While full-bodied cigars spiced up the premium offerings of the cigar world, the existence of mellow cigars strikes a proper balance between subtlety and succulence, ensuring an enjoyable smoking experience. Without their sweet whispers of subtle smoke to the palate, I would not have fully experienced the heavenly pleasure that this industry conceals to non-smokers. Helix X550 is a cigar that I bought from the famous smoke shop because of my recent obsession with a mild velvety cigar. I got this for around four dollars since they were on sale. Considering the price, the Helix X550 has delivered a satisfying smoke for about less than an hour. Hmm, interesting.
Helix is a brand that I have hardly heard of, so I started to delve deeper, curiously discovering what is hidden in the eyes, scent, and palate of a cigar aficionado who’s been deprived by its glamour. Hand-crafted in Honduras, the Helix cigars are known for their mellow yet rich flavors. These cigars are presented in either U.S. Connecticut Shade wrapper or Maduro wrapper. Whichever you prefer, one thing is sure: the Helix will entice every cigar smoker who loves a consistently good smoke.
| Wrapper Origin: Connecticut | Shape: Robusto |
| Length: 5 | Ring: 52 |
| Wrapper: Connecticut Shade | List Price: $162 (Box of 25) |
| Origin: Honduras | Strength: Mellow |
Pull of Cigar
After that satisfying sound from my cigar cutter, an aromatic floral scent creeps in onto my nose. I suspected the draw to be tight, but the Helix X550 proved otherwise. It is easy to pull but not too loose — just where I like it. A mild, refreshing flavor highlighted the cold taste. When the cigar was lit, it immediately boasts a good volume of smoke swirling in the air, prompting me to puff further.
Suitable to the brand label, this Honduran tobacco obtained its name from the helix pattern on its exterior. The Helix X550 tells every smoker that it’s layered with perfection; the components are carefully thought of to produce a luxurious blend at an affordable price. A thoroughly prepared recipe of Brazilian Mata Fina and a prime Dominican Piloto Cubano combined with tobaccos sourced from Honduras enriched the core of this cigar. To complete the missing piece, Helix X550 can only be allowed for the highest-grade Connecticut Shade wrapper.
Taste
As anticipated, the Helix X550 started as a mellow-bodied cigar. The toasted bread flavor feels warm and comforting to the palate, gently stroking the throat with a touch of dryness. An interesting aftertaste of hazelnut made the smoke lovelier, showering creaminess like that of a sweetened butter. It flaunts a neatly blazed straight char line while the ash was solid, sporting a silver-gray color. Just like on the cold draw, the cigar was utterly smooth, yet at the same time, I also like that it’s got a hint of resistance, drawing my palate closer to its sweet spot. Now, it’s time to take a sip from my black coffee and unravel its veiled richness.
As I progressed to the second third, my Helix X550 remained lingering in the realm of delicacy. There was a little pepper in the retrohale, and the base flavors appeared to be a bit dry. I can recognize a combination of salty and sour notes that I can’t quite put my finger on. Even so, the smoke itself was a product of a well-constructed cigar. The ember continued to invade the length of the cigar at an average speed, resulting in a tower of a firm and silvery ash.
During the last third, the Helix X550 got rid of the dryness from the earlier phases. Flavors of soft bread, nuts with a pinch of salt, and lemon zest made the last few moments worthwhile. A supply of creaminess came into the background, fully embracing each flavor with its luscious rich, and velvety smooth profile. The cigar remained mild in body, never gathering the courage to advance into the medium spectrum. The transitioning of flavors became quick, and after 30-45 minutes smoke, the cigar has now extinguished its fascinating ember. The finish then laid a satisfying end.
Overall
While an enjoyable smoke, I wish the Helix X550 offered more in terms of the evolution of flavors; on the contrary, that did not put me off. The symmetrical burn, perfect draw, and lofty ash indicate how good this cigar can be. I will indeed store some of these in my humidor for a daily visit. Overall, this is a great cigar to spend your money on, which receives a rating of 89.
Other Cigars Reviews
Other Mellow-Strength Cigars
Plasencia Reserva Original Robusto
The Plasencia brand, renowned for its extensive experience in tobacco cultivation, has introduced the Reserva Original cigar line, distinguished as the first entirely organically grown cigar with no additives and ingredients certified by the Organic Crop Improvement Association. Cultivated in Nicaragua, the Reserva Original Robusto is a mild-bodied cigar characterized by its nutty and earthy flavors with a creamy undertone. Its physical attributes include a milky chocolate brown wrapper and distinctive white and gold bands, exuding an air of elegance. Throughout the smoking experience, it maintains a consistent flavor profile, with subtle shifts towards woody and earthy tones and an occasional hint of spice or saltiness, ending with a rich and creamy texture. Despite its milder strength, it offers a continuous and appealing taste, particularly for those who favor nutty and earthy notes. However, it may not fully satisfy those seeking a stronger tobacco hit. This analysis constitutes a comprehensive review of the Plasencia Reserva Original Robusto.
Padron Damaso No. 17
The Padron Damaso No. 17, standing at 7 inches with a ring of 54, is a mellow strength cigar originating from Nicaragua and known for its mild body, Nicaraguan filler, and distinctive Connecticut Shade wrapper from Ecuador. It targets smokers preferring milder experiences, contrasting other Padron offerings renowned for their varied wrappers and strengths. The cigar’s physical presentation is impressive, featuring a mahogany, white, and gold band and a unique serial number to assure authenticity. Despite its delicate, potentially brittle wrapper, the smoking experience it offers is notable for the creamy, buttery undertones and a surprising lightness in its peppery flavor, deviating from the brand’s typical profile. While the overall taste is considered basic, with subtle hints of hay and cedar and a lack of complex transitions, it’s particularly suitable for beginners or those favoring simpler, milder flavors. The cigar’s thin wrapper contributes to a faster burn compared to other Padrons, leading to a shorter yet enjoyable smoking period. For aficionados and novices alike, the fundamental tastes and renowned creaminess of Padron remain evident, making it an accessible entry point into the world of premium cigars. This unique profile and offering merit a comprehensive review of Padron Damaso No. 17 for those exploring milder yet quality cigar options.
Other Honduran Cigar Reviews
Bolivar Cofradia
The Bolivar Cofradia, crafted by the esteemed master blender Estélo Padrón, features an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper, fillers from Honduras and Nicaragua, and a Connecticut broadleaf binder. This medium-bodied cigar presents a primarily earthy, woodsy, and nutty flavor profile, with subtle hints of spice and pepper, making it a suitable choice for daily enjoyment. Despite its unremarkable band design and lack of dramatic flavor transitions, the cigar offers consistency in its taste and is well-constructed, providing a satisfactory smoking experience at a reasonable price point. This balance of quality and affordability, along with its robust yet approachable character, might make it a favored selection for sharing among enthusiasts, as evidenced in this review of Bolivar Cofradia.
CAO VR Moby
CAO, a renowned brand among cigar enthusiasts, offers the CAO VR Moby, a full-strength cigar originating from Honduras with a Brazilian Maduro wrapper. This Toro-shaped cigar stands out with its dark, almost black wrapper and unique dual-band design. The smoking experience is intense, characterized by dominant spice and pepper flavors that persist throughout, although the initial hay grass note disappears early on. Despite issues with a tight draw and the need to relight, the cigar’s construction is commendable, producing ample smoke and maintaining a consistent burn. While its robust flavors might overwhelm novices, it is ideal for seasoned smokers seeking a rich, spicy experience, particularly in colder seasons. For enthusiasts interested in this flavor profile, the CAO VR Moby is perfect for an after-dinner indulgence, making it a notable mention in the review of CAO VR Moby.
