Ortega Serie D Black
Wrapping up the year and enjoying some down time I decided visit my local brick and mortar to pick up some sticks that need to be in the Stogie Press top 25. I selected an Ortega Series D Black maduro toro. Eddie Ortega has one upped himself in the creation of the new Series D Black. It is a refinement and extension of the famed Serie D line. The Serie D Black is manufactured at the Don Pepin factory and is a beautiful work of art. Cocoa powder brown in color with minimal veins and tight seams, it is wrapped in a velvety Ecuadorian Habano wrapper that encases Nicaraguan filler from Esteli and binder from Jalapa. The band is an elegant black and gold with the Ortega logo prominently displayed and the words “Serie D Black” emboldened in gold. Unlike the precursor Serie D, the Black is not boxed pressed.
Ortega Serie D Black
The Serie D Black comes in 3 vitolas:
- Belicoso (6×52)
- Robusto (5×50)
- Toro (6.5×50)
For this review I sampled the Toro.
The pre-light scent was that of wood and pepper. Clipping the triple cap there was a light pepper on dry draw. The wrapper has a slight oily sheen to it. I fired it up knowing this was going to be a delightful smoking experience. The initial puffs of the Ortega Serie D Black provided a short burst of pepper that quickly settled into a creamy cedar flavored smoke. The ash was dark grey and the it had a decent burn line to it. Other than the initial burst of pepper the retro-hale was easy on the nostrils.
Near the end of the first third there was a developing flavor of toasted nuts, with an emphasis on toast. A molasses aroma was wafting off the foot at this point. the Nutty flavor was turning sweet as it got into the second third and there was still a gentle white pepper in the retro-hale. The burn has been perfect so far as the ash carried tightly for a good two inches before falling.
The strength built up as it burned through the second third. A citrus fruit flavor began to break through near the middle of the second 3rd and there was an undertone of cedar that came back. The tip of my tongue picked up a buttery sensation as it touches the head. So far this has been a delightful and enjoyable cigar.
Removing the band and transitioning into the last 3rd, the Serie D Black finsihed with a prominent toasted nut flavor and the strength that started as medium moved to full.
Ortega Serie D Black
Overall, the Ortega Serie D is wonderful addition to the Ortega line of cigars and I will definitively add more to my humidor.
Great Job Eddie
-Boston Jimmie