Wrapper: Brazilian Maduro
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Dominican, Honduran
Size: 7.5 x 40 Lancero
Body: Medium/Full
Price: Included in the Privada Cigar Club COTM
Today we take a look at the Kristoff Ligero Maduro from Privada Cigar Club. It has been aged 3.5 years.
The handout from PCC mistakenly calls this merely the Kristoff Maduro but it is not. It is the Ligero Maduro version.
BACKGROUND:
From Privada Cigar Club:
“What I don’t like about Kristoff cigars is how big many of their selections are…and the fact that most of their cigars are not rare.
But since members keep mentioning Kristoff, I decided to call the company and go a guy on the phone who loved the idea of our club. We had a great conversation, but I mentioned to him that we are the first RARE cigar club and as we know, Kristoff is not exactly rare.
To which he replied, “…our owner loves Lanceros and had thousands of them made for himself at least 3 years ago and they have been sitting around.”
The story is that they initially did a Lancero about 6 years ago and it didn’t sell well. So, since then, every few years the owner had a few thousand made for himself and the staff. I had no idea Kristoff even made Lanceros; so I said “YES.”
If you love these, you might be able to fine more online as they are considering releasing the rest of them to a few select online retailers.”
APPEARANCE:
The cigar is in pretty good shape for being as old as it is. The pigtail didn’t survive the removal of the cigar from its cell. And the shaggy foot looks more like an exploded tampon.
The wrapper is oily and multi-colored with shades of chocolate, old penny, rust, and espresso. It is extremely toothy and feels like a cat’s tongue. The cigar feels a bit under filled but may mean nothing.
SMELL THE GLOVE:
There is a slight floral note accompanied by some chocolate, creaminess, malt, pepper, cedar, and strong barnyard.
The cold draw only presents notes of black pepper, clove, and cedar.
FIRST THIRD:
I’m expecting a treat here. Time to light up.
The draw is excellent so no need for my PerfecDraw cigar poker.
First up is a big blast of black pepper followed by a musty element that I hope disappears.
I have to admit that I’ve never been a big fan of Kristoff. They have never exhibited the kind of character or complexity I like. Maybe this well-aged stick will change my mind.
I reviewed the original Ligero Maduro in 2014 and found it tasty but not exceptional.
The cigar becomes very salty. Like way too salty. I grab my bottle of water to dispel the taste.
At the moment, the Kristoff Ligero Maduro just tastes old. Flavors are so muted that I don’t know if they just died or are waiting to perk up later in the journey.
I checked my 2014 review and found flavors of dark chocolate, sweet bread, cherry coke, sweetness, black pepper, espresso, caramel, black cherry, and rich tobacco.
Throwing a bunch of years on the stick has not improved its voracity. The taste of grabbing a mouthful of sea water is off putting. It completely blots out any possible other elements of flavor.
The old mustiness is highly prevalent and not very appealing. Between saltiness and under the rug sweepings puts this blend in a category all by itself.
Forgive me if I don’t go nuts taking photos. I’m not sure I’m going to get through the entire cigar if something doesn’t change soon.
I think I’m beginning to understand why Kristoff let PCC take the cigars off their hands.
My face begins to bloat from the salt.
I can’t believe I’m able to say this, but it’s getting worse. The saltiness is off the charts now. This may be my shortest review in 11 years.
I’m gulping loads of bottled water. It washes away the saltiness temporarily. But moments later, it returns.
Since the program only gives you one of each stick (unless you double up on your subscription), it is impossible to compare it to a similar Ligero Maduro.
This is the worst cigar I’ve tasted…maybe ever.
I’m done.
RATING: N/A