This cigar was reviewed blind (no bands) by a panel of at least 4 reviewers. They did not know what they were smoking beforehand. The scores are an average of all the reviewers' scores with outliers removed.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Robusto

Length: 4.8″

Ring Gauge: 50

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic

Wrapper: Brazilian Habano

Binder: Dominican Habano

Filler: Nicaraguan

Factory: Tabacalera La Alianza S.A.

Blender: E.P. Carrillo

Number of reviewers: 5—–Craig (WyldKnyght) Ron (shuckins) Gregg (McGreggor57) Aaron (aaron72) Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

Price: $9.50

Age: 3 Months

Release Date: 2013

Contributed by: Blind Man’s Puff

Initial Impressions

Appearance: 90

“This robusto sized (5X50) cigar looks very appealing. It had a nice chocolate brown wrapper. Some small to medium veins, but not to bad.” –Craig (WyldKnyght)

Aroma: 89

“The main aroma I detect is cedar and the slightest note of sweetness. There is a faint note of barnyard at the foot, so slight I almost wonder if I imagined it.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

First Third

Flavor: 89

Strength: Medium

Body/Complexity: Medium

“Creamy with light cedar and cocoa that’s kinda sweet on light up. Nutmeg with traces of coffee and a hint or two of leather joins in soon after, providing a pleasant start to the cigar.” –Ron (shuckins)

“Pre-light draw brings a very prominent raisin flavor. The first cut just didn’t do it for this cigar. The draw was tight and smoke production was low, so I made a second cut which improved performance. For a few puffs I was getting some creamy cinnamon, but that was soon replaced by a light woody earthiness. The ash held for the entire third.” –Aaron (aaron72)

Second Third

Flavor: 89

Strength: Medium

Body/Complexity: Medium

“The flavors remain light as they transition to more grassy tones. The sweetness of the cedar is still present and balances nicely with the subtle leather in the background. Some toast brings an added dimension to this third.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

“Flavors are consistent from the previous third with a little added sweetness. Retrohale is very smooth. The wood started to really fade out for a few puffs and then came back with a creamy cedar. A slight bitterness came in right at the end of the third. The ash held on again for the entire third.” –Aaron (aaron72)

Final Third

Flavor: 89

Strength: Medium

Body/Complexity: Medium

“A little more pepper, but with less heat, even though the cocoa faded towards the end. Coffee picked up while the leather stayed the same. The cedar and nutmeg flavors were in the background but still kept a little of it’s sweetness, even when the pepper started kicking more at the very end.” –Ron (shuckins)

“Baking spices over the sweet cedar is where this third is landing. The tighter draw is yielding a bit harsher profile. It’s unfortunate to end any cigar on a final let down.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 93

“The draw was excellent on this cigar. Really the highlight for this smoke.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

Burn: 88

“A solid burn line with an ash that dropped well past the halfway mark.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

Construction: 91

“This cigar seems to be well constructed, a little soft with a nice triple cap.” –Craig (WyldKnyght)

Overall Strength: Medium

Overall Body/Complexity: Medium

Overall Experience: 88

“This cigar was not a pleasant experience at all. From the tar issue at the beginning and the harshness at the end, I’d have a very hard time revisiting this cigar again.” –Craig (WyldKnyght)

“A fun cigar to smoke, had a couple of different dimensions with tasty flavors.” –Ron (shuckins)

“Although the flavors weren’t my preferred, I was mainly disappointed in the lack of development of the final third. The transition between the first two was much appreciated and set this cigar up for a big finish, which sadly didn’t happen. The tight draw was more of an annoyance than anything else. I would, however, be up for trying this one again.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

“The flavors just weren’t very exciting. There were some transitions which I had hoped would improve the experience. The performance of the cigar was very good as the ash was very solid and a good burn. Not something I would seek out again, but I would smoke again if I was handed one.” –Aaron (aaron72)

“If they are all like this sample, then this is a yard gar for me, nothing more. If I had nothing else I’d consider reaching for it…consider it, but maybe not light it.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 51

Total Score: 89 (Good)

[table id=182 /]

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.