This cigar was reviewed blind (no bands) by a panel of at least 4 reviewers. They did not know what they were smoking beforehand. The scores are an average of all the reviewers' scores with outliers removed.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Lancero

Length: 7″

Ring Gauge: 38

Country of Origin: Nicaragua

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Oscuro Corojo

Binder: Jalapa

Filler: Nicaraguan Ligero

Factory: Segovia

Blender: David Blanco

Number of reviewers: 4 —– Sandeep (Djangos) Milton (mjohnsoniii) Jason (bigslowrock) Emmett (rhetorik)

Price: $7.00

Age: 4 Months Rest

Release Date: 2009

Contributed by: Blanco Cigar Company

Initial Impressions

Appearance: 88

“This is a beautiful lancero. It is a little lumpy, but that’s to be expected in a lance. The wrapper is a nice dark reddish-brown and has quite a bit of tooth. There are a couple prominent veins. It has a pretty rough texture when you feel it, and has a nice give.” –Emmett (rhetorik)

Aroma: 93

“The major aroma that I am getting is hay, grass and a barnyardy aroma. There is a lack of any sweeter flavors. The dry puff definitely has hints of leather and white pepper, but once again mostly dry hay.” –Sandeep (Djangos)

First Third

Flavor: 91

Strength: Medium-Strong

Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“The cigar starts off with stiff pepper that lasts for about a half inch before mellowing out. The major flavor is one of leather and intermingling woodsy notes. The leather gets stronger as the third progresses. The hay and grass that I experienced in the dry draw are at best faint. No sweet flavors are present. Mostly medium in strength. The ash is white and very flaky, falling off even at less than half an inch. The burn is very sharp, however, the draw is slightly tighter than what I like. The smoke is creamy and smooth.” –Sandeep (Djangos)

“This first third started off very spicy with hints of leather, basil and baking spices. The smoke is very thick and leaves some creaminess lingering at the back of the throat. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it as much as I have so far.” –Milton (mjohnsoniii)

Second Third

Flavor: 93

Strength: Medium

Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“Woah, this cigar has some flavor to it. I was beginning to wonder after that first third. I’m getting some nice cocoa as the dominate flavor. As the third progresses the baking spice really starts to pick up. I’m getting a nice mix of pumpkin spice with the cinnamon leading the charge.” –Jason (bigslowrock)

“This third is getting a little meatier with some black pepper and slight salt in addition to the espresso taste that is still here. Keeping with the meatier theme, I’m starting to get some hickory flavor. The finish is fairly short, but is spice and salt. I seemed to have passed the blockage that was hindering the draw and now it’s a nice medium draw.” –Emmett (rhetorik)

Final Third

Flavor: 93

Strength: Medium-Strong

Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“The smoke this cigar produced was nothing short of outstanding. It kept nice, creamy flavors lingering on the palate. This third wasn’t much different than the second in terms of flavor. Roasted coffee, black cherry and white pepper still remain although not so prominent. Basil returned as I neared the end of the final third with the strength heightened a bit, but never overwhelming.” –Milton (mjohnsoniii)

“This third has gotten creamy and balanced, and is proving to be a nice finish to this cigar. I’m getting more hickory and espresso flavors, just creamier. Towards the end I start getting a kind of mineral or minty taste, most likely because of having to smoke faster than I like because of the tight draw.” –Emmett (rhetorik)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 90

“This cigar had just the right resistance that I find to be almost perfect. It allowed me to taste every bit of every flavor that it had to offer.” –Milton (mjohnsoniii)

Burn: 89

“The burn was pretty even, but did wander and tunnel a bit.” –Emmett (rhetorik)

Construction: 89

“Very good construction on the cigar as evidenced by the burn. I think the fill was just a tad uneven and I did have a problem with the cap.” –Jason (bigslowrock)

Overall Strength: Medium-Strong

Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

Overall Experience: 92

“The cigar is not spectacular but keeps its balance throughout. There is definitely a lack of complexity with very unilateral flavors of mostly pepper and leather. Easy to smoke and will try again.” –Sandeep (Djangos)

“I’ve become a big fan the lancero vitola and even though this one wasn’t a looker, it smoked very well. It had complexity, produced tons of thick, creamy smoke and the flavors came and went but were very prominent when present. This is one that I’m looking forward to trying again.” –Milton (mjohnsoniii)

“If I had just smoked the first third and rated this cigar, it would have gotten a terrible score and a recommendation of a pass on a purchase. After that first third, the cigar really started to shine. Depending on the price, I would definitely be in for a 5’er of this cigar.” –Jason (bigslowrock)

“Despite the draw issues I’m still giving this cigar a good score. It would have been a lot better I think with a better draw, The flavors were very good and redeemed it. I really enjoyed the meaty profile and balance. I would definitely try this again and would recommend a five pack.” –Emmett (rhetorik)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 87

Total Score: 91 (Very Good)

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To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

Blind Cigar Review: Blanco NINE | Lancero