Ortega Serie D Maduro No. 20

Overall Score

1 review for Ortega Serie D Maduro No. 20

  1. Kayla

    Ortega Serie D No. 20

    Origin : NicaraguaOrtega
    Format : Double Toro
    Size : 6 x 60
    Wrapper : San Andres, Mexican maduro
    Filler : Esteli/Jalapa, Nicaragua
    Binder : Jalapa, Nicaragua
    Hand-Made
    Price : ~$7.50 each

    The first of many solo launches by cigar great, Eddie Ortega, the Ortega Serie ‘D’ Maduro has earned praise from all corners of the cigar world, including a 90 point rating from Cigar Aficionado Magazine and a spot of Cigar Snob Magazine’s Top 25 Cigars of 2012 list. The Ortega Serie ‘D’ Maduro features a nearly flawless San Andres Maduro leaf wrapped around generous portions of Nicaraguan long leaf fillers. The San Andres leaf is the color of dark chocolate and has a slight oily sheen to it. The length of the six-inch stick is plump and expertly rolled and finished with a gentle box press. The triple thick cap is squarely mounted and cuts cleanly with my punch cutter.

    Ortega Serie D Maduro No. 20

    Flavor & Cold Draw

    The pungent aroma of freshly cut alfalfa and earth is evident in the wrapper leaf while the foot gives off scents of cherries, cocoa bean, and ground pepper. The cold draw is open and easy, producing dark, earthy flavors of cocoa and earth while leaving the tingle of pepper on the lips. The first few puffs are dominated by rich tobacco and intense black pepper. The pepper fades a bit after the first five minutes but is still present on the back of the pallet. A gentle undertone of cocoa joins in midway through the first third, along with a citrus tanginess on the tip of the tongue. The second third begins with a toasty nuance as well as dark, earthy flavors of smoked hickory and cocoa. The pepper flavor disappears completely by the final third, which is predominantly earthy with a sweet aftertaste of dried fruit.

    Ortega Serie D Maduro No. 20

    Burn & Smoking Characteristics

    The Ortega Serie ‘D’ draws perfectly, producing huge plumes of white smoke with each pull. The ash is a dark grey color with coal colored striations. The ash looks a bit flakey but is actually incredibly solid, growing to almost two inches before the initial drop. The ash drops a total of three times during the seventy-five minute smoke. The burn is slow and even, progressing flawlessly through each third. The burn is cool enough, allowing me to enjoy the cigar down to the nub.

    Ortega Serie D Maduro No. 20

    Conclusion

    The Ortega Serie ‘D’ is a full strength kicker. I smoked it before eating and regretted my decision within the first third of the stick. Along with the full strength comes full, complex flavor. The draw is perfect and the burn is superb. Eddie Ortega has certainly set the bar high with this launch.

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Cigar Region Nicaragua
Filler Esteli/Jalapa, Nicaragua
Wrapper San Andres, Mexican maduro
Binder Jalapa, Nicaragua
Length 6
Ring Gauge 60
Vitola Double Toro
Construction Hand Made