Company: Alec Bradley
Line: MAXX Traditional
Vitola: Toro 6 X 50
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano
Binder: Costa Rica
Filler: Columbia, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Honduras
Flavor: Full
Strength: Medium
Price: $66.25 (Box of 25)
The Alec Bradley MAXX Traditional was created, because some customers liked the MAXX but not the massive ring gauge. The MAXX Traditional uses the same tobacco as the MAXX, but in a slightly different blend because of the smaller sizes. I’m glad to see this change, because I’m not typically a fan of larger ring gauge cigars.
Construction: I got a chance to smoke two of these and both were superbly made. The wrappers were nice looking dark brown, but not as dark as the MAXX which is almost black. It was firm throughout with no obvious soft spots and had a nice heft for the size.
Burn: For the most part the burn was really good with a nice tight ash. I ran into some issues about half way through until I hit the band with some burn issues, but with a couple touch ups it corrected itself.
Flavor: The first third was really interesting, as close as I can come to describing it is a dark chocolate and black cherry flavor. By the start of the second third the Dark Cherry and Chocolate flavors move into the background and cedar comes on strong. I’m almost tempted to say there was some pepper there too, but I’m going to attribute the spice more to the cedar. The last third definitely took on some stronger spice. The other flavors started to get a bit muted and blend into an earthy coffee background to the spice.
Verdict: This might be my preference in size coming about, but I think I prefer these over the MAXX line. The prices are very reasonable with an MSRP of $66.25. If you like a fuller flavored maduro this will be right up your alley.
Popularity: 14% [?]
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Jack,
I have only smoked one Alec Bradley and I hated it! I liked your review but still skeptical about trying this one.
Which Alec Bradley did you smoke? They have a few I don’t really like.
Where can I get a box of these at that price? I’ve looked all over.
I prefer the regular Maxx line (silver band) myself. I’ve tried the Traditional and I liked the first half but not the second half (seemed on the verge of harshness, not spicy). A buddy of mine smoked Maxx The Vice and it had the most jacked up burn and ash I’d ever seen. It was really bad…