Sometimes, the only remedy after smoking a bad cigar is to grab a good one and light up. Today I had the misfortune of smoking a really bad cigar. Instead of letting it ruin my evening, however, I decided to grab a cigar I suspected would be both a new experience and a good one – the PANA Ligero Maduro Churchill (48 x 7). PANA Cigars are new on the market (launched July 2010), and owner Pablo Enchinton has big plans and has personally overseen the development of PANA’s four blends: the Ligero-Maduro, Connecticut Especial, Triple Corojo, and Triple Maduro. I’ve got a few of these blends and will be reviewing them, so stay tuned! Review below:
Blend Specifics:
• Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut Shade
• Binder: Indonesian
• Filler: Ligero Cubano (DR), Ligero Criollo (Honduran)
Appearance & Construction:
As you can see, the Ecuadorian wrapper on this stick is a rich dark brown. There were a few minor imperfections, but as I found out those didn’t bear much on the experience of the smoke. The cigar is springy to the touch and has a light oily sheen. Because of past experience, I’m always worried about the draw on Churchill size cigars, but I was pleasantly surprised at the easy draw on this cigar. The band on this cigar is black and white, with “PANA” framed prominently.
Taste & Smoking Characteristics:
The first third of this cigar kicks off with a mild bodied spice, earthiness, and rich sweetness. The earthy-sweet smell of the wrapper compliments the taste of the smoke well. The smoke has a smooth texture and leaves a touch of spiciness on the tongue. Very enjoyable and balanced. As the cigar moves into the second third, the body picks up to medium-body. There is a slightly salty savoriness in the aroma that soon moves to a tanginess. Very enjoyable retrohale, and the burn is great (no touch ups). Like clockwork, the final third of the cigar picks up to full body and has a lot more spice, though the earthy, almost chocolaty sweetness remains.
Conclusion:
The flavor profile on this cigar is solid but unique. Heavy earth, sweetness, and spice are how I’d sum this stick up. At times I tasted what seemed like chocolate in the earthiness, but I couldn’t quite pin it down. The construction was good all throughout this stick. With all of the spice this cigar leaves on the tongue, it isn’t for the faint of heart, but for ~$6.50 I would recommend giving this stick a try.
Final Grade: B
View Comments (4)
I agree...these are super cigars!
if they keep bans on smoking the only thing we willbe able to do outdoors is drink kool aid and walk
I haven't had the pleasure of smoking any of the Churchill (48 x 7) size from PANA Cigars (yet), but I have smoked all 4 blends in the Robusto (50 x 5) line, as well as the Toro (54 x 6) Triple Corojo and Ligero-Maduro. While I enjoyed all 4 Robusto's, I must admit that my personal favorite (so far) is the PANA Ligero-Maduro Toro (54 x 6). It is a very well constructed, beautiful cigar, with an even burn and an amazing blend of sweetness and spice! Try one if you get the chance....and have your own Moment!
I am writing you this message regarding the PANA cigar. I mentioned if it were any good I would let you know what I think. It was more than just good it was excellent.
I smoked the Ligero Maduro, or what I should say is, it smoked me. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I have always admired Maduros for the use of such a durable resilient wrapper leaf. Many smokers are fooled into thinking the dark wrapper is going to impart a stronger tasting cigar. I say nay. The higher temperature employed during the processing of maduro wrapper leafs does require a hardier tobacco, this ingredient alone does not result in a heavy overpowering smoke. In fact I found the Ligero to be smooth and would describe it as a medium bodied cigar. Possessing flavors of mild berry and soft wood tones. It was easy going and flavorful, yet it really surprised me.
I discovered mild pepper however not to spicy undertones as the finished approached. I feel such a wonderful cigar is perfect for someone who desires full flavor in a medium bodied smoke.
Overall rating = 92
Body = Medium bordering Full
Flavor = Simple berry and non-distinctive wood tones. Finishing with mild pepper.
My opinion = Where do I get them!!