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: 5″

Ring Gauge: 54

Country of Origin: Nicaragua

Wrapper: Aged Ecuadorian Maduro

Binder: Honduras

Filler: Nicaragua and Honduras

Factory: Tabacalera Santiago

Blender: James Brown

Number of reviewers: 4 Sandeep (Djangos) Dave (mdwest) Ron (shuckins) Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

Price: $12.00

Age: 2 Months Rest

Release Date: 2013

Contributed by: Black Label Trading Company

Initial Impressions

Appearance: 95

“The cigar is a robusto sized box press. I have to say this is one of the best box pressed cigars I have seen. Looks almost perfect. The wrapper is very dark, almost black and has a very oily and shiny surface. The surface also seems very smooth to the touch. The color difference between the filler and the wrapper is stark once the cut is made. At least two caps are appreciated.” –Sandeep (Djangos)

Aroma: 96

“I pick up a very sweet cinnamon aroma from this cigar that is very nice. A little cedar is there as well, but I’m mostly reminded of my spice drawer in the kitchen…yum!” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

First Third

Flavor: 96

Strength: Medium

Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“The cigar starts off with a bang, there is quite a bit of pepper to begin with. Mostly black pepper that is gravitating to the back of the throat. The major flavors are still very earthy grassy flavors with undertones of sweeter coffee and some leather. There is also a woodsy character on the exhale. The burn line is almost perfect and razor sharp. The only issue I am having at this time is the draw that is quite tight and this is probably the reason for the wispy smoke that I am getting at this point. The ash is dark grey in color and is holding well to the end of this third.” –Sandeep (Djangos)

“Sweet cocoa, coffee and leather from the first puff. A complex, medium to full body with medium strength. We are off to a great start!” –Dave (mdwest)

Second Third

Flavor: 92

Strength: Medium-Strong

Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“The same flavors from the first third are still present, but a raisin like sweetness is starting to make its way in as well as a little bit of spice. The cigar is becoming stronger the deeper I get into the second third and even more complex. This stick keeps you on your toes.” –Dave (mdwest)

“A very smooth tasting cigar, with a soft wood tasting tobacco as it nears the halfway point. Joined soon after by tastes of leather, with light spicy coffee and an earthy after taste that blends well on my palate.” –Ron (shuckins)

Final Third

Flavor: 93

Strength: Medium

Body/Complexity: Medium

“As we enter the final third, strength has increased to strong and the body remains full. The raisin flavors are more prominent now and the final 1 1/2″ are very sweet. The smoke is creamy and smooth. This has been an outstanding smoke.” –Dave (mdwest)

“This has been a consistently good cigar. As the final third begins, the cigar heats up just slightly but the smoke stays smooth and the spices remain. At times a note of cedar pops in but never lasts more than a puff or two.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 95

“A clean cut through the top cap gave the cigar a near perfect draw.” –Dave (mdwest)

Burn: 93

“A sharp burn through most of the stick. No touch ups required.” –Dave (mdwest)

Construction: 95

“Very well rolled cigar, with no soft spots in a good looking box pressed style.” –Ron (shuckins)

Overall Strength: Medium-Strong

Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

Overall Experience: 91

“This I feel has the potential to be a great cigar. Whatever I sampled was great in terms of flavor and strength profile, however the issues with the wrapper and the draw were so bad that I could not even get to the last third. I am definitely looking forward to see what this one was so that I may give it another shot before calling it.” –Sandeep (Djangos)

“This stick is worth considering a box purchase on. Overall, it provided an excellent smoking experience. Great flavors, nice complexity and well constructed. If you’re looking for something full flavored and full bodied, this is a great option.” –Dave (mdwest)

“Although another dimension would have been nice, it was still a solid smoke, with solid flavors overall.” –Ron (shuckins)

“This was one of the more enjoyable cigars that I have had in quite a while. I’m excited to see what this blind review was so I can chase down some more!” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 55

Total Score: 93 (Excellent)

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