This is a full-bodied manly cigar. It feels impressive, it looks impressive, and it tastes impressive. It’s Nicaraguan through and through – wrapper, filler, and binder, so you know there is going to be some real strength there. It has a dark Nicaraguan Habano wrapper that’s a dark brown in color. The construction is solid, but not too tight as to constrict the draw. The flavor was strong right from the beginning letting you know you’re in for a hell of a smoke. The aroma fills the area, and kicks the ass off of any other smokes nearby. This is a lot of smoke for the price, especially if you like a medium to full bodied cigar. As far as flavors I could taste pepper, cedar and oak. I had Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve with this cigar – a match made in heaven. Smoke this cigar and you’ll know that this is what cigar smoking is all about.
Now for the not-so-impressive critiques. I did have flaking on the ash and the cigar canoed a couple of times. I’m not sure what look they were going for with the band. It reminded me of old photos of the cigar bunch being held by a cigar store Indian. To me it didn’t work. However, this cigar is definitely up there in my book with a good price point for the quality. If you like a medium to full bodied cigar then you need to grab this one.
|
Factor |
Description |
Possible Score |
Score |
| Construction | Fresh out of the humidor, how does the cigar look? Are large veins evident in the wrapper? Does the cigar have a firm feel to it? |
1-15 |
15 |
| Band | Is the band an embarrassment that you wouldn’t want to smoke in public? |
1-5 |
4 |
| First Puff | How satisfying is the very first puff of the cigar? |
1-10 |
9 |
| Draw | Can the cigar be smoked without strain? Does it burn up too quickly? |
1-15 |
15 |
| Flavor | Does it achieve all three notes? Does the flavor come through to the smoker sufficiently? |
1-20 |
18 |
| Aroma | Is the aroma of the cigar while burning fragrant or offensive? |
1-10 |
9 |
| Ash/Burn | Does the cigar produce a solid ash? Is it flaky? Does it canoe? |
1-10 |
8 |
| Value | Bucks per puff. For the enjoyment is the cigar reasonably priced? |
1-15 |
14 |
|
Possible Score |
100 |
92.00 |
You may also want to check out the review by my son Jared on this same product.