Alec Bradley is not a newcomer in the premium cigar scene; this brand got its start toward the end of the cigar boom in 1996. Alan Rubin, the company’s founder, named the company for his children, and stunned the world a few years ago with the release of the lauded Tempus series of cigars. Since then Alec Bradley cigars have become more and more popular, one of them even being recognized as Top Cigar of the Year (the Prensado) by Cigar Aficionado. The Prensado is a strong smoke, but that’s hardly the only thing which Alec Bradley excels at.
The Alec Bradley American Classic Torpedo is a mild cigar with a Nicaraguan binder (from Jalapa) and filler (from Esteli and Condega) in a light brown Connecticut wrapper from Honduras. The wrapper is smooth and almost devoid of veins and has no soft spots. Pre-light I smell a sweet, musty aroma with hints of cedar and cocoa. Lighting the cigar I get an easy draw (not too easy, just right) and initial notes of cocoa, cedar, honey and hay. I am very impressed with the draw and also the even burn line which requires almost no maintenance. The ash doesn’t stick as well to this cigar as some others I’ve tried, but this is a minor drawback in an otherwise perfect construction.
A creamy undertone develops in the middle third as well as some hints of spice. Some fruit appears about halfway through, and there is a slightly toasty flavor which resembles marshmallows. The spices die out in the last third and the cedar is the last thing on the palate.
This cigar is mild without being at all dull, and is surprisingly complex for something which is indeed so moderate. Moderation describes this cigar in its totality; it is never too strong, too sweet, or too spicy. But neither is it too mild, nor too dry, nor too mellow. It’s a perfectly balanced smoke. You can get a single stick for less than $5.00, which is an amazing price for something this good. This would be an excellent introductory smoke for new smokers who want something mild to try out which will still provide plenty of complexity. Advanced smokers who enjoy a mild smoke will love this one too. Yet another delightful release from a well-known company which will most probably be seeing quite a bit of growth in the coming years. .