C&C LRMD

By Jeremy Hensley | March 27, 2013

Last week, I bragged about the beautiful weather El Paso has been experiencing so far this spring.  One thing I failed to mention is the crazy winds we also experience this time of year that play havoc on my allergies. Since El Paso is a desert, winds mean lots of sand in the air, which I do not deal well with.  Fighting off some sinus congestion, I am going to truck on to bring you a review this week of the C&C LRMD (Limited Release Maduro) Robusto (5 by 50).

C&C cigars are available in three different wrappers: Corojo, Connecticut, and Maduro (LRMD).  What I find unique is that each cigar in the C&C line comes with its own blend instead of just throwing a different wrapper on the same binder and filler.  Each cigar is available in four vitolas: Robusto (5 by 50), Toro (6 by 54), Churchill (7 by 50), and Gigantor (6 by 60). C&C’s site has this to say on their C&C lines:

A premium line at an everyday smokers price. The C&C line outperforms everytime. Effortless draws, perfect burn, and three taste profiles that will amaze mild, medium, and fuller bodied smokers.

The Facts

Samples Provided by StogieBoys.com
Price: Around $4.00
Vitola: Robusto
Size: 5 by 50
Wrapper: Brazilian Arapiraca Maduro
Binder: Dominican Criollo
Filler: Dominican Ligero, Cubano Seco
Pairing: Water
Smoke Time: 1 Hour

* I have come across conflicting information on the wrapper on the C&C LRMD.  Several online retailers state the wrapper as Dominican Maduro.  However, candccigars.com has it listed as Arapiraca.

Pre-light

The C&C Maduro wrapper is milk chocolate in color with a good amount of water spots and imperfections. The small and medium veins are pronounced by their dark color and web across the entire stick. As I roll the stick between my fingers, I notice the velvety feel of the wrapper, along with a few soft spots.  Right next to the band is a rock hard spot.  I really hope this cigar isn’t plugged.

The aroma off the wrapper is of hay, sweet tea, and cardboard, while the foot is rich, highlighting tea and spice.  The cap clips easily revealing a perfect draw. That is a relief.  Sweet, rich tobacco shines on the cold draw.

First Third

The C&C LRMD is rocking in the smoke department.  Each small draw pulls an ample amount of smoke.  The first thing to hit my palate is a sugary sweetness, followed by a rich mixture of earth, pepper, and salt.  A decent amount of spice warms my entire palate.  The long finish is on the dry side and somewhat bitter.  As I approach an inch into the cigar, the draw has become stiff requiring a firm draw and charred notes have entered into the mix. The eyeliner burn is fairly even, producing a black and white ash which held to an inch before I knocked it off.  The flavors are medium with no perceivable nicotine.

Middle Third

The earth and pepper are overwhelmed by charred cedar and sugar, which is now dominating the profile. Biting down on the head of the C&C LRMD relieves the tight draw producing thick white smoke. The spice is now hitting me in the back of throat. The finish and retrohale are very similar with bitter coffee and cedar notes followed by a lingering spice.  The burn line is edgy as I wrap up the second third. Once again the ash held for over an inch.

Final Third

The earthiness of this cigar is in full force.  The charred wood is still prevalent with an added dirt and diesel flavors.  The finish of the LRMD reminds me of drinking the bottom of a cold cup of black coffee that contains old coffee grounds and has become bitter. The burn has been wavy but not a single touch-up has been needed.  The flavors are medium and the strength is on the low side of medium.   While not harsh, the flavors have become extremely bitter and with an inch and three-fourths remaining it is time to put down this cigar.

Wrap-up

The first few puffs of the C&C LRMD Robusto were so promising,producing a rich, balanced profile. Unfortunately, the charred flavors dominated the rest of the smoke.  On the more objective side of things, the construction was superior for a $4.00 stick.  The burn line never required any touch-ups and the ash held firm up to an inch.  Prior to receiving these samples, I picked up a couple from Spec’s and each cigar has been consistent in both flavor and construction. Always remember that taste is subjective and if you enjoy dark earthy, charred flavors this stick may be right up your alley.  For $4.00 a stick, you can’t go wrong trying out this cigar.  And you never know, this may be a great everyday stick for you.