Assessment Updates will be posted on this web-site to: 1) Assess “pre-review” cigars that were not given a rating or score (typically pre-release cigars); 2) Provide numeric ratings to cigars previously assessed prior to the implementation of the numeric scoring system; 3) Provide a re-assessment and re-score of previously assessed/score cigars.  Today, we provide a numerical score to the Quesada Oktoberfest 2011.  This was a cigar we were fortunate enough to smoke a pre-release sample of in July, 2012, and provided an initial assessment rating in November 2011.

Quesada Oktoberfest 2011 (Bavarian)

The Quesada Oktoberfest was launched at the 2011 IPCPR Trade Show.  The idea behind the Oktoberfest was to find a cigar that can be paired with malt liquor (aka beer). The cigar was one of our favorites in 2011 and ended up as our #25 Cigar for 2011.   The cigar was done in two sizes and in limited production and many retailers sold out.  In 2012, another batch of the Oktoberfest was done increasing the front marks to five.  For this assessment update, I went back to that original 2011 5 1/2 x 52 Toro-sized Oktoberfest Bavarian to see how it would score.

The Quesada Oktoberfest is a Dominican puro.  It is highlighted by a very thick and oily wrapper from the cibao valley in the Dominican Republic.  In addition to the 5 1/2 x 52 Bavarian, the 2011 version of the Oktoberfest was also released in a massive 6 x 65 vitola called the Uber.  Both the Bavarian and Uber returned for the 2012 version and saw the additions of Kaiser Ludwig (a 6 x 49 box-pressed Toro), Das Boot (a 6 x 52 bellicoso), and Kurz (a 4 x 50 short robusto).

With a year of age under its belt, the Oktoberfest 2011 Bavarian delivers a lot of the same flavors I had from when I originally smoked it.  I detected notes of pepper, bittersweet, chocolate, raw honey, nut.  With this year old version, I also picked up some citrus notes in the background.  In particular, the way the honey, nut, and citrus notes layer over the chocolate, this helps match up this cigar with a beer. Normally, I don’t buy into the concept of pairing cigars with anything, but with the Oktoberfest I can see the connection.  On a side note, this blend delivers one of the most unique flavor profiles I have found on any Dominican puro.

The flavor notes fall into the medium to full zone in terms of body.  When it comes to strength, I never found the Oktoberfest Bavarian to be overpowering.  At the same time, it provides just enough power.  The Oktoberfest 2011 Bavarian was medium to full strength last year – and is still that year this year.  This differs from the Uber which I found had more strength.

In terms of construction, while the draw was outstanding, the burn still could have been better.   The thick wrapper does make this a tough cigar to get an even burn.  With this year old version, I saw some improvement over last year, but it still falls short of flawless.

In the future, we will explore the 2012 releases of the Oktoberfest.  While these are the same blend, you never know what a different crop can yield.

Click here to for our initial pre-review of the Oktoberfest 2011.  Click here for our assessment update.

Assessment: Nice to Have
Score: 91


Source:  The cigar for this assessment update was purchased from Outland Cigars in Charlotte, North Carolina.