Luxury and exclusivity are often associated with gold and shimmering diamonds; so, if that’s the case, then the Cavalier Genève Limited Edition is in good company. This limited edition is a rare find with only 500 boxes being produced. It’s based on the company’s Black Series II but with a different makeup. The limited-edition 2018 is made of Nicaraguan binder and filler but a Mexican San Andres Negro wrapper. The signature Gold foil diamond on all the Cavalier cigars is hidden behind the dark royal blue and the gold ‘Limited Edition’ bands, but I’m sure has the same glam as all Cavaliers.
The visual appearance of this cigar takes the word rustic to a whole new level. It has a very textured dark, rawhide outer leaf…almost bark-like with visible veins and a defined seam. Despite its rough look, the cigar itself is a soft box-pressed construction with rounded edges. Once the foot is well toasted, you inhale an aroma steeped with spice and sweet hickory. It’s followed by an intensely woody flavor with notes of earthy spice and bitter dark chocolate.
The quality of the cigar is evident from the tightly bundled ash that holds on well into this portion. The ventilation does tighten up a bit here which on most loosens up once thoroughly heated. The flavor in the 2nd third introduces light pepper but little change to the previous notes mentioned….a consistent stick so far. The body seems to transition from medium to full; now reminding me of a meaty, peppery steak.
Consistency seems to be the word of the day (Peewee Herman reference). From 1st to 2nd and now 2nd to 3rd, the pepper, spice, and wood are streamlined from foot to head. There are very nice but subtle transitions throughout. For example, earthy spice evolves into ground cinnamon and espresso. I would recommend smoking this cigar at a very moderate pace. Don’t burn it too hot so you’ll be able to pick up on those subtle changes and pops of flavor. It’s effortless to retro hale if you need more flavor. I had coffee with mine, but I think I would also do this with a slightly sweet dark rum.
