Vegueros Seoane Vintage 2000
Tasting the brand's smallest vitola, more than 20 years after it was rolled.
As we mentioned in our article dedicated to the brand, Vegueros is one of the youngest brands of Habanos but has already had two histories. Today we take a step back more than 20 years and dive into the brand's first history, with the Seoane in Vintage 2000.
Entering production at the brand's launch and then discontinued in 2012, the Seoane had a relatively short career of just 15 years. Measuring 126 mm long with a cepo of 33, it still remains to this day the smallest cigar produced by Vegueros.
Those who only know the brand in its modern version would be surprised to see such a small Vegueros. Indeed, the four vitolas in the brand's current catalogue all offer relatively large ring gauge, which are in line with the new trend of "Short Smokes", increasingly appreciated by aficionados.
But this was not always the case. Indeed, during its first history, from 1997 to 2012, Vegueros produced mostly cigars belonging to the Panetela family, long or short, cigars characterised by a slender, fine and elegant look like the Especiales No.1 for example.
Let's come back to our Seoane, which belongs to the Small Panetela family. Although it is named after its factory name, the "Seoane" vitola was not inaugurated by Vegueros. In fact, the vitola was first introduced in 1980 by Montecristo, with the Montecristo No.6, which was finally discontinued in 1998. It was also borrowed in 1989 by Cohiba for its Exquisitos, the only Seoane still in production today.
Our 21 year old Seoane has a beautiful wrapper, perfectly affixed, light cocoa colour, characteristic of vintage cigars. A few relatively pronounced veins remind us that we are in the presence of a rustic cigar, but the general appearance is flattering and authentic.
The slightly tarnished wrapper, as well as the band which has lost its immaculate whiteness, are a testimony of the two decades that have passed since the rolling.
A straight, classic cut and the raw draw offers us a predominance of herbal notes on a background of animal flavours.
Let's proceed to the lighting of this little cigar which still promises to be full of resources in view of its origins.
The first third begins with a slight bitterness which disappears very quickly to give way to beautiful herbaceous puffs, confirming the raw tasting.
As the tasting progresses, pleasant floral and cedar notes enter the scene. The draw so far is exemplary, with an incredibly generous smoke volume.
The second third begins and continues without offering any real evolution in taste or power. This is not necessarily to our displeasure. The Seoane is both rich and smooth. If Vegueros have the reputation of being strong cigars that are difficult to appreciate when young, with age they become extremely pleasant.
The relatively dark ash is well hung, which testifies to the excellent construction of the cigar in view of its small ring gauge.
During the last third, the Seoane, once again remains true to itself in terms of flavours, while offering a slight rise in power that becomes almost intoxicating. We were surprised to find ourselves burning our fingers as the Seoane regales us.
Like all small ring gauge cigars, it is advisable to take one's time when tasting the Seoane. Too quickly tasted, it would start to heat up and its gustatory qualities would be altered. This is how it accompanied us for almost three quarters of an hour.
The Seoane and more generally the Vegueros cigars offer a real personality that undeniably divides the aficionados.
The taste is unique, straightforward; these are ultimately simple cigars, but they could very well leave you wanting more. The Seoane transgresses well what it was created for, an authentic and qualitative cigar. With age and its reasonable size, it is now an ideal cigar to start a beautiful sunny autumn morning with a double espresso.
VEGUEROS Seoane - Vintage 2000 - Pack of 5
Vitola: Seoane (33 x 126 mm)
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