Warped El Oso Ursus 2016 Limited Edition – tasting notes.

Mike 92 – Nice dark wrapper with a closed foot.  Evenly rolled with universal firmness.  This smoke gave a great peppery draw on light up and lasted throughout the whole smoke.  No harshness whatsoever.  This cigar lasted just over an hour and I cant wait to smoke more of these in the future.

Will 83 – Visually this corona was a mess, sloppy cap an a misshapen head. Closed foot, kind of rustic. Looks like a veiny colorado wrapper. The cigar was firm and well packed. The unlit nose was straight tobacco. The cold draw was firm and tasted like raisins. Upon ignition I got almond paste and sweet tea. Very mild smoke begging for a cup of cafe aulait. Cigar kept a firm ash and burned well, kept the tea flavor but the sweetness began to disapate during the second 3rd. Began to take a pencil lead tangy finish.  A nice 1st cigar but no wow factor, very little complexity. Would like to smoke it in a larger ring gauge.

Rob 92 – Silky very dull wrapper; almost no oils at all.  Closed foot.  Pre-light aroma was heavy barnyard and earth.  Cigar provided a heavy smoke output throughout the entire 60 minutes it took to enjoy the stick.  Medium body throughout the cigar with a very long finish.  Flavor was quite nice, but also quite strong.  The retrohale matched the cigar in flavor and aroma.  Only complaint, the stick began to go out at the half way point, was a bit bothersome having to constantly re-light it through the second half of the stick.

Paul 93 – Uniform wrapper color, small veins, closed foot, rich tobacco, barnyard, and leather cold aroma, sweetness on the lips.  First 1/3: Coffee & cream, caramel, vanilla bean, dark fruit, pepper and spice on the retrohale.  Wow.  Lots of smoke, excellent draw, flaky ash that falls off at 1/4″, medium finish.  Second 1/3: Sweetness gone, less dark fruit, pepper comes forward, coffee & cream comes and goes, medium strength, lots of smoke, burn gets wavy but self corrects.  Last 1/3: Medium/full now, stronger pepper, dark fruit and spice return, draw loosens considerably the last 2″.   Lots of complexity and changes that hold your interest.  Very well done.

Artie 94 – This cigar has an earthy-sweet and delicious barnyard pre-lit aroma. I like the closed foot, it protects the wrapper from ripping. The cap, however, looks sloppy. The wrapper color is a milk chocolate brown with a thick leathery feel to it. The size is that of a Cuban corona (smaller than what NC cigar makers call a corona). First third burns perfectly with an easy draw. Tons of smoke. Flavors of bakers chocolate coat the tongue. There’s a spicy tone at first but that quickly dissipates. Mid way the  stick gets sweeter and creamy. This is a rich cigar with lots of complexity. Towards the end I detect an herbal, oregano flavor, with an intense aroma. As I approach the nub, I can feel the effect of its strength. This is not a cigar for a novice smoker. It tastes like a true maduro, rich and sweet. This stick required no touchups and burned perfectly to the nub. This is a winner.

Jim 91 – First thing I notice is some strong barnyard smell right out of the wrapper. Firmly rolled with a nice veiny wrapper.  Soon after lighting, I’m already enjoying this cigar.  I’m getting some toasted almonds, cocoa and a white peppery finish. As I smoke about an inch in that cocoa flavor is coming out much stronger.  Burn is slightly uneven and slightly wavy but the ash seems to be firm as a result of a well rolled stick.  The overall spice is mellowing about 1-1/2 inch into it but it is still predominate in the finish.  Now I’m thinking the spice has more of a cinnamon character.  This is really nice!!  I’m about 2 inches in now and the ash hasn’t budged at all … spoke too soon… ash just dropped but still impressive.  I also like the aftertaste this leaves on your palate. It is smoky and savory and not harsh. I finished be smoking that one down to the nub! All in all a very nice smoke.  The next time I have one of these I want to enjoy it with a good vodka martini or a smooth scotch!