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| Joya de Nicaragua My Uzi Weighs a Ton – Pre-Release Sample |
A few days ago, I posted some preliminary information on the forthcoming release on a new Joya de Nicaragua cigar called “My Uzi Weighs a Ton”. I happened to be at a Drew Estate event at Cordova Cigars in Pensacola, Florida and Jonathan Drew was kind enough to offer me a sample to try. From all the preliminary information this sounded like cigar that was right up my alley, therefore I couldn’t wait to fire up this cigar. This cigar did not disappoint – in fact while (right now) this technically is a pre-release, the “My Uzi Weighs a Ton” will be a contender in my race for 2011 Cigar of the Year.
The Uzi represents the first joint blending collaboration with Jonathan Drew himself and the folks at Joya de Nicaragua. I know a lot of people seem to sour on 60 ring gauge cigars, but I love everything a big ring gauge cigar brings to the table. Big ring gauge cigars showcase the beauty of a cigar. With many blends, the 60 ring gauge does not work, however when it does work – it showcases the robustness and power of the cigar. The Joya De Nicaragua Uzi is one of those 60 ring gauge cigars that fits the bill.
Tobaccos for this blend come from both the Drew Estate side and the Joya de Nicaragua side. Jonathan Drew himself blended this cigar and it was rolled at the Joya de Nicaragua factories. The “My Uzi Weighs a Ton” will be released in the Joya de Nicaragua family.
As with all pre-release samples, I will perform a “Pre-Review” which is nothing more than to give some initial impressions of the cigar. Once the cigar goes into a formal release, I will come back and provided a detailed perspective and additional information of the cigar.
Blend Profile
Drew Estate confirmed some blend information on botl.org that was originally posted on the Cigar Feed on the blend:
Wrapper: San Andreas Negro
Binder: Connecticut Capote (Broadleaf)
Filler: Brazilian Mata Fina Oscuro & Nicaraguan Ligero Esteli, Viso Condega and Seco Jalapa
Vitolas Available
While the sample I received was a 6 x 60, there are plans to also release two other 60 ring gauge cigars – namely a 5 x 60 and a 7 x 60.
Preparation for the Cigar Experience
As mentioned above, I received the 6 x 60 vitola. Being that this is a big ring gauge cigar, I always default to a straight cut and for the Uzi this was no exception. I performed a pre-light draw and got flavors of bittersweet chocolate with a touch of cherry sweetness. I also detected some notes of wood as well. The pre-light draw did satisfy me, therefore I was excited to fire this cigar up and see what it would bring to the table.
Flavor Profile
Right out of the gate, I detected sweetness once I stated to draw from the cigar. These sweet flavor notes had a dried fruit taste to it. I also detected secondary notes of cocoa and wood. I noticed an interesting pattern to the draw and the reciprocating flavors that resulted. Upon each draw, I definitely noticed the dried fruit flavors, however the aftertaste gave me a nice (and not overwhelming) pepper spice.
About 10 percent into the cigar experience, I noticed the secondary notes of cocoa emerge. The pattern of the sweetness followed by the pepper aftertaste continued. The flavor notes had more depth as the cigar passed the 15 percent point.
In the second third, the sweetness and spicy aftertaste that I got in the first third seemed to alternate on which more was more pronounced. I also still detected the cocoa notes that I found in the first third. By the the Uzi reached the final third, most of the flavor notes were still holding the same – although the spicy aftertaste did mellow a bit.
Burn and Draw
The big complaint I get from many people on big ring gauge cigars is that they often have burn issues. With the Uzi, this was not the case. The burn was razor sharp and burned at a perfect rate and perfect temperature. Without a doubt, this is one of the best burning 60 ring gauge cigars I ever had from a burn standpoint. The draw was a little tighter than I prefer, but I still consider this a very good draw.
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| Razor-Sharp Burn of the My Uzi Weighs a Ton |
Strength and Body
When I saw Jonathan Drew in Pensacola, he described this cigar as “medium to full” and I would agree for this in both the strength and body categories. From the strength profile, the cigar actually starts off more as a medium and slowly increases as the smoking experience of the Uzi progresses. Toward the end of the cigar, you will feel some nicotine from this cigar.
From a body standpoint, I could also say this falls into the medium to full classification – with the depth of the flavor notes strongest in the second third.
Final Thoughts
Over a year ago, I was wow’d by another amazing big ring gauge cigar called the Tatuaje Gran Cojonu and this finished as my #2 Cigar of the Year for 2010. From its size the “My Uzi Weighs a Ton” does strike images of the Gran Cojonu, however this is a very different cigar. This might not be the fullest or most complex cigar you are going to have, but what it will do is deliver a great smoking experience.
As I mentioned above, a good big ring gauge cigar can show the robustness and power that a cigar can deliver. When I mentioned “power”, it doesn’t necessarily mean nicotine strength but all of the wonderful things that are delivered from a great smoking experience.
I would recommend the Uzi to experienced cigar enthusiasts and those cigar enthusiasts who enjoy big ring gauge cigars. For novice smokers or those that tend to gravitate toward thinner ring gauge cigars, I think they will be surprised what this cigar brings to the table and I would encourage them to give this a try. Finally, this is a cigar I would not hesitate in buying again.
Summary
Burn: Excellent
Draw: Good
Complexity: Medium
Strength: Medium to Full (Medium to Start)
Body: Medium to Full
Disclaimer: This cigar was provided to myself from Jonathan Drew of Drew Estate Cigars. The cigar was offered to myself (Cigar Coop) in the spirit of camaraderie. Cigar Coop is appreciative to samples provided but this plays no role in assessing this cigar.
