Cigar Review: Emilio AF Suave

Just after Christmas, a fresh snow fell on NJ and I enjoyed a beautiful sunset with the Emilio AF Suave. I’ve been a big fan of Emilio ever since smoking the AF1 and AF2 earlier this year, so needless to say I was excited to taste the Suave.

Blend Specifics

Size: Robusto (5 x 50)

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut

Binder: Unknown mix (Nicaraguan/Honduran)

Filler: Unknown mix (Nicaraguan/Honduran)

Appearance & Construction

The Emilio AF Suave has minimal veins, a light, silky wrapper, and beautiful branding.. The black, white, and silver band adds a simplicity and elegance to this cigar that is very pleasing. The cigar is slightly oily, with a bit of springiness. The draw is good.

Flavor & Smoke Characteristics

The Emilio AF Suave opens up creamy and sweet, with chocolate and coffee notes not unlike the AF1, but with less prominence. There is also a bit of spice on the tongue, with the cream more on the nose: an enjoyable and unique combination. In the first third, the burn is off at times, but doesn’t detract much from the experience.

This stick seems to be a solid medium. In the second third, black pepper and vanilla notes emerge, with an amazing strength of flavor for a Connecticut shade.

Halfway through, the body picks up along with black pepper on retro hale, while the vanilla and cream back down a bit.  The final third expands on this black pepper, with nothing wanted as far as strength goes. A very, very enjoyable smoke, full of complexity.

Conclusion

The Emilio AF Suave is about as far from a typical Connecticut as one could get. The strength is huge and the complexity is there all the way through.  A winner and well worth a five pack.

Final GradeA

Matthias Clock: Brand evangelist, digital marketer, cigar and spirits expert specializing in consumer tasting and educational events. Matthias made the long trek from his hometown of Portland, Oregon to New York City in 2007, and in nine years has hosted more than 120 events and helped promote and launch dozens of cigar and whiskey brands in the U.S. In 2016, he joined the Cigar Journal Tasting Panel, blind-reviewing pre and new release cigars.

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