I reviewed the Rodrigo La Fortelaza just a month or 2 and was impressed by the flavor profile. However, one of the cigars from George Rodriguez (founder of Rodrigo Cigars) and William Ventura (master blender) that I’ve enjoyed in the past was the Rodrigo Boutique Blend G4. I have smoked a few of these and though it’s been a while I can remember how enjoyable they were.
There seems to be a good size fanbase for this line and for the most part, I can see why. However, the Boutique Blend is only available in sizes 54 ring gauge and above and I thought it was somewhat odd considering I know George Rodriguez (@rodrigocigars) and Brett Bowersox (@BoutiqueProject) to be traditionalists when it comes to cigars as they prefer the flavors in a smaller cigar. Well, this is what was on Rodrigo Cigar’s website:
Boutique Blend is our answer the large ring gauge cigar. Contemporary but never trendy. Unlike other large ring gauge cigars that are often one dimensional power houses, the Boutique Blend offers large ring gauge smokers an amazingly complex profile delivered in a full bodied smoke.
The Rodrigo Boutique Blend comes in 3 sizes:
“G4″ – 6.26 x 54
“G5″ – 5.50 x 56
“G6″ – 6 x 60
5/17/2012
Rodrigo Boutique Blend G4
Wrapper: Ecuador Habano/Sumatra Hyrbid
Binder/Filler: Dominican Habano/Dominican
Size: 6.25 x 54
Vitola: Toro
MSRP: $8.25
Smoketime: 2hr
Drink: Water
Location: Blowin Smoke
Construction/Appearance:
The wrapper has a beautiful color to it and I think the darker browns give the appearance of the wrapper having some clay-like color to it. The veins are minimal in terms of texture except for one that runs on the bottom of the cigar. I really like the solid feel of the cigar as there are no soft spots and is completely consistent from the foot to the head. The wrapper is toothy and has a nice shine to it. One thing that bothers me somewhat is the band. I feel that it takes away from the beauty of the cigar. Something less shiny and more simple would probably have been better.
Burn/Draw:
The cut was very clean and the cold draw was definitely good for this cigar. I don’t like the larger ring gauge as much because I feel it requires a bit more effort at times but there are plenty of smokers out there that like 54 and above ring gauges. The cigar accepted the flame easily as it covered the entire foot. The Rodrigo Boutique Blend G4 had a wonderful burn throughout except for a jagged parts which did correct itself. The draw was very good and not airy which is sometimes typical of larger ring gauge cigars. There was always a nice amount of smoke coming from the cigar and it felt like there was more of it in the second and last third. The ash lasted over 2 inches and stayed intact even when it feel into the ash tray.
Flavor/Aroma:
The wrapper has abundance of cedar notes along with dark chocolate with a bit of spice. The foot has stronger notes of the spice. In the initial draw, I picked up a medium blast of spice combined with some leather. The first third mixed in some sweeter notes similar to caramel. There is a bit of pepper along with leather but all of the flavors are working cohesively.
The cigar continues as a solid medium before increasing the strength a bit below a full. The caramel notes are still there but always in the background. Pepper and earthy tones are present as well as some oak notes. The flavors aren’t overwhelming or overpowering each other but they have the right mix. There is a good amount of complexity and the strength is halfway to full. In the third part, the aroma reminds me of aged tobacco. This existed throughout the entire smoke but it does such a good job mixing in with the cigar flavors that perhaps it’s not as noticeable. For the most part, the flavors are consistent though pepper plays more of a role but it is still nicely balanced.
Final Thoughts:
- The cigar has some good strength behind it but it never go to the point of overpowering the flavors. It’s not in the same league of the La Fortelaza but it’s enough to keep smokers that appreciate flavors and those that enjoy strength happy.
- I smoked a few for the review and one of them was a few months older than the rest. I didn’t notice a dramatic difference in the experience though I believe a year on these will further help the flavors develop and gain a point or two.
- I understand this blend was made exclusively for the larger ring gauges but I can’t help but think how much better this cigar would be in even a 50 rg size. I’m sure the blend may require some tweaks but it’s certainly worth it if the cigar could gain more followers.
- I definitely think this is worthy of a five pack. I feel the cigar is fairly well balanced and it will keep your attention to the length of the smoke. I am in the category of “I like this cigar” but many people really love and enjoy the flavors and proceed with a box purchase.
- These are available for purchase at Blowin Smoke (603) 472-5878.
Rating: 89
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