Berger & Argenti’s Entubar V3-D was first announced during the 2012 IPCPR in Orlando, Fl. There are two vitolas of this blend; the Tres Hombres (5 ½ x 64) and Tres Leches (6 1/2 by 64).
I received a single sample of the Tres Hombres vitolas as a gift from Al Argenti when I ran into him during the IPCPR event. So, doing the math, this cigar had about 2 years of age at the time I smoked it.
The Entubar V3-D’s blend is comprised of a Nicaraguan Maduro Jalapa wrapper leaf, an unknown binder and three levels of filler: Esteli Ligero (longest protrusion), Viso Condega (second protrusion) and Seco Jalapa (flush with wrapper).
The Entubar V3-D is certainly an unusual looking cigar. There is a huge brown band with Berger&Argenti all across it and a thin yellow and black band below it with the name V3-D. At the foot is the advisory band that tells you to thoroughly toast the foot before smoking.
Looking past the bright and shiny bands, the Maduro wrapper leaf is dark, oily and has one or two prominent veins. The cigar has a nicely applied triple cap. There is a sweet cedar and tobacco aroma coming from the wrapper. The foot has an earthy scent and the cigar is firm to the touch.
The pre-light draw is easy, which I attribute to the entubar rolling method. Typical (for me) Nicaraguan tobacco flavors of sweet berries are present at this point. At a full inch in diameter, this cigar is quite a bit larger than my regular smokes.
Enough of the poking and prodding, it’s time to light up and smoke!
After following instructions and completely toasting and lighting the entire foot, the cigar produces a tremendous amount of smoke. The cigar develops a firm gray ash, has an even scalloped burn with a thin carbon ring. There is a mild, spicy sensation on the exhale and peppery flavors on the palate.
The second third has a good balance between strength and body. The main flavor profile is an earthy tobacco base with pepper notes.
Coming into the home stretch, the strength increases and the more peppery spice sensations increase on the exhale. The tobacco notes remain constant to the end and the cigar has a long finish.
At $17.50 MSRP for the Tres Hombres and $20.00 MSRP for the Tres Leches, this is not an everyday smoke for most people. The Entubar V3-D is a great cigar with good flavors and balance and certainly worthy of a treat now and again.