Vital Stats:

Vitola: Robusto

Length: 5″

Ring Gauge: 54

Country of Origin: U.S.A.

Wrapper: Dark Ecuadorian Habano

Binder: Sumatra

Filler: Nicaragua

Factory: Guillermo Pena Factory

Blender: Guillermo Pena

Number of reviewers: 5 —– Brian (B-daddy) Sandeep (Djangos) Gregg (McGreggor57) Jason (bigslowrock) Derek (StogieNinja)

Price: $12.00

Age: 2 Months Rest

Release Date: 2012

Contributed by: Paul Stulac

Initial Impressions

Appearance: 94

“Everything looks right about this cigar. It’s got a beautiful dark brown wrapper, silky smooth and oily. Nice tight seams. Small veins and a neat triple cap. It looks appetizing.” –Brian (B-daddy)

Aroma: 93

“There is a strong and pleasant aroma of leather and some non sweet spices. Also some woodsy flavors are discernible. The dry puff is definitely peppery with black pepper and also leather. There is nutmeg in the background and also some cocoa. Can’t wait to get this one started.” –Sandeep (Djangos)

First Third

Flavor: 92

Strength: Medium

Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“A hearty start to this third. Mild pepper, burnt coffee, leather and dark chocolate on the initial few puffs. The darker flavors have mellowed into a creamy mix and the pepper moved to the background, complimenting the richness of the cigar.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

“From the outset, I like it. The very first puff gives me notes of espresso, chocolate and leather, with hints of red pepper and dry wood. It’s right in that sweet spot between rustic and smooth. The flavor is big and bold, but not harsh or aggressive. Into the first third about an inch, the smoke becomes marvelously creamy. The espresso has taken the forefront, with a little bit of dry wood and bittersweet chocolate in the background.” –Derek (StogieNinja)

Second Third

Flavor: 94

Strength: Medium

Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“The pepper continues to die down and the flavors of leather and cedar are more well appreciated at this time. The bitter cocoa is welcome and the nutmeg is phasing in and out. There is also a dry hay like character that is more appreciable at this time. Quite enjoyable but one dimensional. The burn and smoke are still very good and holding steady. The pepper is now only to the back of the throat.” –Sandeep (Djangos)

“Pepper is starting to fade back. The chocolate, leather and espresso are jumping in the drivers seat. Touch of black tea and wood.” –Jason (bigslowrock)

Final Third

Flavor: 93

Strength: Medium-Strong

Body/Complexity: Medium

“The pepper picked up again. I’m getting black tea as the dominant flavor. Still getting the notes of espresso, leather and earthiness. Getting a touch of cinnamon too.” –Jason (bigslowrock)

“Most of the flavors remain, though they warm in tone. The espresso remains somewhat in the background, helping to round out the primary flavors of dark chocolate, dry wood, leather and a bit of red pepper spice. At the very end, with about an inch and a half left, the smoke becomes just a little bit harsh, but overall the final third was a lovely one.” –Derek (StogieNinja)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 95

“Very nice. Slight resistance. Open and tons of smoke.” –Brian (B-daddy)

Burn: 93

“Almost razor sharp the first two thirds. A little wonky in the final third but not bad.” –Brian (B-daddy)

Construction: 91

“Overall an extraordinary smoke, but lost a couple points for the soft spots that resulted in some minor burn and draw issues. Those were short lived however, and overall, it seemed very well constructed.” –Derek (StogieNinja)

Overall Strength: Medium-Strong

Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

Overall Experience: 91

“The cigar for the most part was enjoyable. I could have done without the excess pepper in the beginning. Also it was one dimensional when it came to flavor transitions once past the pepper in the first third. Not sure if the pepper will mellow out if aged, but definitely would give it another shot.” –Sandeep (Djangos)

“A surprisingly smooth smoke from start to finish. The flavors worked well together and changed enough to keep it interesting. I appreciated the full flavors and look forward to smoking more of these cigars, especially seeing how some more rest might improve it.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

“I’m going with my “gut” on this one. There were a few hiccups, but overall, this was a pleasure to smoke. Dark chocolate, leather, dry wood, red pepper spice and espresso, with thick, creamy, full smoke… this is what you want from a dark cigar. I would gladly smoke more of these, and recommend them to anyone who likes Tat or Liga maduros.” –Derek (StogieNinja)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 63

Total Score: 92 (Very Good)

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