The KC/DW Review Series

[DeeDubya]

Just picked up an HC Brevas Finas because of the above review. Looking forward to it!

Come back and tell us about it right here. Clay's are different, definately not for beginners.

[mrtr33]

Come back and tell us about it right here. Clay's are different, definately not for beginners.

As requested.....

Henry Clay Brevas Finas
6.5" X 48
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Dominican

First of all, there's nothing specifically spectacular about the Henry Clay brand. The label on the cigar is rather generic, there are no fancy shapes or marketing gimmicks - even the box looks rather plain.

I can attest to the heaviness felt when picking up the cigar. I didn't weigh it either, and it's a subtle weight difference - not something you would probably notice unless it was pointed out to you, but heavier all the same.

The wrapper has an oily sheen to it. The smell is distinctive of leather and dark tobaccos. The cigar is well constructed - no protruding veins, firm to the squeeze. The snip went without a hitch - the draw was a little tighter than I normally like, but still bearable. The cigar lights up easily, and away we go.

Because the draw isn't very loose, I'm always worried that if I don't keep puffing away at it, it will go out. And I hate relighting cigars. For perhaps the first inch of the cigar or so, not much was going on with this cigar. It wasn't bad, it just didn't do much for me. Lots of billowing smoke, gradually building up to a flavor profile.

By the time I got to the middle of the cigar, it's characteristics had been defined. Still lots of smoke, and a rich maduro flavoring. I would probably characterize it with as a medium-full in terms of body, and probably just as much in flavor. There's nothing outstanding about this cigar, but it's not your normal cigar: there's a lot going on in there. Different flavors hit different parts of my palate - the tastes are subtle, flavorful, but don't linger in my mouth after exhale. I don't get a nicotine buzz, but am very relaxed while smoking it and working in the garage.

The ash holds on only for a solid inch before I voluntarily knock it off. It's mostly gray in color. The tightness of the rolling is evident in the ash as well. The burn didn't have any outrageous runs - it burned pretty even for my tastes. I think I smoked this cigar for about an hour or so before it started to go out a bit more - maybe I was neglecting it too much as well.

Overall, this isn't the most glamorous cigar I've ever smoked, but I would pick another one up in a flash. Very surprised for a Dominican cigar. Was not what I expected at all, and definitely not as plain as the label insinuates.

[DeeDubya]

Good review. I'd say you're right on. The Clays take some getting used to. I rarely get a tight draw on any of them. But, they are pretty inconsistant in shape and texture so it doesn't surprise me. But hey, they're a $3 cigar.