Size 6 1/8 x 52
Wrapper: African Cameroon
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan, Honduran, Peruvian
Body: Medium-Full
Strength: Mild-Medium
This is an interesting cigar, the box was hidden in a corner of the humidor at my local B&M, it did not stand out next to the Montecristo's, Romeo Y Julietta's, and H. Upmann's surrounding it. What attracted me was the box, it has an old look to it with a picture on the inside lid that is the same as the picture on the band. I would consider this to be old school, unlike the boxes you may see with CAO, this is one that is far more attractive because of the beautiful work of art that graces it's lid. I will discuss more about the artwork, first I will review the cigar..
To start, back in 2005, the Belisco received a 95 rating from Cigar Aficionado, and as of today this same cigar receives a 90 rating.
This cigar is not the most attractive, in fact it is a bit rough with a couple of spots on the wrapper. The wrapper itself is a nice brown color, holding this cigar in your hand you can almost imagine a time when theaters were abundant, women in full dress and all men wore suits. This cigar may take you back 100 years to a time of horse and buggy. I was almost lost in time when I was brought back to remembering where I was, odd that the tapestry like rug on the floor was in view when I was holding this cigar. This is a firm stick, packed well so as to not be soft, but not too hard it feels like a steel pole. The wrapper has a velvet like feel to the rough veins running up and down this cigar.
With a quick clip the tip of the cigar was removed and the draw was behaving perfectly, nice tobacco taste with a velvet feel on the tongue due to the wrapper. This cigar starts off spicey and the smoke was harsh and abundant. I never judge a cigar by the first 1/2 inch, and this is definitely not one to judge quickly.
As I started out into the body of this cigar the smoke began to smooth out some, not a whole lot, but much easier to work with. The depth flavor was creamy with coffee overtones. The smoke is a bit dry, maybe a few weeks in a proper humidor instead of the one at my B&M may turn this cigar even better.
The Ash was a light gray, almost white. It held for under one inch before dropping, which to me is not a problem. The burn was not perfect, but not out of control. Proper humidity would probably have fixed this issue.
Into the body of the cigar, it became extremely woody with a touch of honey in the background. At this point I was reaching the 1/2 way point and picking up a bit of cocoa. Other than the extra wood and cocoa flavors, there was not much left going on in the flavor department. I was getting a bit frustrated as this cigar wanted to go out, I was having to draw more frequently then before. I was fearing that I would soon be working on a plug. I was ready to put this cigar to rest, for the sake of a full review, I went ahead and continued to smoke.
This is when the cigar made a dramatic turn for me. This cigar started building in strength going from mild to medium and far more complex in flavor. In fact, the flavors became stronger, bringing the coca flavors in front instead of hiding behind the other flavors. Adding this to the woody and honey surrounding the coffee flavors. The smoke became toasty causing such a great mix of flavors that I became excited to be able to enjoy such a good cigar. Yet I was bummed that the cigar was soon to end. This cigar started at a medium body and finished full bodied.
I would recommend this cigar to anyone looking for a cigar that carries such a great deal of flavors that will keep you interested before it ends. Humidor time is needed for this cigar. Had this cigar started the way it ended I would consider this a great cigar. I will be putting the other to rest and will revisit in 6 months. Aging may be a key to bringing out the best this cigar has to offer.
Now some history. The piece of art on the inside cover of the cigar box is a picture of the actress, Maria Guerrero, from Spain who traveled and performed on stages in South America, Mexico, and Cuba around 1900 (the picture on the inside lid is the same picture that graces the cigar band shown above). There is a news article about her back in 1908 when she came to visit New York and saw a couple of plays at the Hippodrome. With some searching on the internet I was able to find a biography and was able to roughly translate it. Maria was born in 1868 growing up with a love for theaters. She debuted in 1885 and by 1890 Maria was casted as the leading lady. She graced the stages with beauty, and awed her fans with her ability to perform in tragic plays. By 1897 she traveled yearly, with her employees of about 60 members, to Argentina. In 1898 she was able to mover her company to France and Italy, performing in Paris, Milan, Turin, Genoa and Rome. She was loved by her country, and embraced by countries that were able to bring her into their land and experience her talents.
This cigar is a great tribute to Maria Guerrero. It begins slow and builds a dramatic performance causing one to demand an encore.
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