Final thoughts. This was an interesting smoke. Both review cigars experienced some burn issues, but the biggest surprise was the menthol note that I got. The flavors worked well together to make for an enjoyable experience. The strength snuck up at the end. This cigar would be great with a coffee or maybe even with a low proof bourbon such as Buffalo Trace.
C.L.E. Cigar Company was founded by Christian Eiroa in 2012. Born in Honduras, Eiroa began his career in the cigar industry at a young age – said to have been brought to visit the fields in Jamastran just days after being born. His Father, Julio Eiroa started to grow tobacco in Honduras as early as the 1960s. Growing up working on his family’s tobacco fields and in their factories, Christian knew that if people could see what he saw every day they would appreciate the process – and the products – in a way that they simply wouldn’t have the capacity to otherwise. For 7 years straight, Eiroa hosted in-depth explorations of the operation’s entire cigar-making process. This immersive experience allowed his customers to connect with the product on a deeper level and fostered a loyal following that continues to grow more than 20 years later.
Wrapper: Eiroa Honduran Corojo / Binder: Eiroa Honduran Corojo / Filler: Eiroa Honduran Corojo
Vitola: Robusto / Size: 5 x 50
Factory: C.L.E. / Country of Origin: Honduras
Faint cocoa, musty hay, tobacco
Wet tobacco, floral, slight cocoa
Minty, floral, cedar, tobacco, slight tingle on the lips
On the light up, soft notes of tobacco and floral. Lots of smoke. Good draw. Retrohale brings a slight white pepper. Into the third, notes of tobacco, oak. A mix of floral and white pepper on the retro. Burn is a little wavy but no touch ups required at this point. Smoke is thick and creamy. The tail of the retrohale offers lots of floral notes followed by a slight menthol coming forward.
Into the 2nd third,the burn has gotten a little out of control so a touch up was needed. Still lots of thick smoke which I enjoyed. Strength is a good medium at this point with a medium to short finish. Still lots of floral notes on the palate followed by an almond, oak, white pepper and creamy cedar. Slight menthol tingle on the tongue. Retro is lots of the same. Floral, cedar, nuts, and a menthol finish. Sinuses catching a slight white pepper.
Going into the final third, the burn is now at its best with no other issues. Lots of smoke. Strength has picked up to a medium full. On the palate, the menthol and floral notes have left and are replaced by a creamy cedar that has taken over. In the background, lots of nutty and oak notes round out the flavors. The retro brings lots of cream, cedar, and the white pepper has changed to black. At the finish. lots of the same except for a new coffee note has arrived on the palate upon retrohaling. The burn finished great and the strength has picked up to almost full.
