Rafael González 88 Edición Regional Asia Pacifico Review

• Cigar Name: 88
• Length: 5 3/8 (137mm)
• Ring Gauge: 48
• Score: Draw [rating:3/6], Burn [rating:4.5/6], Flavour [rating:3.5/6], Aroma [rating:4/6], Strength [rating:4/6]

Product Introduction

The Rafael González 88 is a "perfecto" shape cigar from Cuba. It's a handmade Britanicas Extra format, with a price of $25 each. It comes in boxes of 10, and 8,888 numbered boxes have been produced.

Tasting

• One third: After a shallow cut, it was slightly tight at the start but emitted a great aroma. The first taste had floral and dried fruits notes, with a slightly dry finish. The end of this part was dry on the palate with a slight creaminess and a toast aroma.
• Two thirds: It started poorly, being very tight and with a persistent dry feeling. The burn was odd and it went out quickly. After re - lighting, a warm creaminess emerged. Cutting more opened it up, resulting in high - density smoke, a fruity finish, high woodiness, stone fruits, and a mineral finish. The draw became too loose.
• Three thirds: The end had almond notes, a complex flavor profile, a long finish that was dry yet had nice lingering flavors, and was creamy with some bitterness and freshness.