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 a previously assessed/score cigars. Today, we re-assess Recluse Amadeus in the Toro format. This was a cigar we did a pre-release assessment back in February 2014.

Wrapper: Nicaraguan
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Robusto: 5 x 52

The Exclusivo Leaded was released in February 2014, so this sample has nearly 10 months of age since shipping. In terms of the flavor profile with this cigar, I didn’t see much changes – which is a positive as the pre-release smoked fantastic. The cigar still delivered notes of coffee, earth, natural tobacco sweetness, and pepper. There wasn’t quite as much of a pepper blast out of the gate this time, but seemed a little more prominent in the last third. The other flavors still varied in intensity throughout the cigar.

As for the original Exclusivo line, what has started out as a personal blend for Viaje President Andre Farkas has turned into one of his more active lines in the company. The Exclusivo Leaded is different than the rest of the line in that it incorporates medio tiempo tobacco, one of the highest priming leafs that only grows on a small percentage of tobacco plants. Medio tiempo is known to provide strength, body, and flavor.

The Exclusivo Leaded was released in February 2014, so this sample has nearly 10 months of age since shipping.  In terms of the flavor profile with this cigar, I didn’t see much changes – which is a positive as the pre-release smoked fantastic.  The cigar still delivered notes of coffee, earth, natural tobacco sweetness, and pepper.  There wasn’t quite as much of a pepper blast out of the gate this time, but seemed a little more prominent in the last third.  The other flavors still varied in intensity throughout the cigar.

Back in February, I commented the Exclusivo Leaded was one of the strongest Viaje cigars I had. While the strength has definitely has come down, I still have this as a full strength cigar. The flavors are still medium to full-bodied. Like the first time, the strength will have the edge over the body, but the gap has closed.

Overall, 2014 has been a great year for Viaje.  The Exclusivo Leaded is an outstanding cigar.  If you like that Viaje power and don’t want to sacrifice the flavor, this is a cigar to get.  It’s a box worthy cigar in my book.

Summary

Burn: Excellent
Draw: Excellent
Complexity: Medium
Strength: Full
Body: Medium to Full
Finish: Excellent
Assessment: 4.0 – Box Worthy
Score: 93

References

Original Assessment:  Cigar Pre-Review: Viaje Exclusivo Leaded
News: Viaje Exclusivo Leaded Shipping in February
Price: $9.50
Source: Samples provided by Manufacturer
Stogie Geeks Podcast: Episode 84
Stogie Feed: Viaje Exclusivo Leaded (Pre-Release)