Vitola: Lancero- 7” x 40 ring gauge
- MSRP $12.75
- Purchased at Burns Tobacconist
Background
I reviewed the Tabernacle Havana Seed CT No. 142 back in February of this year, just a few months after it made its debut. I found the mix of sweet and salty, woody and peppery flavors to be complex and rich…truly something special. In the time since, I’ve come to think of the Tabernacle 142 as Nick Melillo’s “modern updated take” on the Liga Privada T52, which he blended when he was in the employ of Drew Estate (just like I’ve come to think of the Tabernacle Broadleaf as a his newer version of the Liga No. 9).
The truth is I really enjoyed the Tabernacle 142 as much as I enjoy the original Tabernacle, even though it’s a completely different experience. At this year’s IPCPR trade show, Foundation Cigars unveiled the latest line extension: a Lancero version. As with the regular version, the fillers are from Honduras and Nicaragua, the binder is Mexican San Andres, and the wrapper is a Connecticut-grown Habano.
I elected not to publish a full review of this new vitola at this time, but instead refer you back to my original review for the details. I purchased this cigar at Burns Tobacconist, where I work, where I also purchased several other Lanceros that I smoked before today’s review. If you don’t have a great brick-and-mortar cigar shop near you that carries Foundation, please do two things: 1) Demand (or kindly suggest) that your local store owner start carrying the brand. 2) Go to Small Batch and order some up.
Notes
The dark brown wrapper leaf was very oily to the touch, leaving a slight residue on my fingers. The aroma from the wrapper was chocolate, earth and faint wood, while the foot had anise and coffee notes. After lighting the Tabernacle 142 Lancero, I got a very cedary flavor profile right up front, with notes of black pepper and earth coming right behind, while unsweetened cocoa powder and anise were present on the finish. The retrohale was also woody and peppery.
I paired this cigar with some Four Roses Bourbon, just the plain “yellow label” Four Roses that Bourbon snobs tend to deride. It is 80 proof (40% ABV) and about $20-25 depending on where you live. I was gifted this bottle for my birthday and I’ve had a few drams of it in the intervening time. It has a mildly sweet oakiness up front, with vanilla, cinnamon and spice coming on a few seconds later. It leaves a nice caramel note that lingers for some time.
The cigar continued on woody and spicy, with moderate amounts of sweetness, while the whiskey bolstered the sweet end and added a little spice of its own. I definitely enjoy the Tabernacle 142 Lancero, however for me the Robusto still has the best balance in the line.
