Bad Lil' Muther Fucka

Living in Lincoln, NE, home of a smoking ban and a wife who doesn't believe in smoking cigars in the house, opportunities for cigars are rare come winter. So when my friend John mentioned that the overnight temps were "only" going to drop to the low 40s last night, I knew we need to take advantage of the weather and smoke a stick in his garage. I selected two short sticks, a Joya de Nicaragua Antano 1970 Consul (4 1/2 x 50) and a Rocky Patel Vintage 1992 Robusto from my box of goodies and headed over (for some reason I like to take over options, rather than commit to a certain stick only to question my choice minutes before lighting).

The JdN is often described as a powderkeg of a stick, so I was anxious to try it, thinking the combination of a smaller smoke with lots of power would fit the bill nicely. So I optioned for the Consul in John's garage and we turned on my beloved Iowa Hawkeyes and watched them open up the Big 10 basketball season with a win over #24 ranked Michigan State.

John offered up a glass of Bogle Merlot, which was excellent. I like red wines, but there is a time and a place for "earthy" ones. The Bogle was surprisingly smooth to drink compared to most Merlots I have had (admittedly cheap ones).

The Consul started off smooth as well. Burned even with a perfect white ash, and lasted well over an hour despite the short length. About an inch in I was thinking "nothing to this," a solid smoke, but not as strong as I expected. Then almost halfway in I noticed the power kicking in, definitely a full-bodied cigar, but not harsh in any way. My only complaint was the draw being a little tough.

I also smoked the RP, but I reserve a review until I start an evening with one.

I give the JdN a 4.0 out of five. These could become a regular cbid buy.

Here's how others rated the Consul.