OK, my five pack of the "Nicaraguan BP" arrived today. Let me begin by stating I've never smoked a Padron Anniversary, so I can't compare this smoke to those.
Nice oily wrapper and very nice construction and appearance. Prelight aroma was pleasing, no barnyard or ammonia detected. Clipped the head and the draw was clean, after toasting the foot the initial taste was very nice. A little leathery maybe and very rich, but on the mild side. The first third was very enjoyable, though it did have a bit if an uneven burn that didn't self correct after about three quarters of an inch, so I burned it off and it seems to be doing OK in the beginning of the second third. I'm impressed so far, enough to already be planning to purchase more, but want to try just one more before hand.
I stated earlier that I'd not had a Padron Anniversary. I have, however had several Padron Londres as well as a couple of the Padron 3000 M. I'm particularly fond of the 3000 M and will continue to sample more of the Padron line. With my inexperienced palate I can see how this could be compared to a Padron in a general way. If I were offered this or a Padron, I must admit I'd opt for the Padron, but if I'm buying, these are good enough to sway me so far.
Nearly to the half way point I had to correct another uneven burn of about a half inch. Both times it's happened at a rounded point between two of the "corners" from the box pressing. I'd guess from an air gap there where it didn't swell enough while smoking to make contact and burn.
I should probably mention I'm enjoying this with two bottles of what is labeled as "natural spring water", though what I've been reading of late regarding most bottled waters this is most likely not the case. I'm enjoying it so much, I'm having difficulty resisting more frequent draws. Seems to be getting a stronger, fuller flavor now with a slight hint of sweetness, maybe mocha or a nutty flavor or both with a very pleasant after taste. Getting to the last part of the second third and I'm still very impressed. Thinkiing I should have gone ahead and bought more than the five pack.
I've been smoking my "mistakes" lately, the "Oricinal Cubans" I got from Cbid. The good thing there was that at least I didn't pay the regular CI price for them. When I can't stand to smoke those, I've been alternating with either a Pirates Gold or preferrably a Flor de Oliva. In my opinion, this cigar puts them to shame, though less so the Flor de Oliva. Perhaps my taste has changed somewhat, I used to really enjoy the Pirates Gold, but lately they've just not been giving me the same level of satisfaction.
Now beginning the last third and I'm already dreading the inevitable end. Still a bit of an uneven burn, but now it seems to self correct better than previously. Still very much an enjoyable rich thick flavor, plentiful creamy smoke and pleasing aftertaste with a slight tang to it that seems to be slowly increasing in intensity. It's also remained very cool to the touch until the last two inches or so, where it began to warm up a bit, but didn't get hot yet.
I suggest this cigar to those who are not bothered by the politics of TNTCigars touting this as a Padron alternative and are looking for a what I think is a very good less expensive smoke. It's worth every penny right down to the nub in my opinion.
:tu:ss
