This robusto sized cigar has a light brown wrapper and is lighter than standard Pepin offerings, with the exception of Cabaiguan. There is a prominent vein near the head of the cigar that could be an issue, but rolling the cigar quickly through my fingers tells me that this cigar has no undue firmness or discernible plugs. The pre light aroma is light and woody. The pre light draw has notes of light wood and light tobacco.
The cigar begins with mellow wood notes and a vegetal undertone. It is not unpleasant at this point, but is not yet pleasing either. I have smoked several examples of this and they almost always begin in the same way.
At the one third point the cigar develops a slight burn flaw, but as is my wont I smoke through it and it evens out. (A word of advice on this particular issue. Always attempt to smoke through a flaw in the burn. I see many smokers immediately put them to the torch to even them out and the result is they char the cigar and thus pick up a burnt or charred note for the rest of the smoke.) Getting back to the cigar, it has developed a creamy vanilla tone and maintains the light wood flavors in the background. There is also some evidence of light pepper at the back of the palate that is starting to assert itself.
At the half way point the peppery notes have come on stronger, but are not overwhelming. There is still a sweet mellow note of wood and cream in the mix at this point as well. The burn has returned to a sharp edge and the cigar is holding up well.
The final half of the cigar develops another small burn issue, but smoking through it pays off yet again. The peppery notes have faded away and the notes of light cream and wood have taken center stage, there is a vegetal undertone threatening to weaken the experience.
The finish is flat with a definite vegetal undertone. Some notes of pepper have resurfaced, but it is hurt by the flat vegetal flavors that the finish is presenting.
Appearance- 88 a beautiful wrapper that was hurt by the prominent vein at the head
Taste- 83 this cigar was hurt by the vegetal notes that surfaced in various stages of the smoke
Construction- 86 this score was hurt by the two burn flaws that were encountered during the experience
Strength- 88 this is a fine example of a medium bodied cigar
Overall- 86.25 this is a cigar with some potential but the flaws noted hurt the score
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