The Chinese New Year is one of the cigar industry’s way to incorporate an embrace Chinese history and their culture. The Chinese zodiac releases each year find a way to connect us; which makes sense, considering that cigars are meant to bring us together. The fun part about these Chinese zodiac releases is that it changes each year, giving cigar manufacturers an opportunity to release new blends with new marketing. This year (2024) was the Year of the Dragon and several companies got in on the fun: Davidoff, Punch, Rocky Patel, Drew Estate, Gurkha, and Plasencia.
OVERVIEW
VITOLA:Â Torpedo
SIZE:Â 6 1/4 x 54
ORIGIN:Â Â Nicaragua
FACTORY:Â Â Plasencia Cigars S.A.
WRAPPER:Â Â Nicaragua
BINDER:Â Â Nicaragua
FILLER:Â Â Nicaragua
STRENGTH:Â Â Medium-full body
SOURCE:Â Â Â
halfwheel
ENVIRONMENT
WHERE:Â Â
Lounge
WHEN:Â Â
10/10/24 1:00pm
DRINKS:Â Â
Water
WEATHER:Â Â
Sunny and 70
HOW MANY CIGARS SMOKED:Â Â
3
PRODUCTION
RELEASE TYPE Â Chinese New Year
ORIGINALLY RELEASE DATE Â February 5Â 2024
TOTAL PRODUCTION
Typical Box Size:Â Â Â Boxes of 10
Production Totals:Â 3,000
VITOLA BREAKDOWN
o  Short Robusto (4-3/4″ x 52)
BAND DESIGN
The look of this cigar gives you that feeling of the Chinese New Year. The Dragon adorns the main band and all three bands are a festive red color. The cigar box is beautiful, with its double use after the cigar are gone. Turning the box upside down, you notice a velvet open box for you to use as a key, watch or any loose change in your pocket.
PRE-LIGHT OBSERVATIONS
CONSTRUCTION
The construction of this cigar I found to be smooth to the touch, even though it looks veiny. The Year of the Dragon has a caramel look to it that is very appealing; as if it’s saying, “Come and smoke me now.” The foot of the cigar looks well packed by delicate hands and rolled to perfection. The cap of the cigar is well placed and could have many different types of cuts applied to it.
AROMA
The smell of this cigar brings me back to a child like state, with the aroma of milk chocolate and a little almond in there as well. It really set the stage to light this cigar up to find what other great gems are hidden in this cigar.
COLD DRAW
I washed my mouth out with water so that I can get a clean draw on this cigar. First I notice the easy draw that this cigar produces and the taste of Esteli itself. However, the flavors that come to me are of spice, leather and hint of coffee bean.
SMOKING EXPERIENCE
LIGHT & DRAW
Cut:Â [straight]
Fire:Â [torch]
The lighting of this cigar was effortless and smooth as the whole cigar lit up evenly.
The first draw this cigar was as expected easy and open, but with just the right amount of resistance so that the flavor can be caught in your draw
SMOKE
The smoke was thick and non-intrusive. The Year of the Dragon has a greyish white tint to it and the smoke around the cap was lingering; doing a sexy like dance that captivates you.. Â
FIRST THIRD
>> Woody, Cinnamon, Leather
The first third of the Year of the Dragon has flavors that hit you right at light: wood,, cinnamon, and leather. The ash on this first third is tight and burns evenly. This is a very well construed. The feel of the cigar is firm and feels strong in the hand. However, even with the spice being the dominant flavor that stands out on this first third, I found that the cigar as a whole wasn’t overly strong. I was pleasantly surprised that there was no after taste or bitterness on the finish. Leaving this first third very pleasant and relaxing.
SECOND THIRD
>> White Pepper, Milk Chocolate, Coffee
The flavors really starts to show up, starting with milk chocolate. White pepper starts to take over from the spice I had on the first third. This Nicaraguan puro starts to show it strength as well. Earthy notes follow close behind. The ash finally drops off at almost the half way mark of the cigar. This cigar still stays firm and not soft in my hand, as for the burn it is still even and very constant. The construction stay very consistent as well and that draw stays open and very smooth leaving a very enjoyable experience. Now the ash is off and I start to notice the coffee bean like aroma coming from the cigar. This gives the Year of the Dragon great complexity in this second third of the cigar. making me wonder what will come next in the final third.
FINAL THIRD
>> Pepper, Nuts, Wood
The cigar flavors really start to take hold in this final third, as a peppery spice reemerges and now takes front stage of this cigar giving it the boost of strength I was looking for. The nuttiness or almond note comes in on the back of the smoke, as well as a cedar or woody flavor. The complexity of this cigar did not disappoint me with all the flavors being very well balanced. The cigar burned evenly through out the cigar and the ash stayed tight and clean never flaking off at any point. The cigar stayed firm and the draw stayed constant. As I get past the band I was surprised by a small hint of coca that comes into play that smooth out the cigar right at the the end. I am amazed that the strength of the cigar never got bitter or that strong throughout this cigar. The Year of the Dragon gave a sense that it was worth the time and money to smoke.
RATING & FINAL THOUGHTS
FLAVOR PROGRESSION
The cigar I felt was complex in the transition always something new from first third to second third and the final third. Leaving me to wander what was coming up next which made the smoking experience very enjoyable
BURN EXPERIENCE
The burn was excellent throughout the whole cigar. The Year of the Dragon never needed touch up or a relight. the ash stayed strong never flaking or unexpected dropping off as needed a little tap to get the ash off. The cigar stayed firm in my fingers never getting soft or hot while holding it.
RATING BREAKDOWN
0.80Â / 0.80 … Craft & Aesthetic
0.40Â / 0.50 …Â Pre-Light Characteristics
0.50Â / 0.50 …Â Lighting Process
6.90Â / 7.70 …Â Smoking Experience
0.50Â / 0.50 …Â Personal Enjoyment
COMPLIMENTS & CRITIQUES
- Rich and complex flavor profile.
- Very well crafted.
- Limited edition with a hefty price tag.
DRAGON’S GOLD.
Although this cigar carries a heavy price tag at $45.00 I found my self still enjoying the cigar. I felt the cigar was worth the price and would recommend it to anyone looking for a new experience in a yearly cigar. It was a slow smoke coming in just over an hour and the flavor profile really hit the spot. Out of all the Year of the Dragons out there I felt this one stands a lone.
That actually made me feel like I was smoking the cigar with him!