5 Vegas Triple A revisited

About a year ago I got my hands on two 5 Vegas Triple A cigars and was not impressed by the first one. It seemed harsh and bitter.

However after a 11 months of humidor rest, I took out the second one and can only say: Wow! Other reviewers are right: This is a deep, delicious, full-bodied smoke with a straightforward maduro flavor about as rich as they come. What lacks in nuance and development (there is none) is made up for in volume and cool strength. The Pennsylvania Broadleaf wrapper is a winner and makes the Triple A completely different than the "Standard" 5 Vegas Series A.

If you have liked the flavor of the standard Series A but wished it just had more depth and power, the Triple A may please you very much. I am tempted to buy a box of these as a "go to" cigar.

The Triple A  reminded me of some of the better Cu-Avana Intenso robustos I've had (Intensos are not always good, but some of them are excellent). Also reminded me of Pepin JJ maduros, La Flor Dominicana Grand Maduro #6, and Montecristo Media Noche.

Here's the good part: The 5 Vegas Triple A tastes better than all those cigars.

5 Vegas AAA: Burnt toast and coffee grinds

UPDATE: 4-30-2011
Humidor rest does this cigar wonders and seems to have eliminated any of the "burnt" flavor characteristics that I referenced below. See my latest review.

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Original review 5-28-2010:

The 5 Vegas AAA is indeed a more powerful cigar than the standard 5 Vegas A line. However, that doesn't necessarily make it better.

Upon receiving my 5 Vegas AAA from Cigars Direct, I let it sit in the humidor for about a week before lighting. I had high hopes but after the first few puffs I knew it wasn't going to be as good as some of the 5 Vegas Miami vitolas or the butt-kicking Cask Strength II.

I found the AAA to be one dimensional and somewhat harsh. If you lean towards coffee you might like it, although it tasted too much of "burnt" in my opinion: Burnt toast, burnt chocolate, burnt marshmallows or just plain old used coffee grinds.

Other than the flavor this cigar burns well, produces full rich smoke and maintains even character all the way the way through to the end. It might be your cup of tea if you like the charcoal side of the flavor spectrum. I just don't happen to.