellent burn, draw and the amazing flavor profile couldn’t have been better.  In fact, the aroma was intoxicating in itself.  The Don Carlos 76th Anniversary is a well made cigar and if you have the opportunity to try one, I suggest you do in any of the names the blend may go by (75th, Senior Blend, 76th).  Again, my thanks go out to Tyler of Blowin Smoke for gifting me such a beautiful cigar!

Rating:  93

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2008 Anejo #77 Shark Review

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Pictures of Arturo Fuente Hard to Find Cigars (Anejo, Opus, Forbidden X, etc)