Cigar Review by Matt Zaccheo (guest)
Cigar Photography by Jay L (cigarphoto.net)


Jay’s Notes:

This week we are photographing and reviewing the Sencillo Black Short Churchill – a collaboration between Nestor Plasencia Jr. and Keith K. Park introduced to the market in March of 2010. According to Keith K. Park, Founder and CEO of Prometheus International, Inc. and God of Fire, Inc., “Nestor and I had been talking about doing a project together for many years. When we decided to add a Nicaraguan blend to our brand portfolio, Nestor and I worked on the Sencillo Black blend together for over a year. We are going to age Sencillo Black for 6 months or longer in order to deliver a more polished and flavorful taste to our customers.” The first batch of Sencillo Black was shipped to the authorized Sencillo dealers in June 2011.

Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano Colorado
Binder: Nicaragua Habano Jalapa
Filler: Nicaragua Ligero Habano Jalapa, Honduras Ligero Habano Jamastran, Mexico Viso San Andres
Length: 6.5”
Ring: 48


Matt’s Review:

Cut: Palio / Straight
Drink: None
Palate: Fresh, like virgin fresh….had not smoked for 7 days prior to review

# cigars smoked for review: two

Prelight: At first glance, my attention is focused on the embossed silver “S” stamped on the contrasting linen white and glossy, jet black band. It screams … formal … black tie … name on a list … event! Underneath the vest is a very attractive dark chocolate habano Colorado wrapper. There is a uniform and ultrafine tooth with scant oils that give it the feel of 180 grit sandpaper and a silky, burnished appearance. The seams are tight, there are no palpable veins, and the pack is firm throughout. Off the foot, it wreaks of barnyard. The cold draw yields straight tobacco, leather, earth and some subtle winey notes. She looks so refined and proper…….but she gives subtle hints………she has a wild side!

Draw: Comfortable and even throughout

Flavors: There is an initial muffled spice that is quickly overtaken by a dense core of deep, moist earth, glove leather, and mild cedar. The smoke is thick on the palate … you can cut it. There are distinct dark chocolate, coffee, and burnt toffee notes that find perfect balance and roll into a long, rich, creamy finish. At the midway point, the flavors transition a bit. The coffee fades and the burnt toffee exits to reveal the subtle complexity of stone fruits. There are jammy plum notes and a dark cherry twang that plays well with the gritty Mexican viso. The finish remains consistent throughout: long, dense, rich and smooth … almost honeyed. Although the mouth feel is huge, the body/strength remains a medium minus to solid medium. It is so smooth, balanced, and refined that I could see myself smoking it almost anytime. It would be right at home as a first smoke of the day, but it definitely has the shoulders to stand up to a single malt after a big meal.

Burn: Excellent. One touch up on each of the cigars I smoked. The burn line was a little wavy, but now where near wonky. The ash was flakey salt and pepper and flowered on the second cigar before the first drop. Burn rate and temperature were perfect. Smoke production was definitely above average. Total smoke time was 1 hour 25 minutes.

Construction: Excellent throughout.

Descriptive Adjectives: voluptuous … think red velvet cake!

Box Worthy: No question. The quality/complexity to price point ratio make it a clear winner.

Overall: Quite frankly … shocked! “Sencillo”, Spanish for simple, is anything but. This blend is a harmonious marriage of quality tobacco from different growing regions, each showcasing the attributes specific to the respective terroir. A distinctive, polished, and well-balanced flavor profile makes it complex … but not confusing. The long velvety finish will invite you back to the party!


Please consider the following posts:

Don Carlos Edicion de Aniversario 2007
God of Fire by Carlito 2007
* God of Fire Serie B


* DISCLAIMER: Sencillo Black sample was gifted by Keith K. Park of Prometheus International. Keith’s generosity had no impact on the actual experience. The cigar spoke for itself.

- click on photographs (slideshow)-
 
 

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