Vital Stats:

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.

Vitola: Robusto

Length: 5.5″

Ring Gauge: 50

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic

Wrapper: Dominican Oscuro

Binder: Dominican Republic

Filler: Dominican Republic

Factory: Tabacalera Ventura

Blender: George Rodriguez

Number of reviewers: 5—–Ron (shuckins) Gregg (McGreggor57) Milton (mjohnsoniii) Brian (B-daddy) Emmett (rhetorik)

Price: $7.75

Age: 5 Months

Release Date: April 2012

Contributed by: House of Emilio

Initial Impressions

Appearance: 88

“The appearance is pretty rustic with its somewhat lumpy shape and large seams. Also, the cap is a little darker than the wrapper. The pigtail is a nice touch though.” –Emmett (rhetorik)

Aroma: 90

“Sweet cedar with a spicy nutmeg and cocoa smell.” –Ron (shuckins)

First Third

Flavor: 89

Strength: Medium

Body/Complexity: Medium

“The first third begins in a surprising fashion with a mix of hardwood and cedar along with some leather. There’s a little pepper on the retro and back of the throat, but not overpowering. Shortly in, a burnt caramel appears on the finish which changes to a mild anise and then allspice. Quite a smorgasbord of subtle flavor changes with the creamy leather keeping the profile smoote. This combination is working well behind the upfront woody notes.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

“A ton of smoke upon first light. Oily rich cedar and sweetened black coffee. Some exotic spice too, not just straight pepper. Oily residue on my lips is tangy/spicy/smokey, like BBQ sauce. Burn is a little wonky until I realize I have to cover the pin hole in the wrapper and then… huge billowing clouds of smoke. Towards the end of this third, I’m getting a hint of minty coolness with the core flavors of spicy/sweet cedar and coffee.” –Brian (B-daddy)

Second Third

Flavor: 91

Strength: Medium-Strong

Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“The creamy smoke still billowed and the light gray flaky ash held strong up to this point. The flavors tasted earlier have mellowed out and black tea along with unsweetened chocolate and rich leather has made its way in. The strength has also risen a bit.” –Milton (mjohnsoniii)

“Something interesting to note is that the ash doesn’t really “fall” off, it more disintegrates or flakes off. Very strange. The oak flavor is still there, but the pepper and spices are starting to take over. The finish is still very peppery. The burn has evened out. The dry wood flavor is reminding me of a Padron Maduro, although it is clearly not, it’s worth noting. In the middle of this third, I started to get a little bit of a red wine note, I’ve never experienced that in a cigar before.” –Emmett (rhetorik)

Final Third

Flavor: 89

Strength: Medium

Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“The cigar really came together the closer to the end it got. The cedar picked up the sweetness as the spice died down. This let the cocoa move forward past the coffee and bring a little creaminess to the cigar at the very end.” –Ron (shuckins)

“The bigness of the cigar actually fades a little at the start of the final third. The same basic flavor profile is there; rich earthy cedar and tobacco with some sweetness, but it has mellowed out. After a little while, I start to pick up on some cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s pretty distinct, particularly on the finish. As I get to the band point, the flavors come back strong, not harsh at all but strong. Towards the nub, the smoke heats up a little and the flavors get even bolder; again though, not harsh. Very nice cigar.” –Brian (B-daddy)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 94

“The draw was damn near perfect. It provided me with the perfect amount of resistance.” –Milton (mjohnsoniii)

Burn: 90

“Pretty good burn, just a little hot at times.” –Ron (shuckins)

Construction: 89

“It was lumpy and it definitely had some wrapper and wrapping issues. Overall, though, it worked.” –Brian (B-daddy)

Overall Strength: Medium-Strong

Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

Overall Experience: 91

“A very entertaining, multidimensional cigar that I would like to visit again.” –Ron (shuckins)

“The flavors all worked well together, yet bounced around a bit causing me to chase them more than I wanted. This cigar offered an effortless smoke but teased me with some fuller flavors that faded a bit too quickly. I would definitely grab some more of these in the hopes that additional rest wold allow a more consistent profile.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

“This was a very solid and flavorful cigar that I am looking forward to trying again. I think this could prove to be an excellent everyday cigar that seems to be super premium unless the price point is also super premium. This cigar was one that was highly enjoyable in my book.” –Milton (mjohnsoniii)

“This is a big after dinner flavor bomb/smoke bomb. I dug it and I’d definitely smoke it again. I’d recommend it to anyone that likes medium full to full body and rich flavorful smoke. I think I may have a couple five packs resting in the tupperdor. Now I can’t wait to try them.” –Brian (B-daddy)

“This was a pretty good cigar. Its flaws in construction were somewhat redeemed by its flavors. I liked the oaky and dry wood flavors combined with spices. If Padron made a bundle cigar, I imagine this is what it would be like. If the other reviewers samples had better construction, I would try this again.” –Emmett (rhetorik)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 71

Total Score: 90 (Very Good)

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To view the complete scores and notes, click here.