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: Toro

Length: 5.9″

Ring Gauge: 52

Country of Origin: Cuba

Wrapper: Cuba

Binder: Cuba

Filler: Cuba

Factory: Undisclosed

Blender: Undisclosed

Number of reviewers: 5 —– Milton (mjohnsoniii) Ron (shuckins) Brian (B-daddy) Robert (NavyPiper) Aaron (aaron72)

Price: $11.00

Age: 3 Months Rest

Release Date: 2010

Contributed by: Cigars of Habanos

Initial Impressions

Appearance: 93

“This cigar has a dull chocolate brown wrapper with a triple cap that’s applied evenly except for the top layer which is a bit ragged. That’s the portion that’ll be clipped so no issues with that.” –Milton (mjohnsoniii)

Aroma: 91

“A light barnyard aroma from the wrapper. The aroma from the foot was a very sweet smelling tobacco.” –Aaron (aaron72)

First Third

Flavor: 91

Strength: Medium-Strong

Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“As I toasted the foot, there was a unique scent that it gave off that reminded of a pumpkin pie baking. I know, I know. At initial light, I got an immediate blast of a mild black pepper. At about an inch in, a crack opened up that extended well into the second third. It didn’t really affect the smoking of the cigar as roasted coffee, cilantro and baking spices were very pronounced. It was pretty unsightly though.” –Milton (mjohnsoniii)

“Spicy cedar flavors up front in the first few puffs. Coffee joins the mix along with an earthy tasting tobacco as the cedar turns to more of a peppery wood flavor about a third of the way in.” –Ron (shuckins)

Second Third

Flavor: 91

Strength: Medium-Strong

Body/Complexity: Medium

“Woodsy tasting tobacco,reminiscent of a campfire by the flavor of the smoke. Pepper is kicking up a notch, pushing the coffee flavor to the background and bringing a bit of heat to the cigar.” –Ron (shuckins)

“As I get into the second third, the flavors mellow a bit and the smoke takes on a soapy/oily texture on the palate. Not much residue on the lips but I can definitely feel the texture on the draw and in the finish. The finish has lost the spice from the first third and an oily leather becomes the dominant flavor on the finish. A little more hay on the draw than in the first third. The strength seems to have backed off just a touch too… or maybe I just put on my big boy pants.” –Brian (B-daddy)

Final Third

Flavor: 91

Strength: Medium-Strong

Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“The final third gave me a change up, as the flavors of the 2nd third were still present, but the pepper and spice returned, along with a slight ‘nic kick’ about a third of the way in. This was a pleasurable finish to this stogie.” –Robert (NavyPiper)

“At the beginning of the third, a nice meatiness has begun to make an appearance. The cigar started heating up, but didn’t seem to have any ill effects on the flavor. A peppery meatiness continues with a nice creamy retrohale.” –Aaron (aaron72)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 90

“Great draw, free and easy with plenty of smoke.” –Ron (shuckins)

Burn: 93

“The burn was terrific. Always stayed in line and the nice white ash came off in predictable chunks.” –Aaron (aaron72)

Construction: 91

“This sample appears to be well made. Wrapper is nice and tight to the binder, seams are tight and well blended. Some small insignificant veins on wrapper. Great triple cap. This cigar feels dense and very heavy.” –Robert (NavyPiper)

Overall Strength: Medium-Strong

Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

Overall Experience: 91

“This was one of the best cigars I’ve smoked in quite some time. I can’t wait to see what this is. I’ll definitely be looking to snag a few to add to the humi for later on. The complexity and profile of this one was definitely in my wheelhouse and would be a superb addition to any puffer’s stash.” –Milton (mjohnsoniii)

“A stronger than average cigar, well suited for an after dinner smoke with friends.” –Ron (shuckins)

“In this case, I’d say the whole was greater than the sum of the parts. I thoroughly enjoyed this cigar. Great complex flavors, great smoke output, very good performance. Just a joy. If you like medium full flavors and rich smoke texture, I think you’ll like this cigar. I’m hoping for the best (cheapo) but preparing for the worst (expensive). Box split anyone?” –Brian (B-daddy)

“I really enjoyed this review. Good flavors, a few changes, and I liked the crisp clean flavors with the short finish. I wouldn’t mind adding a few to the humidor.” –Robert (NavyPiper)

“This is one of those times where the cigar was a good fit for the situation. I smoked this early in the morning and the flavors and strength really fit well. The first two third really reminded me of eating some peppery eggs that were cooked over easy which went well with the morning theme. The meatiness at the end added positively to the experience. I would definitely be interested in smoking this cigar again.” –Aaron (aaron72)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 121

Total Score: 91 (Very Good)

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