Diesel – Lets an Old Man Feel Hip

I am a traditional sort of guy.  Staid, conservative, New England through and through.  So, I was surprised to like an upstart, edgy, hip cigar so much.  It had been resting comfortably in my humidor since the summer trade show, and I finally decided to give it a try.  This cigar is made by AJ Fernandez, who makes many other cigars most notably the Latano line.  Given his many years of experience in the industry, you would expect a nice cigar.  And, you will not be disappointed.  My only problem is that it seems to be hard to find the ‘Grind’.

When you first look at the cigar it is very pleasant to view.  First, my stick is a belicoso.  A belicoso is a cigar that has a pointed head.  It minimally imacts the smoke, but makes for an interesting look.  My cigar was firm, veiny, and oily.

The cigar was very well constructed.  My ash was spectacular and held for over half the length of the stick.  The draw was open and the smoke was cool.  The cigar burned evenly holding a tight ash.

Flavor was good throughout.  This is a strong full bodied or ‘dinner’ cigar.  During the first third there was a mild sweetness but a distinct nutmeg and cinnamon taste.  As the cigar progressed the flavors became more pronounced with chile and pepper, with a subtle apple flavor int he background.  For the final third it was all pepper and spice.  As the cigar smoked it became more and more heavy and fuller bodied, but I wan’t overpowered by the flavors.

For all of its positives you’d hope this cigar was a good value.  And, it night be.  But, alas, it is very difficult to find the ‘Grind’ by Diesel easily.  Other lines by Diesel are priced attractively and if this cigar comes in under $6, it’s a very good value indeed.

While I haven’t had any other cigars by Diesel, I am looking forward to trying them as well as having a few more of these.