Background

The Symphony 20 was released in 2010 in a single size, the 6 x 52 Connoisseur. This was followed up with the 4.5 x 52 Short Robusto and the 6 7/8 x 57 Salomone in 2011. During IPCPR this year (2012), P.G. has released two additional sizes, the 6 x 52 Belicoso and the focus of this review, the 3.5 x 46 Bombones Extra.

The following information about the blend is provided on http://www.pgcigars.com;

Covered with the greatest wrapper we have ever seen (dark, oily, and smooth) it is combined with four complex fillers and a Havana seed binder.

Living in the New England, where the weather can be harsh during the Winter months, I am always on the lookout for shorter smokes that are satisfying. Additionally, the Symphony 20 blend has always been enjoyable for me, so I was eager to try the smaller format. So without further ado, let’s burn this baby.

Stogie Stats

Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Unknown (some speculate Ecuadorian Habano)
Binder: Havana Seed
Filler: Four different tobacco’s
Strength: Medium
Vitola: Bombones Extra
Size: 3.5 x 46
Age: N/A
MSRP: About $220.00 (Box of 25)
Number Smoked: 2

Review

The P.G. Symphony 20 Bombones Extra appears to be well constructed. The wrapper is not as dark and oily as the original Connoisseur but neither was last years Short Robusto and Salomone. The stick is adorned with the simple but classy, red and gold PG Gourmet Series band and a second band that has “Symphony 20” printed on it. The cigar appears to be well rolled and the pre-light aroma is earthy. After cutting the triple cap with a straight cut, the pre-light draw is perfect and serves up lots of earthy, sweet tobacco.

I thoroughly toast the foot and it takes the flame quickly. The first half opens with sweet tobacco, roasted nuts, and some mild cedar and spice. There is a certain amount of breadiness to the smoke. The cigar is smooth for the most part but does have an occasional bite to it. I suspect age will sort this out however. The draw and burn line are perfect and the ash holds for about an inch before falling.

The second half continues with the same but the spice and strength kicks up a bit. Although the flavor profile is a solid medium, the strength is approaching medium/full. I nub’d both sticks in about 35 minutes, burning my lips on each one. The nub remained firm in both instances and I was able to smoke it down to just under 3/4 of an inch.

Conclusion

The Paul Garmirian Symphony 20 Limited Edition Bombones Extra performed perfectly and it’s flavor profile was inline with the aforementioned larger vitola’s of the series. I did feel that this format didn’t have quite the same strength as the larger sizes, however. I really enjoyed the size and felt fully satisfied with both samples I smoked. My one contention is the same with the series as a whole, it is just so expensive. I would smoke these on a regular basis if the Bombones Extra were not $8+ a stick. Nonetheless, the P.G. Symphony 20 Bombones Extra is certainly “Box Worthy” in terms of performance and smoking experience with the price being the one caveat. In conclusion, give it a try and decide for yourself.