Price: $9.50

Size: 7×38 Lancero

Wrapper: Brazilian Mata Fina

Filler: Columbian & Nicaraguan

Binder: Honduran

Smoking Time: 80 minutes

Initial Impression: The 262 Paradigm Lancero was recommended to me by a friend at a B&M we stopped at on our travels. I’d never had anything by 262 cigars so I was willing to give it a try. The wrapper had a beautiful color and the cap had a nice twist to it, but the veins and overall lumpiness of the cigar actually had me questioning it. Still there was a sort of elegance to it. Every time I saw it in my humidor it attracted my attention until I finally decided (when the snow and ice stopped) to give it a try. It has a spicy sweet smell that is kind of airy. Cold draw gives more spice.

First Third: The cigar lit easily and immediately started putting out volumes of thick creamy smoke. There is a light sweet taste left on the lips afterward almost like a flavored cigar but not nearly as strong as to suggest an additive. It is almost like a sweet tea. The smoke coming off the stick has a great sweet wood smell to it and is very easy on the nose. I even accidentally inhaled some and it wasn’t harsh at all. It almost reminded me of hookah smoke it was so cool and thick. Mild in strength and flavor right now which is interesting as so many other lanceros just blast full-strength at you.

Second Third: There is now a slight pepper in the back of the throat and the smoke has a more pronounced nut profile. With the thick creamy smoke it reminded me of almond butter. Just fantastic. The strength picked up a little bit but didn’t really reach medium through this point. The ash breaks off every inch or so like any lancero but the burn has been excellent and consistent with no need for touch ups.

Final Third: The flavors stayed consistent through the final third and the only thing that really changed was the wood tones picking up. I eagerly smoked this cigar down to the nub.

Conclusion: I never thought I would say that a Lancero would be good with breakfast or be a good cigar for a beginner. That changed with this cigar. The thick and balanced mild creamy smoke would just be awesome to top off a coffee or after a light morning meal. I have yet to have anything else from 262 yet but if their other cigars are as good as this one then (and its my suspicion they would be) I highly recommend trying them. Also, even though they do carry an average lancero price they are well worth that price.

I give this cigar a 4.7 out of 5

PS Pairing – If you enjoy the Paradigm I highly recommend pairing this cigar with sweet tea. I paired it with my third Paradigm and it was just fantastic. I know I usually recommend an alcoholic beverage here but just straight sweet tea was great. Add some vodka or something I don’t know.