Artie 86 – This toro has a beautiful tan wrapper with no flaws. Taking it from the cello, it exudes a strong fruity aroma. Heavy in the hand, it is densely packed and takes a guillotine cut with no issues. A cold draw is firm but not tight. Upon lighting, the burn starts out crooked, but straightens out about an inch in. At this point, flavors start to emerge. Dried apricots come to mind, with a bit of musk. This cigar has an aged quality that is very pleasing. A half hour later I’m only mid way through this cigar. It’s dense pack makes for a slow burn and long smoke. At this point the flavors remain unchanged but it has picked up a nice spicy quality. I do like the way this cigar feels in my hand. It’s well-rolled and firm. Towards the nub, the spice greatly increases but the flavors drop off. At the final third I have lost interest in continuing with this cigar, and have put it down. This cigar started out promising, but in the end, did not deliver.
Will 93 – Gorgeous looking stick, minimal seams and veins on a dark tan wrapper. Nice double cap, very densely packed. The dry nose is horsey with faint white pepper. The dry draw is full with hints of nutmeg and white pepper. Upon ignition the cigar has a tangy bready quality with white pepper on the retrohale. About 2 minutes in I am getting a lush draw with roasted peanuts and gold raisins. No blend info available but the wrapper tastes like corojo 99. An inch in and the roasted peanut flavor is still out front with a bit more spice but also has a citrus finish. The cigar is full bodied and just above medium in strength. About the 1/2 way mark the flavor has progressed to include a black cherry charred sweetness that I am really enjoying. I think we have a winner here. I nubbed this toro and it smoked for about 80 minutes. Points for WOW cause it was so pretty.
Paul 85 – Light brown color with minimal veins, excellent cap, multiple soft spots, medium resistance on the cold draw with light tobacco aroma. First 1/3: Creamy, malt, graham cracker, and wood; cocoa on the retrohale; dry in the mouth; mild + strength and light bodied. Second 1/3: Wood and cocoa remain while other flavors fade; medium minus strength. Last 1/3: No flavor changes as it coasts to the finish line; short finish. Just an ok cigar. The first third was very good.
Jim 85 – The cigar feels solid. You can clearly see edges and cuts of the cigar leafs used in the construction of the wrapper. First initial draws are smooth and creamy with a very slight pepper on the finish. It continues to be creamy and smooth as I get an inch into the burn. however, I am now picking up some nutty and slight citrus in flavor. Its in the mild to medium range in strength. The burn is very even. This cigar stayed pretty consistent the whole smoke. It was missing that little extra complexity I normally like in a cigar. That being said it still was a good cigar and I enjoyed it until the nub.
Rob 95 – The stick lit very easily, and had almost a perfect draw throughout the entire smoking. There was a reasonable amount of smoke output. The burn was not perfect and razor sharp, however, it did not require any touch ups during the burn. The wrapper was very smooth, chocolate brown, and was fairly oily. The ash was a bright white color. It held a medium body throughout the entire stick. Flavor/aroma: there was a creamy mouth feel to the smoke. An almost fruity sweetness on the tounge and aroma, with a consistent black pepper throughout the entire smoke. Wow factor was based on an overall experience: great appearance, feel, weight, draw, flavor, burn and aroma. All outstanding.
