Cohiba Siglo 1 – Glenfarclas 25-Year-Old

Well, this was interesting. I assume that in these days of weird and wonderful technology, something would or could be inserted here to allow that ‘do do do do do do’ riff which is the theme to the ‘The Twilight Zone’ to play. If not, could we all join in a rousing rendition. It would be most appropriate.

Why? This was a cigar of two halves, if I may plunder one of sport’s worst cliches.

First, small cigars. For me, so rarely do they have a place. What is the point? I really don’t get it. Today, sort of. I sort of wanted a cigar but sort of didn’t, if that makes any sense – it makes no sense to me so don’t feel alone! Not had one for ages as been trying to catch up on work and drag myself out of chaos, self-imposed and otherwise (down at the beach shack, I try and do a spell of mother-sitting back in Brizzy every week and also collect all the samples – who is going to whinge when one is the Flor de Cana V Generaciones, their astonishing 30-Year-Old rum). But trying to head back to the shack, on a good run it takes around an hour 40. This time? Four hours. Peak hour and road works. Nightmare. Still have not found anything looking vaguely suitable for future residency. The search continues.

So I was thinking I deserved a cigar. Planned one for Saturday arvo. Work in the morning and then settle back with a cigar, drink and good book, as a reward. Which I did, but to be honest, when it came to it, I didn’t really feel like it. But I sort of felt I should. Yes, it all makes no sense.

So I went small. Something I so rarely do. The Cohiba Siglo 1. Thought that might be a good option. And to match, after recent successes with some of the aged Glenfarclas, I went with the Glenfarclas 25-Year-Old. Whacko.

But the cigar. First, with a nod to our friend, Lrabold89, I looked for caramel. See, I do take notice (and to be, fair, it does seem something that has either been regularly appearing for me, or perhaps I have got lazy and assume it will be there. No longer. I will be keeping a close eye on that). Not a sign of it. Not a whiff. Okay, maybe a touch but not enough to be worth mentioning. Opened powerfully and was quite rich. Some toffee (not caramel). Stonefruit. Peaches and cream. Unfortunately, all this didn’t really last more than a few puffs. Went acidic and harsh very quickly. Not dirty at all but just not that pleasant. And not exciting. There was no balance here.

About halfway through – remember that this is about the size of a bloated cigarette, so we got there quickly – I had to put it aside for a moment and leave it for ten minutes. I returned to it, relit it, and started afresh, but with no expectations (and that should not be the case for a Cohiba, even the stunted ones). So far, so very disappointing. I was thinking that my thoughts about not having a cigar were correct.

What a curious transformation. Queue the Twilight theme. Suddenly, some pleasant nutty notes. No idea where they came from but was not complaining. Redemption was at hand. Very strange. How often do we have a cigar with good and bad and the good is all upfront with the end proving the disappointment. Total reverse here. A really lovely creamy character flooded home. In fairness, it did get a smidge hot on the finish but I’ll take that. A total transformation.

So how on earth does one score that? I went 89. The first half, dismal; the latter, lovely.

And the whisky? A fine match and a better drink. Supple, lots of power but perfectly balanced. Notes of honey and a rich honey/lemon touch. Thoroughly enjoyed it. fine balance, excellent length.

At least the book was a cracker.

KBG