Cigar: Alec Bradley Tempus Imperator
Binder: Trojes, Honduras Criollo 98 – Indonesia Embetunada
Wrapper: Trojes, Honduras Criollo 98
Tobacco: Trojes, Honduras, Nicaragua
Length: 6 1/8
Ring Gauge: 52

In my search for the perfect cigar, I started trying some different brands. One of those new brands to my world is Alec Bradley. My experience with the Prensado Gran Toro was just okay but I thought I give the Alec Bradley Tempus a try. It received an exceptional rating of 96 from Cigar Aficionado Magazine and the buzz was heavy going into its release.

 

Tempus means time in Latin. In regards to this cigar, it is a reflection of the care that went into it. Only a select few rollers are allowed roll this cigar. The Tempus is rolled in a traditional Cuban style, tubing each filler tobacco and using a triple cap finished wrapper. The result is a great looking cigar. This torpedo is tightly packed and is firm from head to foot. There is one vein that runs throughout the cigar, but the seams are airtight. Upon taking a smell I got a brisk whiff of coffee. 

The entire Alec Bradley Tempus series is dressed with dual bands making this selection very bold but classy.

Upon toasting the foot of the cigar, I am impressed with a great open draw. As I inhale I get a good amount of smoke which I always appreciate. There is no specific taste that I can link the opening of this cigar to, but as I blow out the smoke I do get an after taste of slight spice on my tongue.

Twenty minutes or so into this cigar, I am getting a good taste of natural tobacco flavor. There is no apparent sweetness or bitterness. The smoke is dense though and is just enough to coat my palette. The body is about a medium to full. It is a hearty cigar that shows you some strength but doesn’t over power you. As far as the burn, things are going good. The ash is a dark grey and is holding on well. This cigar has gone out on me though.

I can’t lie this is a very smooth but heavy smoke. It isn’t complex and hasn’t changed flavors on me, but it has burned slow and hasn’t offended me with any harshness. The tobacco taste has mellowed out for me making the finish of this cigar right up my alley. I always prefer a cigar to show me its boldest flavors upfront and just soften as I get deeper into it; but that’s just my personal preference. My complaint with this cigar lies with its burn. The burn line was uneven and it went out on me a couple of times which is frustrating.

It was a pleasure smoking this good-looking cigar. The draw was completely open making this an easy smoke for me. If you are looking for a smooth but yet robust smoke then I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending this cigar. Honestly I would have rated it higher if I didn’t encounter the aforementioned burn problems. Nonetheless the Alec Bradley Tempus is a respectable cigar that is worth an hour of your time.

3.5 out of 5 crowns