Principle is one of the most well-known brands from Kelner Boutique Factory in the Dominican Republic. Using the expertise of the Kelners, their tobacco library is extensive, with the history, knowledge, and high-quality workmanship to back it.
This version of White Gold is exceptional, it cannot be made again due to the lack of wrapper leaves that are available in this whopping size. To top it off, these cigars were rolled back in 2019, and they have been aging for over 4 years! This large-format Ecuadorian Connecticut blend is decadent and has only improved with age! – Luxury Cigar Club
Bought from – Luxury Cigar Club
Information:
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Dominican, Zimbabwe
Origin: Dominican Republic
Factory: Kelner Boutique Factory
Aging (if any): 4+ years
MSRP (single): $35.35
Box: Bundles of 20 available
Availability: Yes @ Luxury Cigar Club
Size: 8 x 52 Presidente
Band/Packaging:
Clean and elegant White and Gold Art Deco band. Big fan of Principle’s packaging and artwork on their bands.
THE REVIEW
Construction:
Firmly packed
Cold draw:
Bready, nutmeg, light wood
First Third:
Light milk Chocolate at the start, doughy, light wood, creamy, an aftertaste that reminds me of after I brush my teeth, but its not minty, saffron, sweetness on the aftertaste as well, no spice
Retro:
Emphasized the refreshing feeling in the mouth, saffron
Second Third:
Increase in creaminess, a bit more doughy, and a little less saffron, after taste feeling remains, increase in milk chocolate, coffee, enter hot chocolate
Retro:
Same as the first third
Burn:
Slightly wavy but mostly even burn
Smoke:
Silky smooth puffs, refreshing feeling post exhale,
Final third:
Hot chocolate, subtle saffron, subtle gingerbread, light coffee, bitter chocolate, dark fruits, after taste feeling remains
Retro:
Chocolate and sweetness
Duration:
2 hours 19 minutes
Conclusion:
I’ll preface this by saying I was a little stuffy and under the weather for this review.. You can tell this is aged tobacco. Light yet flavorful from the first puff, nothing overwhelming, yet the flavors linger on the palate. The saffron notes are a first to me, and I think it is due to the Zimbabwean. I have smoked a few cigars with Zimbabwe tobaccos and while I didn’t pick up the same flavor, they all had a uniqueness to them. The addition of a milky hot chocolate in the second third was a very nice touch and takes this blend to the next level for me. Unfortunately the wrapper cracked badly as the cigar progressed through the final third and I had to abort. Overall this was a solid smoke and gets a 90.
Result: 90
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