Alec & Bradley Gatekeeper

The bumpy wrapper of this cigar is well applied with nearly invisible seams that are revealed only by the splotches of color present throughout the leaf. The sample cigars did have a slightly snug draw that never quite opened up but was not tight enough to diminish the experience. In fact, the cigar burned evenly, didn't require any touch ups, and easily held onto considerable segments of ash ranging from 1 inch to 1.5 inches at a time.

This blend evokes images of a chef carefully crafting a recipe. The flavor notes reminded me of crème brulée with a fruit tang/tartness that meshed like a high end restaurant dish. The fruit and oak long finish was a genuine treat. There wasn't much transitioning but what did develop was unique, complex and delicious. This cigar delivers on flavor profile.

This blend would pair well with 1792 Small Batch, as I think it would highlight the banana and peach notes, while the proof - 93.7 - is mellow enough to ensure one doesn't overpower the cigar's medium body. Crème brulée would be a chef's kiss before or with this cigar. Red Bull Peach-Nectarine would also work. 

This cigar has a wrapper that may not jump out on the shelf, and construction that is just north of average. However, this blend absolutely shines with a great unique flavor profile.

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano / Binder: Nicaraguan / Filler: Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

Vitola: Robusto / Size: 5 x 50 

Factory: Tabacalera La Alianza  / Country of Origin: Dominican Republic

Dark chocolate and black tea

Molasses

Tobacco core and cherry (or even olive) pit

Thyme, cream, torch melted sugar, oak, leather and nectarine. Cream, sugar and oak on the retrohale. The nectarine and oak notes blend together to develop an outstanding long finish with just the tiniest touch of white pepper on the back of the palate.

Cream, nectarine, oak, leather, white bread and nutmeg. Thyme and oak on the retrohale.

Cream, thyme, oak, leather, toasted bread, sugar and nectarine. Nectarine is amplified on the retro in this final third.

The reviewing process at Cigar Public ensures that each cigar is reviewed blindly. This cigar was sent without any bands and without any information about the cigar. Cigar Public does not attempt to influence or alter any scores given by any of our reviewers.

 

Bearded Moon

A couple of years ago I combined my passion for videography with cigars and jumped into posting reviews. In the process, I discovered a positive community and an intriguing industry rooted in a rich history. I also discovered that for relaxation, it's tough to beat a great cigar.