The Anillo by Definition Cigars
BRAND / CO: Definition
CIGAR: Anillo [Black & Gold Band]
VITOLA: Toro (Box Press) - 6.25" x 54
STRENGTH: Medium - Full
WRAPPER: Ecuadorian, Natural
BINDER: Pennsylvania (Broadleaf)
FILLER: Nicaragua
ORIGIN: Nicaragua, Fabrica de Tabacalera
APPEARANCE & CONSTRUCTION: Good
A sharper box press that's flattened to a rectangular shape, the Anillo is a striking looking cigar between its dark and oily wrapper and the black and gold woven band. The wrapper has a light sheen, decent mottling but no noticeable tooth. It's does have a soft texture and a little give when squeezed. There are a couple thicker veins but they're pressed in. The seams are tight, blending in and the triple cap is clean and even.
DRAW & BURN: Good / Great
The draw is just slightly loose of perfect, but still has good resistance and the burn starts nicely. The ash is a very light gray with tight, dark striations giving it an almost zebra look. There's just a touch of flakiness but it's holding well, lasting to the midpoint. The burn line is almost a perfect dead even with just a little waviness, it's a great burn line overall. Another Definition cigar that generates a good smoke volume as well.
FLAVOR PROFILE: Great
Earthy and a bit of leather with a heavy charred oak to start. I'm definitely picking up that Pennsylvania Broadleaf. There's dry musty barnyard flavor and gritty earthinessI find fairly identifiable because I'm very hit or miss on it. Sometimes it brings in the right level of dark colors, other times it's goes too heavy. Next is strong baking spice, nutmeg like with a bit of cinnamon and mild pepper. Any an inch in, the sweet really starts to hit, dark fruit, mostly plum with a bit of raisin that helps to cut the gritty earth flavors. Now it's hitting the sweet spot, literally.
Getting into the second third, earthy and hearty is a really good easy to describe this blend. Baking cocoa is entering the mix with light coffee, the complexity is increasing nicely and the sweet finish is full on, bringing more citrusy notes. Aside from the a slight peppery burn and a little bit of dry grittiness, it's a very smooth smoke with medium creaminess to the finish. For being a darker profile, its bringing a lot of balance and flavor.
With the final third, the sweetness pulls back, exposing a bit more dry and gritty earth, leather and charred oak. Spice levels have remained fairly static throughout the smoke, giving just the right amount of flavor and mouth burn. It's a bit hickory like which I'm really digging. Baking cocoa is still present and there's an occasional black licorice astringency. There's still more than adequate sweet, it's just not at max levels. Harshness bumped a bit the very end but nothing major and certainly didn't ruin the overall great profile.
OVERALL EXPERIENCE: Great
A really solid blend. I didn't love all the dry grittiness that I'm attributing to the PA Broadleaf but it still hit lot of the right notes and ultimately won me over even though it's not my favorite of the Definition lineup. That's just personal palate but if you're a PA Broadleaf fan, this should really satisfy!
Purchase singles or by the Box HERE
Reviewed by Sean McCloskey of The Collective