Alec Bradley Project 40 Maduro 05.50 (5 x 50)

Video review HERE.

(Description taken from alecbradley.com)

We contend that a cigar with a proper blend and value proposition, is the key to taking control of your happiness. The calming effects of the dark and rich Project 40 Maduro are rewarding to enthusiasts, leading to relaxation and the feeling of being in control.  The Project 40 Maduro is the next chapter of the Experimental Series story. Take control of your happiness, again!

Blend:

Wrapper: San Andreas

Binder: Habano Brazil

Filler: All Nicaraguan

Available vitolas:

05.50; 5 x 50 REVIEWED TODAY

06.52; 6 x 52

06.60; 6 x 60

07.70' 7 x 70

The cigar is quite dark and has an average feel in the hand.

The test draw after cutting the cap was good. The initial flavors at light up were citrus peel, faint brown sugar, bakers chocolate, and musky leather. There was black pepper rated at 7. I hope the cigar improves!

At the first third (23 minutes) the cigar has improved. I did not have as much of the musky leather. There's quite a bit of the bakers chocolate and the citrus peel is a little sweeter with more brown sugar and a little actual citrus influence. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is bakers chocolate with very good lingering black pepper. The cigar is much better than it was at light up. I rated the first third 91.

As I moved through the second third (51 minutes) the bakers chocolate is taking center stage. There's a little scratch citrus peel. I call it that because the black pepper has risen and seems to be in the citrus peel. There's a little brown sugar but not as much as the first third. I don't notice the leather any more. The finish is bakers chocolate with some of the musky leather and very good lingering black pepper. The cigar is medium bodied. The cigar slipped a little. I rated the second third 88.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 7 minutes. The cigar improved again. There's more of a citrus note, plenty of bakers chocolate, a little brown sugar, light citrus peel, and I don't notice the leather. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is leather with very good lingering black pepper. I rated the final third 91. Give one a try.

Overall Score: 90