5 Vegas Series A Archetype

5 Vegas Series A Archetype

Origin : Honduras
Format : Toro
Size : 6 x 50
Wrapper : Costa Rican Maduro
Filler : Three Country Long Filler Blend
Binder : Nicaraguan
Hand-Made
Price : ~$5 each

Once upon a time, I loved me a Maduro cigar.  I smoked them all the time. Even though my tastes have moved away from Maduros, I still find myself craving one every now and then. I knew I’d be smoking this 5 Vegas Series A this month, but I have been trying to hold off until one of those Maduro cravings hit. I brought this cigar with me to the beach this weekend just in case the mood struck and when I opened my Otterbox and saw it sitting there I though to myself, “This is a good spot for a Maduro.”

The 5 Vegas Series A is a good looking smoke.  Besides a beautiful, very toothy and rich looking dark brown wrapper, the cigar is dressed to the nines.  Sporting a very elegant (if a bit large) black and gold band, it’s modesty is protected by a large cedar sleeve that hides the majority of its length.  I didn’t find much information about the makeup of this cigar.  Just that it has a Costa Rican Maduro wrapper and a three country blend filler.

The 5 Vegas Series A Archetype has a rich earthy aroma that some might find intimidating, but in truth the cigar is fairly easy going, medium-bodied with a short finish. The Archetype started off with a very harsh blast to my palate which was a little off putting.  After that initial blast it settled down quite a bit.  It has a meaty maduro flavor with a hint of dark chocolate but the flavors were a bit muddled. Like most maduros there was a slight sweetness to it especially on the lips. As I progressed passed the half way mark there was bit more leather and earth but the flavors still seemed muddy and muted.  I also began to detect a slightly metallic aftertaste on the finish.  I am a fan of the 5 Vegas Classic and the Gold, but the series A has never really done much to impress me in any of the vitolas I’ve tried and the Archetype is no different.  It’s a decent smoke and since the price point on these is a bit of a bargain, it’s not bad for a day on the links or working in the yard. However, on the rare occasion that I am craving a maduro there are a few other smokes that stand ahead of this on my list.