Systematic Cigar Co.
Picture of Author: Mike Mischissin

Author: Mike Mischissin

Alec Bradley Project 40 Review

Profile: Medium

Wrapper: Nicaraguan 

Flavor: Non Flavored

Filler: Nicaraguan

Binder: Brazilian

Pressed: False

Sweet: False

(Rated: 88) Cigar Aficionado 

First Impressions:

The Alec Bradley Project 40 had crisp red clayish color with some veins on the side.  Although there was no visible oil present  that speaks flavor to me, I was excited nonetheless as Alec Bradley has always been a go to brand for me. This stick comes with two bands that are very vibrant in color and read “Project 40 is the search to find a deeper understanding as to why cigars have a positive cognitive impact on the mind and body.” Perfect for an evening walk to end the day! Let’s light up and see if Alec Bradley can continue to impress. 
Project 40 1

First Third:

Before toasting the foot, I was also getting ready for a walk around the neighborhood. I picked the Project 40 in hopes to enjoy a light nutty smoke mellow in strength and the Project 40’s aroma fit the description. The cold draw brought hints of earth and subtle sweetness that reminded of a Perdomo I thoroughly enjoyed the week prior. Upon lighting, notes of almond and baking spice filled covered my palate. The sweet notes I experienced in the cold draw can now be identified as a raisin or dried fruit sweetness with an overall mild to medium strength.

Second Third:

As I continued my walk, the notes of earthy nut and raison like sweetness stayed constant which was exactly what I was looking for. By the time I hit the second third, new notes of creamy coffee had become noticeable. The raison sweetness turned into a more mild tobacco sweet that was in the background just barely noticeable. The strength was still more of a mild-medium but gained strength as the oils were heated.
 
 

Final Third:

Towards the end of the cigar, the sweet raison had almost completely disappeared while nut, earth, and coffee notes persisted. I did pick up notes of pepper towards the end with the strength rising to a solid medium smoke. I was under an inch from the wrapper when I decided to go back inside and put the cigar to rest.
 

Final Impressions:

 
I’m happy to say that Alec Bradley did not disappoint as this was a surprisingly well balanced cigar for the price. It was a perfect cigar for an afternoon walk or with your morning coffee. The draw on the Project 40 was not too restricted nor open enough that the burn rate was too fast. Total smoke time for me was a little over an hour and had nice transitions as I worked my way through the stick. I did have to relight from time to time, but I won’t place too much blame on the construction as that is a common occurrence for me when I smoke and walk. I would recommend this cigar for a novice smoker looking for something on the milder side who is looking to begin their transition into more medium bodied smokes.
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