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: Perfecto

Length: 5″

Ring Gauge: 48

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Piraca Maduro

Binder: Dominican Republic

Filler: Dominican Republic, Honduras

Factory: Cuban Stock Cigar Co.

Blender: Undisclosed

Number of reviewers: 5 —– Gregg (McGreggor57) Dave (mdwest) Brian (B-daddy) Jason (bigslowrock) Emmett (rhetorik)

Price: $7.30

Age: 3 Months Rest

Release Date: 2004

Contributed by: Cuban Stock Cigar Co.

Initial Impressions

Appearance: 93

“This cigar has a pretty nice appearance. The perfecto shape is very appealing and looks to be constructed well. The wrapper is nice and dark and even, but does have a few large veins.” –Emmett (rhetorik)

Aroma: 91

“Really nice pre-light aroma with notes of leather and dark chocolate.” –Dave (mdwest)

First Third

Flavor: 93

Strength: Medium

Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“Quite a bit of darker flavors initially. Roasted coffee beans, unsweetened dark chocolate and oak are bouncing back and forth with an earthiness circulating around as well. None of the flavors are overpowering, giving a wonderful start to this cigar.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

“I’m really fighting the cigar in this third due to the tightness, but I’m getting a nice mix of coffee, cocoa and cedar.” –Jason (bigslowrock)

Second Third

Flavor: 93

Strength: Medium-Strong

Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“Cocoa and coffee notes fill the palate in the second third. Leather and hints of cedar are also present. The shift in flavors from the first to the second third has been subtle, but there was definitely a shift. I’m really enjoying this smoke at this point.” –Dave (mdwest)

“Flavors in the second third are pretty similar to the first. It’s primarily wood and some savory spices. Not getting any more sweetness; rather, a little bitterness is creeping in on the finish. No sooner did I type that, then on the very next draw, the sweetness returns. Sweet blending with spice and wood for the rest of the second third.” –Brian (B-daddy)

Final Third

Flavor: 94

Strength: Medium-Strong

Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“Not much flavor shift in the final third. Still a woody core complemented by some unusual spiciness. The sweetness comes and goes. Nub gets a little warm but the smoke stays enjoyable and flavors consistent.” –Brian (B-daddy)

“The final third continues to see everything increasing, the flavors and strength. The meatiness and spicy wood have come back for a last hoorah along with the baking spices from the second third. The finish has become longer and spicier.” –Emmett (rhetorik)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 91

“A slightly tight draw at the beginning. The draw opened up a little bit toward the end of the second third which made things much easier and even more enjoyable as I got ready to finish off the smoke.” –Dave (mdwest)

Burn: 96

“Consistently razor sharp from beginning to end. Never any attention or corrections. Always put out great smoke volume.” –Brian (B-daddy)

Construction: 94

“Solid construction. A nice firm, consistent pack, tight seams, well applied cap and excellent combustion from beginning to end.” –Dave (mdwest)

Overall Strength: Medium-Strong

Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

Overall Experience: 94

“There were more flavors in this cigar than I could adequately identify since they came and went quickly. Underneath the bolder flavors, I detected a nuttiness from time to time along with apricot and cedar. I really enjoyed how the roasted coffee balanced out the char and oak during the last half of the cigar. Definitely one to keep on hand when wanting a full bodied smoke.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

“I’m looking forward to the reveal on this one. I thoroughly enjoyed this smoke and will be looking to pick up a few more.” –Dave (mdwest)

“This cigar was a joy to smoke. The flavors were not all that complex but still excellent. It didn’t transition much throughout. As long as the profile suits me, though, I’ll take consistency. The performance (burn, etc.) was among the best I’ve ever experienced. I’d smoke this cigar again any time.” –Brian (B-daddy)

“I’m a little torn on this cigar. It’s got great flavors without any off flavor notes, yet it wasn’t very complex and didn’t really change much throughout the cigar. If the price is right and I had a dud on the construction, it could possibly be a daily smoker candidate.” –Jason (bigslowrock)

“I really enjoyed this smoke, I only wish it had been longer. I hope this cigar is offered in a longer vitola so I can keep the experience going longer next time. The flavors in this cigar were very bold and easy to pick out. I would recommend this cigar to most people and would definitely pick up a few more. I think these also have some good aging potential with all the spices and full body.” –Emmett (rhetorik)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 54

Total Score: 93 (Excellent)

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