The CLE 25th Anniversary 50×5 is one of the four sizes available in this line (the others being 54×6, 6×60, and 11/18). The 25th anniversary is not referred to as the brand’s anniversary but to the 25 years of Christian Eiroa being in the cigar business. Back in 2016, another anniversary line was launched, named “The first 20 years”. All the sizes are sold in 25 count boxes.
The cigar is wrapped in a Colorado-colored leaf, which is silky to the touch. They are well box-pressed, and the presentation shares something that is often found in CLE cigars: more than half of the cigar is literally dressed in tissue paper.
- Country of Origin: Honduras
- Size: 50 x 127 mm (5″)
- Wrapper: Honduras
- Binder: Honduras
- Filler: Honduras
- Price: $15.50 – € N.A.
CLE 25th Anniversary 50×5: the cold draw delivers aromas of coffee beans and earth with a touch of black pepper. The opening brings rich notes of earth, walnut, and black pepper to the palate. The base is slightly acidulous.
The first third develops notes of earth, walnut, and black pepper. The background is spicy, and the finish is long. The smoke is almost chewable. The strength is full (5/5).
In the second third, the smoke becomes spicier, with the black pepper now joining the hot spices. Earth and walnut are still there, now followed by seasoned wood and a vegetal nuance. Strength remains full (5/5).
The final third delivers intense earth notes, together with walnut and a hint of espresso. The spices are still present, but in the background, with mainly black pepper. Strength is still full (5/5), and the finale is as satisfying as the whole smoke.
Overall, the CLE 25th Anniversary 50×5 is a bold cigar. The strength is on full throttle for the whole smoke. The flavor profile is rich, and despite not having a huge evolution, some chances are perceivable, and this cigar is more a flavor bomb than a refined smoke. That said, the flavors are deep and structured, and the cigar is as satisfying as it can be.