Fonsecas may be among the most overlooked brands in Habanos S.A’s catalogue. It’s no wonder there is so little literature available on the aging potential of these light and visually distinct cigars. Thankfully the opportunity arose to share my experience of a Fonseca Delicias from a 2009 dated box. This 40 ring gauge, 123 mm, petit corona sized vitola has had a long history in the Fonseca repertoire, and since 2002 has been produced as a short filler, hand finished cigar.
Upon first look I was encouraged by brownish tinges dying the famous white wrapping, the healthy tobacco oil perspiration indicative of a well aged cigar. The question remained to be seen where along the mysterious aging arch would this cigar fall, and how this petit corona distinguish itself from newer boxes.
Smelling from the foot of the cigar, slightly sweet notes of barnyard were discernible followed by overwhelmingly grassy notes at the cold-draw. The ceremonious unwrapping of the Fonseca was anticlimactic, revealing various cracks in the wrapper. Despite an aesthetic grievance, I was thankful the cracks did not endanger the construction during smoking.
First third: The easy draw invited plenty of flavor upon the first puffs of this cigar. Predominant notes were dried spices in the foreground of a buttery green tea base. A white pepper aftertaste added a mild heat impression to the palette.
Second third: The character of the cigar remained fairly consistent nearing the midpoint of this petit corona. Retro-inhaling added some needed strength to the experience, reintroducing the grippy chlorophyll base of this grassy smoke. Past the midpoint the white-pepper finish, picked up in strength taking on a tangier heat that can be likened to cardamom or nutmeg.
Final third: Nearing the end, the herbal green tea base had all but dissipated, morphing into a more astringent tannic quality. Rather than take away from the experience, the added bitterness went on to further highlight the dried spice notes in the foreground. This brought on a welcome punch that culminated to the final draw of the cigar, taken with the aid of a toothpick.
Conclusion: The 2009 Fonseca Delicias provided a satisfactory smoking experience. Being no stranger to the brand however, I would have trouble qualifying its age from a newer Delicias had I not known the box date. It is clear that this particular vitola’s flavour does not follow a dramatic aging trajectory as some other better known brands.
The Delicias remains a highly versatile, affordable light smoke to be consumed at any time of day. Its enjoyment grows when extra attention is given to its flavour profile, an honour that is too often given to its more popular Cuban counterparts.
