For my second Cuevas Reserva review, I’ll be talking about the Maduro blend. Like the Natural, I received these samples from Casa Cuevas cigars.
The specifics
This cigar also comes in 3 sizes, Toro, Torpedo and Robusto. I smoked the robusto for this review.
Appearance
The cigar band is the same as the Reserva Natural but, against the dark wrapper, it really pops.
The Cuevas Reserva Maduro blend is comprised of a Mexican San Andres wrapper, a Dominican Piloto Cubano binder and filler tobacco from the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua.
The wrapper is Maduro in color (duh), has a couple of prominent veins, a beautiful oily sheen and a sweet tobacco aroma. The double cap is applied smoothly. The finished foot gives off a sweet cocoa aroma.
The cigar is firm to the touch and feels to be of average weight compared to other cigars of the same vitola.
Pre-light
I gave the cap a straight cut and checked out the pre-light draw. It was just right with a slight firmness but still easy enough to get a draw. There were notes of hay, sweetness and earth on this draw.
1st third
Right out of the gate, this cigar bursts with flavor. I picked up on coffee and wood with a long, savory finish. The retrohale was medium in strength with a sharp “pinch” at the end.
2nd third
Into the second third, the retrohale has become much stronger but, no sharp “pinch”. On my palate, in addition to what I described earlier, there was cocoa and a long, satisfying finish.
Final third
Coming into the home stretch the retrohale is consistent but the flavors change once more. Now, I’m finding strong tobacco and espresso. The finish continues to be long and satisfying.
Combustion
The cigar burned well throughout the entire session. It was an even burn with a thin carbon ring. The ash was gray in color and very firm and well formed. This cigar produced an excellent amount of smoke with each puff.
[su_box title=”Summary” style=”glass” box_color=”#e1dddd”]Like the Reserva Natural, I rate the Cuevas Reserva Maduro a 93. Both cigars are great but, this Reserva Maduro may just be my new favorite cigar. I will absolutely be adding some to my humidor.[/su_box]
Have you smoked the Cuevas Reserva Maduro? What are your thoughts? Let me know in the comments!