Vicente Blends is a boutique, luxury cigar brand and passion project created by Vincent McGlone. The brands unique presentation and blending process separate it from other boutique brands. The War is a part of the Royalty Line, and brings a unique smoking experience. The inspiration for the War was a king leading his armies into battle.
The War has a presentation that follows the same motif as the other cigars in the brand's lineup. In leu of a band, Vicente Blends uses a metal ring. The ring on the war, for instance, is a black crown with a "V" cast into the mold. The crown is ornate, and has sapphires all around. The wrapper is a medium brown, and is over all smooth to touch. It has a slight oily sheen to it, and has some veins showing throughout.
The War has an excellent construction. The Filler is Dominican, the Binder is Nicaraguan, and the Wrapper is Cameroon. After cutting, the cigar is found to have a smooth draw. At first light, the burn is even, and stays true throughout the smoke. The ash is a medium gray in color, and sturdy. After falling from the foot at around the inch and a half mark, there is no flaking ash.
The flavor profile on the way is relatively steadfast, with base notes staying prominent throughout, and different undertones coming and going. The cold draw may feature notes of dried fruit and earth. The first light may feature notes of black pepper and baker's chocolate.
The first third may feature strong base notes of espresso and baker's chocolate. These are accompanied by subtle notes of black pepper and earth, with mild hints of vanilla and dry hay. The retrohale on the first third may feature notes of caramel and dark chocolate.
The second third may feature strong notes of baker's chocolate, vanilla, and cedar. Undertones of black pepper and caramel come and go on the palate, while a subtle nuttiness comes into play. The retrohale on the second third may feature notes of caramel, dark chocolate, and espresso.
The final third may feature strong notes of espresso and baker's chocolate, along with very subtle hints of toast and brown sugar. Notes of black pepper and graphite linger on the palate, along with a subtle nuttiness. The retrohale on the final third may feature notes of dark chocolate, caramel, and black pepper.
The War finishes with strong notes of baker's chocolate, earth, and espresso.
The War has a pretty steep price point. Coming in at $42.00 for a single, and $420.00 for a box of 10, it can put a dent in your wallet. That being said, the flavor profile is wonderful, the construction is excellent, and it's all packaged with a unique appearance. While the flavor profile and construction are all above par, this cigar may be more suited to the $20-$25 price range.
The Vicente War provides a great smoking experience and can definitely be seen as a status symbol. While the presentation does add some allure to the brand, the flavor profile and construction is where the best parts of this line can be found.
GC Rating: 89
Thanks to the Wooden Indian Tobacco Shop for sponsoring this review of the Vicente War. If you'd like to try the War, or anything else from the Vicente catalog, click the picture and use the coupon code for 10% off your order and free shipping.
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