Caldwell \u2013 The King is Dead<\/a>. He took the original artwork and put his own imaginative stamp on it, which is also the case here.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOn the band, there\u2019s now a light peach background that serves as the ceremonial seat, with gold foil for the oversized crown that appears to obscure the \u2018King\u2019s\u2019 sight (ironically the man depicted looks like a young Elvis in the midst of derision).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I don\u2019t think these changes bring anything extra or exceptional to its appearance, but the Caldwell essence is still there, and ultimately, that\u2019s what really matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The spicy Habano wrapper leaf is A warming, milk chocolate brown color with slight veins and a significant barnyard aroma. It cloaks a core of carefully aged Nicaraguan long-filler and binder tobaccos. There\u2019s a rich earthy smell coming from the foot, so let\u2019s see if this followed on into the pre-light draw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thoughts on the cold draw<\/h2>\n\n\n\n The cold draw was memorable. After I\u2019d clipped the cap, there were cedar and dark chocolate notes, with a subtle dash of red pepper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What I thought to the cigar\u2019s flavors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n In terms of quality and producing an elaborate and enjoyable flavor profile, the second coming of the Long Live The King is right up there with the firstborn. There was a generous helping of spice, leather, cedar, some terrific earthy notes, and a dash of cracked pepper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The complexity and transitioning throughout were fantastic \u2013 this is a cigar most definitely fit for a king.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
First third<\/h2>\n\n\n\n There was no waiting queue once I\u2019d fired up. Uninhibited notes of sweet cedar, summer hay, and red pepper flakes came at my palate. There was a small earthy note floating around in the background, which carried greater weight later on in the third.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Second third<\/h2>\n\n\n\n The peppery heat had been turned up a notch as the spice became more rich and bold upfront. A gentle chocolate sweetness appeared in the blend to help balance it out, while the earth and cedar had retreated, yet remained subtle enough to ask questions of my tastebuds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Final third<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Moving into the final hurrah, some of those cold draw flavors I\u2019d experienced earlier began to transmit into the lit profile. There was hay (this time the damp variety), leather, and an earthy, woodsy note that had been consistent throughout the smoke, but it had been getting progressively stronger. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There were some sweet spices on both the finish and retrohale that showcased depth and complexity, giving me the urge to light up another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How strong is the Long Live The King by AJ Fernandez?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n The strength, body, and flavors stayed smack in the middle for virtually my whole experience. Depending on your If you live your stogie life looking for a simple, easy-going smoke, you will need to look elsewhere. This cigar is full-bodied with a rich full flavor \u2013 towards the end I even felt sharp nicotine hits.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFinal thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n With only 250 boxes made for each of the four sizes, this is a cigar that seasoned smokers must sample before it becomes a part of history. If you enjoyed the original, then give its loaded, spicy, and complex sequel a try for something a little special to savor. Be quick \u2013 this won\u2019t hang around for long!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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