Review of AB Family Reserve Robusto by Bradley Nix

Alec Bradley Family Reserve by Bradley Nix

I was graciously gifted 2 Alec Bradley Family Reserve cigars from Cuenca to write this review with. I cannot find much on the internet about the organs of the tobacco. However they were created for the fathers of 3 principal executives who I find interesting. The first cigar was paired with La Fin Du Monde from the Unibrou brewery in Canada. The second was paired with Crown Royal Cask No. 16. Anyways, on with the review!

Alec Bradley Family Reserve (Estimation 5.5" 50)
Internet Research (275.00/50ct Box or 6.70/cigar MSRP)

Have not found any origins of the tobacco with the exception of one website mentioning sun grown.

Beautiful milk chocolate wrapper, near vein less, one very small soft spot about one inch from head. This cigar is capped with a pigtail which I find makes a great presentation. I cut the cigar with my Xikar Xi3. I found the draw to be perfect with slight resistance. The aroma was very woody, slight sweetness mixed in with the tobacco, and some espresso. The pre draw delivered a slightly spicy feeling on my lips and more oakyness (I don't think that’s really a word but it fits)



The first few puffs delivered a very mild pepper and a medium body. About 3/4" into the stogie I noticed some mild bitterness which was experienced on stick one and two. It was not enough to be distracting but while concentrating I couldn't help but notice. The burn was rather wavy but did not require a touch up. The finish was long on the palate and complimented the Crown Royal Cask 16 much more than the La Fin Du Monde beer I drank with the first stick. It’s possible that the oak from the bourbon was pairing well with the oak from the stick. I'm always looking for the right match.



The burn continued to be wavy and started to canoe on the second third. The stick wasn't very complex at this point but it showed signs of improvement as the bitterness mellowed. I was still receiving very strong notes of oak and the pepper had intensified. The ash holds for about one inch before falling (usually in my lap)...I don't like to tap my cigars and would rather push them to the limit. The draw has now become effortless and I am getting large volumes of milky white smoke.



Rounding the final third the burn evened itself out to be razor sharp. Never did I correct it nor did it need a relight. The pepper has overtaken the oak and I'm starting to feel a bit of a nicotine rush. I am also getting some sweeter tobacco tastes that I noticed in the pre light aroma. This is the point when I enjoy a cigar the most. It has become full bodied and full flavored. The bitterness from the beginning is gone. Sadly, all good things must come to an end.




I nubbed this cigar at one inch. Overall the experience was positive. Would I advise dropping 275.00 on a box? No. However, as the wise phrase is said, "to each their own". I wouldn't mind picking up a five pack to let them rest awhile. My biggest complaint stemmed from the bitterness in the first and second third of the cigar. The second stick had less bitterness and was aged about 4 weeks longer which shows promise to those who like to age their smokes. Beyond the Tempus, I have struggled to find great attributes in Alec Bradley cigars. I've noticed the bitterness in the Maxx, SCR, and the 1997.




Thank you Cuenca for allowing me to give my thoughts on this cigar. It was a pleasure to smoke, unfortunately I don't see any available on the website.





Bradley Nix