Cigars.ie

In Our Memory Of: Sancho Panza Molinos

So here we are with the last of the cigars from the “deletion” list of 2012, the Sancho Panza Molino. The Molino was one of the Lonsdale I reviewed around this time last year and I was pleasantly surprised from it. Its deletion will leave this small brand with only two cigars in current production, the Belicoso and the Non Plus

The Molino is a Cervante, measuring 6.5″ in length by 42 ring gauge. It has only been made available in boxes of 25 and its small popularity means that it is still widely available in the cigar vendors worldwide, and with a little luck you can find a box with plenty of age. So, lets see if this cigar is worth to look out for…

Appearance & Construction 13 / 15
The Molinos has an old, rustic look to it. The wrapper is chestnut brown in colour, with very few wrinkles and a “toothy” feel. The bunch is firm and almost solid nearer to the head of the cigar. The cap is flat and sloppy and the cigar has prelight aromas of wood and grass. The prelight draw is good, slightly on the tighter side.

Flavour & Body 22 /25
The Molino shows plenty of character from the first draw and a pleasant mild to medium body. The traditional grassy flavour dominates, with woody and spicy tones and a long, salty and peppery finish. In the second third the Molino shows some more complexity, with sweet and floral flavours also joining the mix. While the grass still dominates, a balanced mix of chocolate, coffee, leather and wood can be seen in the background. The body is just about medium now and the finish is sweeter than in the beginning. Any spiciness of the first third has now disappeared. The last third is similar to the second, but with a better balance of flavours. Wood, grass, chocolate and coffee are all in great balance, creating a very enjoyable experience. The last third its definately its sweet spot. Medium bodied, with no hints of ammonia, harshness or biterness, and surprisingly no spiciness left after the first third. The Molino keeps this profile until the end. A little more kick and this cigar would have been a bomb!

Draw & Burn 24 / 25
Despite the tight prelight draw and the firm bunch, once lit the draw in the Molino is excellent. The burn is good and even all the way through and the cigar delivers plenty of thick, creamy smoke. The ash is light grey in colour, solid in texture, and falls off after reaching about three quarters of an inch. The combustion is excellent, and a large, pyramid shape coal ensures the cigar does not go off at any stage. The wrapper gets a couple of small cracks as it burns from the second third onwards, but nothing to worry about. The Molino smokes effortlessly from start to finish.

Overall 32 / 35
On my last encounter with the Molino earlier this year I rated it with 87 points. This one though will score a lot more… It is a surprisingly tasty cigar, as tasty as my favourite Sancho Panza Belicosos. It shows good complexity and balance, with flavours that alter throughout its smoking time. it smokes really well, with no construction issues at all. Although I am not certain of the age of this cigar, I am almost sure it has at least five years on it. A young Sancho can be bland and one dimensional, but this cigar is far from this. I do prefer cigars with a little more kick, but I have to say this cigar is very tasty.

Total 91 / 100

Verdict: A fantastic choice for the smoker that prefers mild but rich cigars, definitely worthy of a chance. If you plan to lay down a box, make sure it is for long term. Ten years on the back of this cigar will do wonders!