Artie 86 – This chubby robusto is dark brown with a tart pre-lit aroma. It’s very hard to the touch and seems like it’s got a double binder. It cuts cleanly and has a nice easy draw. The first few puffs reveal a nice spice but a brighter taste than I would have expected from a cigar so dark. Into the first inch the burn is absolutely perfect with a flakey ash that falls easily. Is this a short filler or “sandwich” cigar? I wonder. As I smoke I can detect a nutty sweetness, with a bit of dark chocolate. It has a dry finish. This isn’t a creamy cigar…I would have liked a bit more umami. Mid way, the dryness is starting to get objectionable. I want to like this cigar because it has decent flavor, but so far it isn’t winning me over. After putting it down to run to the store, I was not inspired to re-light this disappointing cigar.
Paul 94 – Dark wrapper with some mottling, absolutely no give, it feels like a tent peg, but the cold draw is perfect with slight tobacco and cocoa flavors. First 1/3: Sweetness, oak, leather and cocoa; spice on the tongue; long finish; dark fruit; very dry in the mouth; some tannic flavors. Second 1/3: Leather and oak less prominent; more dark fruit; medium strength. Last 1/3: Oak, dark fruit and cocoa, spice on the tongue returns; shorter finish. A very good cigar with complexity and excellent construction.
Jim 92 – Very neat and clean in appearance, almost flawless. Very firm to the squeeze with very little give. First initial draws are smooth and creamy with no spice. As I let it heat up I’m starting to get some strong cedar and sage flavors as some slight peppery spice on the finish. Draw is fine despite the firmness of the cigar. Medium in strength. Burn is even with some wavy. Ash fell off on its own 1/2 inch in. The cigar is starting to balance nicely. Definitely creamy and now I’m picking up some cocoa. The peppery spice is slight and taking more of cinnamon profile. It is blending well with the other flavors. Cedar still present but not as strong. I’m getting an aftertaste like a gingerbread cookie. This is a very interesting cigar with some surprising transitions. I definitely enjoyed the experience!
Rob 85 – Nice appearance to the stick, however, no pre light aroma being given off. Very easy light, and the stick did stay lit throughout the smoke. The wrapper was nicely oily with a double cap. Flavor was very subtle and for the most part non existent. There was no change to the stick throughout the smoke.
