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Boutique Wednesday Cigar Review: Berger & Argenti Clasico

Size: 5 3/4×50, Belicoso

Wrapper: Ecuadorian ‘Desflorado’ Connecticut

Binder: Nicaraguan Corojo

Filler: Nicaraguan

Strength: Medium-Full

Price: Box 0f 20, $117.99

Grade: 9.0

Berger and Argenti have yet to disappointment us. This our third review of their cigars, having previously reviewed the Entubar (here) and the Exile Maduro (here). The Clasico has been sitting in the humidor too long and I was ready to toast it!

The Clasico, along with the Entubar, was introduced at this year’s IPCPR convention in New Orleans. This stick comes in boxes of 20 and in four different sizes. With great Nicaraguan flavor and a smooth Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper, this was a very enjoyable smoke at a reasonable price point.

While we’re reviewing the Clasico from Berger & Argenti, don’t forget to check our contest being sponsored by B&A, where we are giving away a box of their Exile Maduro. Check it out here.

So, on to the toast!

Pre-light, 1.8:
The Berger and Argenti Belicoso has a medium to light brown wrapper that is very pleasing to the eye and to the touch. The figurado is nicely constructed with no soft spots and a clean cap. The aroma is of creamy tobacco with some sweetness and a blast of spice at the foot. The cold draw continues this trend as the spice hits in the nose and on the back of the throat. The band is subdued and tasteful in color and print.

Burn, 1.7:
The draw on this smoke was a little loose but still very pleasant; the ash held well past one inch before I tapped it off. The temperature was excellent throughout and the ash layered nicely with a white to medium gray color. The burn got out of line into the second third but corrected itself for the final stretch.

Flavor, 2.7:
The first puff on the Berger and Argenti was of cedar, sweet Nicaraguan tobacco, and spice. The first third continued this trend with a mouthful of smoke that coated the palate well. The finish was shorter than I expected and didn’t really match the creaminess I experienced at the beginning of each draw. The second third produced toasted flavors, which were very lively, with a continued spice. The last third of the Clasico was not much different than the second third, but was still pleasing to the palate. The spice seemed to decrease as the smoke progressed, which was a surprise.

Overall, 2.8:
Berger and Argenti are really doing a great job of putting out quality cigars and the Clasico is no exception.  This cigar is well worth the six dollars a stick price point and will provide an excellent smoking experience.  Though not as complex as I anticipated, the flavor was still solid and, coupled with quality construction, this cigar is a winner.

(Total: 9.0)