“It’s kind of ironic that Alec Bradley literally launched these cigars into the stratosphere because figuratively that is exactly what I felt after smoking this blend – namely this is an excellent cigar.”
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| #10 – Alec Bradley Mundial |
Today we start the Top 10 on the 2013 Cigar of the Year Countdown. Coming in at #10 on the 2013 Cigar of the Year countdown is the Alec Bradley Mundial. This was a line launched by Alec Bradley Cigars at the 2013 IPCPR Trade Show. It was also a project that was five years in the making.
The Mundial gives Alec Bradley its second entry on the countdown. At this point of the countdown, they are one of two companies to have two cigars on the list. The Mundial gives Alec Bradley the company’s highest placing ever on our countdown. Featuring a Honduran wrapper from the Trojes region, this becomes the second cigar on the countdown with a Honduran wrapper.
Prior to the launch of this cigar, Alec Bradley took the words “launch” and “world” litertally and embarked on a most unique marketing campaign. Just prior to the 2013 IPCPR Trade Show, the cigars were literally launched into the stratosphere. A video of the launch and the cigars in the stratosphere was posted by the company.
Each of the five vitolas are in a unique shape called “Punta Lanza”. This cigar’s shape can best be described as an inverse torpedo. For 2013, production of the Mundial has been capped at 3,000 boxes of 20.
The Mundial was released just the deadline to be eligible for our countdown, but it made a late surge. The flavor profile consists of dried fruit, natural tobacco, red pepper, and cream. The cream builds up in the second half. The flavors are medium to full-bodied and countered by medium to full strength.
Click here for our assessment of the Alec Bradley Mundial.
Blend Profile
Wrapper: Honduran Trojes
Binder: Hondruan, Nicaraguan (Double Bnder)
Filler: Honduran, Nicaraguan (four tobaccos with as per Cigar Aficionado, a heavy component of Esteli ligero)
Vitolas Available
Punta Lanza No. 4: 4 1/4 x 48
Punta Lanza No. 5: 5 1/8 x 52
Punta Lanza No. 6: 6 x 54
Punta Lanza No. 7: 7 x 52
Punta Lanza No. 8: 6 1/2 x 58
Recommended Vitola: Punta Lanza No. 5
Score: 94 (12/3/13) (*)
Assessment Rating: 4.0 Box Worthy
(*) Note while assessment was published past the Thanksgiving, 2013 deadline, the cigar was smoked before that deadline and was still eligible for the countdown.
For more information on our vision and criteria for the 2013 Cigar of the Year countdown, see our December 2013 Editor’s Corner.
