Alec Bradley Maxx Connecticut
Thursday, December 2nd, 2010I always enjoy a natural or Connecticut wrapped cigar in the morning. When one of my favorite brands – Alec Bradley – Introduced their Maxx line in a Connecticut wrapper, I went out and bought a few. The only change in the blend from the original Maxx line is the wrapper. This sounded like a promising morning cigar. For the sake of the review, I paired it with water. Otherwise, I think I would pair this one with coffee.
Wrapper: Connecticut
Binder: Costa Rica
Filler: Nicaragua, Mexico, Honduras, Columbia
Size: The Fix – 58 x 5
Price: Around $6.09
Pre-Smoke & Construction:
The wrapper had a smooth appearance, with minimal veins or seams. The smell of the wrapper was almost non existent, while the foot had a slight tobacco odor. The cigar had a few soft spots when squeezed, but it was nothing of concern. The pre-light draw was free, with a sweet natural tobacco taste.
The burn required a few minor corrections in the second third, and the ash held for about two inches.
Flavor:
The first third had very common and basic flavors you’d expect to find in a Connecticut wrapped cigar. There was a hint of earthiness way in the background. In front of that was an almost buttery feel and taste. Up next were toasty notes. Smoke volume was plentiful and thick.
As I got into the second third, the smoke took on a creamy feel. At the same time, it kept a toasty feel and taste. The buttery notes remained just like in the last third, and coated the lips and tongue. When passing smoke through the nose, it was easier to detect the earthy flavors along with a very mild peppery spice. Everything was mild and nice…
The last third didn’t offer any new flavors. The body crept into the medium range, but otherwise nothing changed from the second third.
Conclusion:
This was a good mild to medium bodied cigar. While it didn’t offer anything unique or special, it was still a solid Connecticut wrapped cigar that I could fit into my morning routine. I give it a thumbs up.
