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Occidental Reserve Connecticut Cigar Review
By Daniel | December 4, 2007 |
Brand: Alec Bradley
Line: Occidental Reserve
Vitola: Churchill 7 x 48
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Connecticut Shade
Binder: Connecticut
Filler: Dominican, Indonesian
Body: Mild
Strength: Mild
Box Price: $54.99 (Bundle of 25)
Description: I first tried the Occidental Reserve about a year ago, and I featured it as my Cigar of the Week about a month and a half ago, but I figured I’d share my review with you on CigarJack! Alec Bradley has really been stepping up his line of cigars, especially with his full-bodied Maxx. This time, he recruited Davidoff’s master blender Henrik Kelner to make a tasty, budget-friendly cigar.
Result: The Occidental Reserve is a home run.
As you’d expect from a cigar with a wrapper from the Freestone State, it’s mild. The OR starts off woody, but definitely sweetens up after a couple of inches. It ended up light and buttery, not overly complex — just as I remembered — and was a fine smoke overall.
It was well-constructed as well, something one expects from a Kelner cigar, and was a pleasure to smoke.
I enjoyed this cigar just this afternoon, as I watched the about an inch of snow fall on Clark Street in Chicago. I rarely smoke Churchills, but it was a nice way to finally celebrate winter’s arrival. (It took me a good two hours to get through it from beginning to nub.)
Verdict: An awesome smoke that’s easy on the wallet. Which would you rather: Two Davidoffs or a bundle of these babies?
Similar Cigars: I’d compare this cigar to the Davidoff Double R.
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Tags: Alec Bradley Cigars, Cigar Reviews, Daniel, Mild Cigars
Topics: Cigar Reviews |
December 4th, 2007 at 1:04 pm
The filler is pretty similar between the Occidental Reserve and its Double Broadleaf variant, and they’re both good smokes for the money. The Double Broadleaf is my go-to cigar, as it’s got a bit more flavor than it’s lighter cousin.
December 4th, 2007 at 1:11 pm
I’ve been looking for a cheap bundle cigar to smoke. I may have to check these out, I’ve been meaning to pick up some Flor de Oliva Golds as my morning cigar.
December 4th, 2007 at 5:32 pm
I tried the Flor de Olivas, and I think they’re not bad. I think I’ll review them soon, especially as I like to switch up with pricey and cheap smokes.
January 3rd, 2008 at 6:29 am
[...] weeks ago, I reviewed the Occidental Reserve, a bundle offering from Dania, Fla. based Alec Bradley. Since then, I’ve smoked some fairly [...]
January 4th, 2008 at 10:33 am
We seem to have similar tastes. I have been smoking both the Reserve and Doubles plus recently the Supervisor’s Selection which are clearly over production or similar of the Maxx. These are available at Famous Smoke.
For the price all these are quite amazing and I cannot remember having a dud.
The Medalist has come in for some stick (critism) on Famous but I have never smoked a bad one of them either. Alex Bradley seems to be a consistant brand.
Thanks for all the hard work you put in on the site.
ROY.R.
ENGLAND
February 15th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
Thanks for reading, Roy!
April 1st, 2008 at 7:50 am
[...] A fine Dominican cigar that’s smooth and tasty. A touch better than the Alec Bradley Occidental Reserve, also made by Kelner, but I’m not sure it’s worth $20 more per [...]