Vitola: Corona- 5.5” x 48 ring gauge
- MSRP $7.10
- Purchased at Burns Tobacconist
Background
When I first heard of the new extension to the El Centurion line from My Father Cigars, I have to admit to being a little more than blasé about it. Honestly, I just never did care for the regular Centurion line since its introduction in 2013 (I pretty much missed out on the 2007 limited edition release). Like any cigar, I know it has its fans, but I was never one of them, so I just sort of ignored the news on this new release…anyway, the name for the new cigar sounded like a part number from a catalog. Really? “H-2K-CT?”
When I asked our local My Father rep about it (I do have to sell the cigar, after all, regardless of what I think of it…so I should know something about it), he said “everything’s different…try it!” Then he bought me one and I smoked it…and enjoyed it. I bought another for this review based on the strength of that first one, too.
Like most My Father blends, this cigar uses Nicaraguan fillers and binder, although I couldn’t find out any specifics on varietals or regions where they came from. The new “big deal” that the part number of the cigar came from is the wrapper type. It’s a Hybrid (“H”) leaf, grown in Connecticut (“CT”)…and I don’t know where the “2K” comes from…maybe it’s a “2000-vintage” hybrid seed.
Prelight
As has become normal with My Father, the banding is rich, ornate and very detailed. The paper stock is thick and textured, there is plenty of use of embossing and gold foil. Honestly the El Centurion line is probably one of their best and the secondary “H-2K-CT” band fits in very naturally with it. The light orange foot band also enhances the whole appearance.
What I could see and feel of the wrapper at this point was very nice.. The leaf had the color of dark caramel and a slightly velvety feel under my fingers. It had a barnyard note that reminded me of some of the Ecuadorian Habano Rosado leaves that My Father has used on other projects and the foot had rich barnyard and cedar notes. The cold draw had just the right amount of resistance along with flavors of cedar and dried berries.
Flavor
Light up the H-2K-CT provided big cedar flavor right up front, with some citrus and earth following close behind. There was a touch of spice on the palate, with some additional on the retrohale, where I also got more notes of citrus and some nuttiness. Continuing through the first third, the notes of cedar mellowed a bit and let more citrus flavor come through in what was shaping up to be a medium-bodied blend.
The second third featured more citrus notes along with hay up front, with earth and a subdued pepper burn following behind.
The final third burned through with increased earth and pepper notes, while the hay and citrus fell back a bit. I found the body increasing from strictly medium to medium-to-full along the way, as well.
Construction
I had an excellent draw, very straight burn line and solid ash.
Value
This was a very good cigar for an excellent price. Full marks.
Conclusions
I really like this cigar. The Centurion H-2K-CT had a very pleasing flavor profile with a good amount of complexity and medium body until near the end. The complexity was decent, as well, with flavors increasing and decreasing along the way in a fashion that hit my palate just right. I would take this any day over the regular Centurion. It’s a fine addition to the My Father catalog and has a great price tag, to boot.
By-The-Numbers
Prelight: 2/2
Construction: 2/2
Flavor: 4/5
Value: 1/1
Total: 9/10
Not sure how I’d like citrus in a cigar. Obviously I’ll have to try one to find out.
I did pick up a citrus in the flavor profile but it was more sweet than tart like you might think.
I smoked one last night and was very surprised at how unique this cigar was (maybe the wrapper?). It had almost a dessert like sweetness and cream…the only thing I felt that was lacking was the “Pepin Pepper”. Absolutely immaculate construction all around. I dont find this anything like the regular El Centurion.
Well here is one more cigar on my list to try, I better go out and start looking.
Sounds like a pretty complex cigar, but appealing none the less. Ill keep my eyes out for it.
Cigars like these (again judging by the review since i haven’t tried this one). are the reason i don’t give up on a brand without trying it first.
Now i have to try one !