1502 Emerald – A Jewel

It seems like a finny name for a cigar brand, 1502.  Yet, when you understand that is the year that Columbus discovered Nicaragua, it all makes sense.  Even with the attention getting name, the cigar is little known.  And, that’s too bad, because it’s a great cigar.  I found these sticks at the show last summer and just got around to smoking one.  Hopefully, I’ll have more reviews of their other blends soon.

This is a very nice looking box pressed cigar.  It has a golden brown hue and is very oily.  The wrapper is not trimmed at the foot giving you the taste of pure wrapper for a few puffs at the begining.  This gives you a blast of flavor.  I punched and lit my stick without problem.

The construction of this cigar was good.  It burned evenly and held a long ash.  The cigar did not heat up even though it was very powerful.

Flavor of this cigar is strong and it is definitely a ‘dinner’ or full bodied smoke.  The producer says this is their middle of the road offering and I’m wondering what their full strength stick will be.  It starts of spice with a hint of cherry.  This initial blast is courtesy of the extra wrapper at the foot of the stick.  Through the middle of the smoke the flavors are strong with lots of nutmeg and spice.  As we get to the end the spice continues but is moderated a bit by some cedar and leather tones.  I like a strong cigar and this was right up my alley.  It was a powerful knockout stick with a long after taste.  Certainly the cigar of an experienced smoker.

Even though it is a short smoke of only 40 minutes, at around $5 there is a lot of value in this cigar.  It’s not for everyone, but if you like strong cigars don’t look any farther.  This screaming baby will be just the ticket.