7-20-4 Lancero Review
I’m a true fan of the Lancero size (aka “Connoisseur’s Smoke”) for its ability to yield concentrated flavors with its thinner ring gauge and long leaf wrapper to filler ratio. That is of course if it is done well. Kurt Kendall who’s made many quality smokes in a short amount of time has hit another bullseye in his 7-20-4 lancero. Made in Honduras, this cigar offers bountiful flavors with each puff.
But let’s break that down a little in the review.
Blend Specifics
Wrapper: Brazilian Mata Fina Maduro
Binder: Costa Rican
Filler: Nicaraguan, Honduras, Columbian, Mexican
Size: 7 ½ x 38 Lancero
Appearance & Construction
The cigar has a cedar sleeve with a classic red ribbon wrapped around the foot. Sliding off the cedar the Brazilian wrapper is dark and gorgeous. The pigtail cap is stout and sturdy. There are minimal veins and the construction is excellent from top to bottom.
Flavor & Smoke Characteristics
The 7-20-4 gives off initial flavors of cocoa and coffee. The smoke is rich and there is a creaminess on the palate with some vanilla notes. The retrohale brings out roasted coffee along with Spanish cedar. The 7-20-4 has a smooth draw that works well in marrying the flavors of this vitola.
Midway the cocoa and cedar become more pronounced, creating a sweet chocolate and toasty profile. The light gray ash holds on for quite some time which gives me evidence of superior rolling along with well grown tobacco. There were savory qualities on the palate that lingered nicely on the finish.
In the final third, the 7-20-4 lancero delivers a complex combination of coffee, earth and chocolate with that same savory finish. An excellent smoke.
Conclusion
I thought the 7-20-4 lancero was complex, savory and extremely tasty. Kurt Kendall is producing some elegant and flavorful cigars with wonderful balance. If these cigars improve with age then I can only imagine what the profile will be like. I enjoy the lancero size and this is a perfect example as to why. I am picking up a box myself although I do not think they will last long in my humidor. This cigar was a treat.