Aging Room Small Batch M356 Presto
- Jazzett
- Feb 3, 2015
- 3 min read

In 2011, Botique Blends released the brand Aging Room, which has quickly risen through the ranks of avant-garde cigar brands and has earned several accolades among cigar magazines, as well as many five-star consumer reviews. Perhaps I was drawn in by the hype, but I felt the need to smoke one for myself. Here are my findings:
As I gaze upon the Presto, with its cellophane sleeve touting its prestige as being included in Cigar Aficionado’s “Top 25 Cigars of 2011” (it placed 16th, if you were curious), I immediately notice the interesting collage of themes on its classy, yet aggressive band. The color scheme would seem to suggest a respect for tradition, taken perhaps from Montecristo or Bolivar. The silky chocolate colored band accents the well-aged wrapper, as the gold rings bring out an element of royalty without being too flashy. Upon closer inspection, one seems to notice that Aging Room’s choice of font for their band seems to be more edgy and modern, like that of the Asylum 13. The background of brass knuckles seems to suggest that despite the initial refined appearance, this cigar will be no smooth talker.
The foot produces notes of sweet chocolate, and a draw on the unlit stogie is malty and smooth with perhaps a bit less resistance than I would normally like. Upon lighting, the initial draws retain the malty smoothness of a light ale, with no detected spiciness. I must admit, I have come to this cigar with high expectations for a symphony of flavor and complexity. So far, the prelude has been soft and sweet, and I am enjoying the graceful opening number.
I must note that the quality of the construction of this cigar is much higher than I expected for such a new brand. Launched in 2011, Aging room is producing cigars that look and feel remarkable, which is not something I can say for many of the young brands on the market. With an attractive band, and a silky smooth wrapper, the Presto that I hold is a work of art.
Cigar Aficionado’s all too brief write-up on the Small Batch describes its flavor profile as “brimming with hickory notes and roasted nuts.” Personally, I am allergic to nuts, but I am not inclined to disagree with their flavor synopsis. The taste that I preferred to describe as malted barley is one that lightly coats the palate, while giving a distinct pleasant weight on the center of the tongue.
Perhaps I was wrong to judge this cigar by the way it wields its knuckle studded band. It has proven to be quite the suave character after all, as it almost says “Maestro, play us something soft and slow.” Though, the name Presto would suggest something upbeat and fast paced, this cigar smokes much more like an andante. As you puff away, you might imagine yourself reclining in a chair on the patio of a small scale brewery. You sip on your fresh draft, as the light breeze that carries the smoke from your Small Batch into graceful somersaults brings with it the scents and sounds of the ocean nearby. It may be yet morning, but its Saturday, and you’re on vacation.
My expectation of a symphony of complexity might have been too high of an order, but this cigar definitely delivers on at least one well-rehearsed etude. Although the band dressed out for a rock show, the instruments on stage are not electric guitars, but elegant cellos and bassoons, singing sweet and low aided by the hands of skillful musicians.
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