De Olifant – Matelief

One of the oldest cigar manufactures in Europe. These premium Dutch cigars are machine made, but made to look, feel and smoke like a hand rolled. The cigars need to be kept in a humidor and as with many Dutch smokes they contain a traditional blend of Cuban, Java, Brazilian & Sumatran tobaccos. I have a number of these to try and will be post my reviews of the other sizes in the future

Rolled in : Holland
Wrapper : Sumatran
Binder : Java
Filler : Cuban & Brazilian
Size: 3 1/2″ x 34

This cigar has been sat in my humidor since October last year, along with 2 others. After a filling dinner and with a glass of Australian Red Wine. The cigar has bee kept well, theres a little spring and no cracking when its handled. The cigar lights easily and you greated with a sweet, cedar rich smoke. Initially the cigar was smooth with a cool vast amount of cool smoke. As the fist half of this cigar made its slow way down, a little spice makes its way into the mix. A great start to a cigar which is favoured by European Aficionados.

As the second half progressed the smoke became a little hot, i had read in other review this is the Mateliefs downside. The spice began to subside and some strong sweet aromatic tones made there way through accompanied by some subtle leather. The smokes heat prevented the flavours really being experienced to it full. I could taste a little coffee lurking in the backgrounds but they never came through.

All in all the Matelief is a great little cigar, wipes the floor with the dry European cigars. The heat in the final half, really let this cigar down. This cigar was a slow smoke, 25 min for something this size. It really packs a good nicotine hit along with the flavours. A great cigar for after a meal when you are outside. A must for all Villiger & Agio fans

Ratings

Construction .. 8/10
Burn .. 8/10
Flavour (1/2) .. 7/10
Flavour (2/2) .. 5/10

Overall .. 7/10