Record Bond Limited Edition Cigar: Look & Feel
- Wrapper Hue: Mocha
- Rolling Consistency: Even
- Spring: Firm
- Aromas: Must, Raisin, Leather
The Record Bond features a striking mocha wrapper with a balanced, even roll and a firm feel. It exudes rich aromas of must, raisin, and leather, hinting at a deep smoking experience.
I’m particularly taken with its broadleaf wrapper—slightly oily, subtly toothy, and richly textured, it promises complexity and depth right from the start.
Record Bond Edición Limitada Cigar Review
Pre-Lighting Experience
- Draw: Ideal
- Aromas: Iced Tea, Figs, Milk Chocolate
The draw on this cigar is just about perfect, setting a high expectation right from the start.
On the dry draw, it evokes a nostalgic note of Lipton powdered iced tea, complemented by the sweet undertones of figs and milk chocolate, creating a richly inviting aroma palette.
1st Third Smoking Experience
- Notes: Black Pepper, Baking Chocolate, Minerality
Kicking off with the signature Nicaraguan boldness, the Record Bond opens with a robust black pepper flavor. Quickly following are notes of baking chocolate and a subtle minerality reminiscent of the crisp taste of San Pellegrino mineral water.
The retrohale adds a peaty dimension like my favorite kinds of scotch. The broadleaf’s naturally coarse texture is noticeable yet not off-putting, gradually smoothing out as it burns closer to the band.
2nd Third Smoking Experience
- Notes: Crackers, Rye, Mesquite
Humor me here for a moment.
Picture a world where the classic saltine cracker, typically sold in that giant sleeve, is reborn: unsalted, crafted from rye flour, and baked in a mesquite wood-fired oven.
This unusual yet distinctly appealing flavor profile mirrors what I’m experiencing with this cigar. Yes, it might sound a bit out there, but the taste is unmistakably unique.
On the retrohale, the lingering note of bitter baking chocolate persists, adding depth to this imaginative smoking journey.
Final Third Smoking Experience
- Notes: Ocean Air, Cedar, Pretzel
A pretty interesting flavor change appears right as you start to cross the secondary band.
The minerality reminiscent of the first third makes a comeback, evoking the freshness of ocean air, while nuances of cedar and pretzel weave through as secondary notes. A pleasant mustiness also graces the retrohale, enriching the experience.
This consistent flavor transition observed across my three review samples highlights the remarkable skill of the cigar rollers. It leaves me curious about the performance of longer vitolas (Mark II & III) in this blend.
Overall Burn
- Ash Backbone: Solid
- Burn Angle: Straight
- Temperature: Cool
- Draw: Ideal
- Final Smoking Time: 60 Minutes
Overall Experience
The Record Bond offers an exceptional smoking experience at its price point. Its burn line is impressively sharp, a testament to the meticulous care given to the tobacco. The ash, strikingly white, clings steadfastly to the cigar, complementing a perfect draw that generates abundant smoke.
Aesthetically, the Record Bond makes a bold statement.
Its band dazzles with metallic gold accents against a backdrop of classic red, while the secondary band introduces a matte dark gold set against black—unusual yet fitting for a limited edition cigar.
Lastly, the cigars come in a plain but handsome cigar box with red detailing and the words “Value Received” across the front face.
Pairing Recommendations For Record Bond Cigar
The Record Bond is a handsome cigar that has the feeling of an Oxford cloth button-down shirt—perfect for any occasion, though ideally suited for a daytime gathering.
Food-wise, the Record Bond’s bitter and peaty nuances are a match made in heaven with barbecued dishes, particularly when accented by a sweet and spicy BBQ sauce.
For those finding the cigar’s minerality a bit much, refreshing watermelon bites can cleanse the palate, complementing the cigar’s floral and bakery undertones. Personally, I’m partial to coffee ice cream, which splendidly highlights the cigar’s chocolate notes.
On the drink pairing front, a Japanese IPA has proven to be a fantastic pairing, enhancing the cigar’s floral and musty characteristics. Scotch is a no-brainer for peat aficionados, but for a twist, Earl Grey tea served hot, could introduce a unique tannic flavor akin to a lapsang souchong blend.
Closing Thoughts
The value the Record Bond cigar delivers is astonishing.
Driven by curiosity, I dissected the cigar—an act frowned upon at Bespoke Unit—and confirmed it: this is a meticulously crafted, fully handmade, long-leaf cigar. Though its flavor profile may not top my list, the sheer quality and effortlessness of the smoking experience are undeniable. For its price point, the Record Bond is an effortless recommendation.
“Though not the most flavorful cigar I’ve ever smoked, the record bond is an excellently-crafted Nicaraguan cigar offering a high-quality and effortless smoking experience.”
Bespoke Unit Rating: ★★★★
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