Alec Bradley Tempus Genesis & Imperator

There are cigars, and then there are cigars. This is one of those cigars, the Alec Bradley Tempus that I have enjoyed both in the Genesis which is a 5 1/2 inch 42 ring gauge and the Imperator at a stout 6 1/2 inch by 52 ring gauge.

I actually enjoyed the Imperator first quickly adding it to my smoking rotation even given its substantial price point of almost $11 per stick at my local shop. During a discussion with my friend Tony who owns Motor City Cigars I inquired as to whether he had tried the Alec Bradley to which he hadn't but quickly tried it and added it to his own inventory.

The Alec Bradley is a big cigar, it is very full flavored without being overpowering. Initial tasting notes are dark chocolate with a bold espresso undertone finishing slightly sweet on the finish. The flavor continues its development throughout the cigar continually refining the initial profile while the ash structure is tight allowing for a cool burn. The Imperator does tend to burn unevenly, and if you like me like to keep things looking even on the foot of the cigar, you'll find yourself relighting to maintain an even burn.

Caution must be used however as any charring due to over zealous lighting will be evident on the palate almost immediately and will remain until the charred section of the wrapped is fully consumed by ash. I bring this up because the flavors this cigar offers are so extraordinary that simple things like a careless relighting quickly cloud the palate, but thankfully go away once the charred section is passed.

The Alec Bradley Tempus line has scored consistently well in numerous reviews, and I am as well offering a glowing review of this cigar. Make no mistake, it is excellent. This is one of those cigars you hide 2 or 3 in the bottom of the humidor and bring out in celebration with only the closest of friends who like yourself will appreciate the experience. This is not a cigar for beginners simply because it is expensive and at times powerful. Make no mistake you can get a decent buzz off this cigar, I know this from experience.

Its interesting as I continue to explore different brands and styles in that while I will always smoke the Alec Bradley if offered, I believe there are some other great choices out there for less money. You do pay a premium for this cigar, and even though my buddy now sells them for $2-3 less than my local shop, the price point is still higher than some of my newer finds.

So in late April I along with a friend sat on my back patio and sipped on a concoction of Limoncello, Club Soda and Lemon Juice over crushed ice that I made for us to drink, and I smoked the last Alec Bradley I had in the humidor. It was a bittersweet smoke as I knew this was the final AB I had in the humidor, but also because the lemon drink I had mixed up wasn't necessarily the best drink to pair with this cigar. The lemon played well with the cigar, but wasn't the perfect pairing at times developing the rich dark chocolate flavors of the cigar and turning them more into a bitter dark chocolate flavor.

I laugh to myself even as I type remembering how buzzed I got that evening. After we finished smoking and my friend headed home for the evening, I remember laying on my bed while the room spun around me around. Took a good hour for the buzz to wear off, perhaps another hour after that for the stupid grin on my face to diminish. I hadn't had that feeling in years, and honestly for a minute it was actually fun.

Which is what makes the cigar experience so great, times like this when you are just having fun. Relaxing, enjoying the company of friends or family, and just kicking back as if there are no cares in the world.

And because of that my evening with Alec Bradley and his devious blend of tobacco are in my book one of the better cigars I have ever smoked, and one that if the family budget allows I would recommend trying at least once.

Until we smoke again, take care...