Review CAPITOL 10 Años Art Deco Limited Edition - gentle elegance with a sweet finish

She lies in front of me. She looks at me relaxed and winks at me: «Let my cellophane slide down me and make me hot!» This isn't a raunchy novel I'm writing. 😁 I'm writing about the cigar and its really great box! The CAPITOL 10 Años Art Deco Limited Edition was in front of me on 03/03/2016. 145 mm long, ring gauge 52. It feels good in the hand. Not a show star. More like someone who knows who they are - and doesn't have to prove it. That's exactly what appealed to me. I admit: I'm a fan of CAPITOL. These cigars are underrated, which I think is a shame. If I were to award points, this cigar would have scored 90. Definitely.

QUICK BOX 5-second decision

For you, if you like it: Harmony instead of power | Strength: 2/5 / Smoking duration: approx. 75 minutes | 3 flavour points: Earth, cream, fine sweetness

The cigars are individually wrapped in cellophane.

The moment: Pre-evening

Early evening. The light is getting softer. In the Big Bang Theory series, Sheldon says: «It's pre-evening.» The noises outside lose their sharpness. If you don't want a discussion or dominance at a time like this, but simply a quiet companion - then the CAPITOL 10 Años Art Deco is just right. It doesn't force itself on you. It sits next to you. It reads poetically. I like it.

Setup & cold draw

The little tip on the head of the cigar is one of the beautiful features of the CAPITOL.

I cut them cleanly. As soon as I do the first pull test, I can feel that it will be relaxed. The resistance is just right. Like a door that opens with gentle pressure. The cold smell of earth reaches my nose. Dark, slightly damp, like forest soil after a warm rain. With a soft creaminess. The cold draught confirms it: mild, round, with a hint of sweetness that is not yet tangible - but there.

The first five minutes

It draws and smoulders excellently. It develops a wonderful balance within the first five minutes!

The flame kisses the wrapper. It smoulders quietly, without any hiccups. The first puff fills the mouth with dense, creamy smoke. Earth. Coffee. A smooth, almost buttery texture. Well, that's a bit of an exaggeration. But: nothing stings. Nothing scratches. The CAPITOL 10 Años Art Deco starts like a deep breath after a long day. I lean back. It sets the pace - slowly.

Flavour progression

First half

The balance is impressive. Earth forms the foundation. A creamy layer lies on top, like warm milk foam on dark espresso. A flash of wood. Very briefly. Then it disappears again. The sweetness remains restrained, more of a hint than a promise. The strength remains clearly in the light range. I feel no pressure, no nicotine knock. Instead, this „juicy“ mouthfeel - somewhat umami. Nothing dries out. Everything seems round.

The ash is compact and lasts a long time.

Second half

And then it happens. The sweetie steps forward. Suddenly it's there - clear, but not overpowering. Like caramelised sugar that slowly melts. Er, well, not so blatant of course - but you know what I mean?

The flavours become denser, warmer. The earth becomes softer. The creaminess gains depth. No bitterness, no sharp rebellion. Just more presence. This is where the CAPITOL 10 Años Art Deco shows its second face. Not loud. But noticeably. And that's exactly what makes it exciting for me.

Draught & combustion

The train remains constant from the first to the last third. Optimal. No struggle, no pulling like a clogged straw. The burn is very good. The glow line runs cleanly, small waves correct themselves. I did not have to re-fire.

The ash is stable, light grey, almost compact like pressed leaves. The smoke remains pleasantly cool - even in the last third. In the end, a clear picture remains for me: the CAPITOL 10 Años Art Deco is not a powerhouse. It is a quiet, elegant companion with a sweet, warm finish.

Would I smoke them again? Yes. Especially on evenings when I don't want to be impressed - but touched. Or early in the morning, around 7 o'clock. Yes, I really do that very often, then my tongue is still fresh and unimpressed by food and drink. Except for a coffee, that's fine.

Picture credits

• Vasilij Ratej
• 5TH Avenue Products Trading-GmbH

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