Sancho Panza Molinos (2001)

Size: 42 × 165 (6.5")

Shape: Lonsdale

Filler: Cuba

Binder: Cuba

Wrapper: Cuba

Smoking Time: 1 ¼ hours

Beverage: Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA

Sancho Panza is a name that rarely comes immediately to mind when one thinks of premium Cuban cigars. Perhaps that's why our local B&M was able to come across a box of Molinos from the back rooms of his distributor, languishing there since 2001. Despite being a niche brand, the Sancho Panza marquis is constructed from tobacco grown in the Vuelta Abajo tobacco region, an area which is considered to be one of the best for cultivating tobacco. It is from this region that the tobacco is also grown for more prominent brands such as Montecristo, H. Upmann, and Cohiba.

Fortunately for us, this eight-year-old cigar had developed a small amount of plume and looked like it might have reached its prime. It was densely packed but soft, with a great-looking milk chocolate wrapper that was free of blemishes. It clipped easily, and the pre-draw was perfect, with just a slight amount of resistance. The cold draw brought the woody, dry taste that I've found to be characteristic of aged habanos. Lighting the foot was easily accomplished with a single match, and I was surprised at the pepper that greeted me on the initial puff. The large volumes of smoke produced also surprised me, given the smaller ring gauge. The pepper quickly faded quickly and was replaced with deep, earthy flavours that finished with notes of cedar. I had to be careful as I smoked it, as it became bitter if I puffed too frequently.

In the final half of the cigar the earthy flavours were joined by notes of licorice on the finish. Despite the pleasant flavours and the wonderful aroma produced by this aged smoke, there seemed to be a disappointing lack of balance and uniqueness that might have been expected from a cigar that has had some time for the flavours to marry together. Although I enjoyed it, I expected a bit more from this smoke. That's why I've given it three Castro's out of five.