Occidental Reserve Double Broadleaf

Occidental Reserve Double Broadleaf robusto $2.75, Size: 5", Ring: 50 Maduro Ecuador-Grown Broadleaf wrapper, U.S.A. Connecticut Broadleaf binder, Piloto, San Vicente and Peruvian fillers

Wow. Okay, the review's over, isn't it? Occidental Reserve Double Broadleaf is is a gem of a cigar, made in Henke Kelner's D.R. facility, and distributed by Alec Bradley. Bradley sells higher shelf cigars than this, and the Double Broadleaf is a great cigar for the money.

The wrapper's a rich, deep maduro that's got the slightest oil sheen. Smelling the wrapper presents one with a nice aroma of cocoa and oak. Despite it's dark look, this cigar smokes smoothly, but not too heavily. The wood/cedar flavor starts mild but gets increasingly spicy in the last third, with a peppery finish by the time you smoke down to the bands. It's like a spicy 'bon voyage' that makes you eager to return.

It was a great complement to the coffee I was drinking at the time, and I've stocked a few in the humidor.

Occidental Reserve

Occidental Reserve robusto

$2.25, Size: 5", Ring 50
US Connecticut wrapper, Indonesian binder, Dominican filler

This is a decently constructed, mild cigar. With an even draw, it burns fairly evenly, holding over 2" of silvery white ash. The flavor is mild and uneventful, with slight spice creeping in mid-way into the cigar. It's not a bad cigar if you're not looking to be distracted by bold flavors. All in all, a nice, mild smoke for a good price.