I had this cigar in my humidor for well over a year just waiting for an occasion to give it a go. I typically only smoke an Opus once or twice a year so it seemed Labor Day was a perfect time to have one. The cigar is draped in cedar and I remove the sleeve gently. The wrapper is beautiful, but it has one flaw about an inch from the head I am hoping that it will not cause any issues as the smoke progresses. The pre light aroma is full of cedar and tobacco character. The pre light draw shows spice and citrus notes. The construction appears to be excellent.
The cigar begins with less power than I am typically accustomed to from these smokes. It has an almost timid beginning, with a profile that is of light tobacco and spice. The burn is crisp and the smoke is ample. The flavors maintain the above character for the first quarter of the cigar.
In the second quarter I detect some development of a citrus flavor, orange peel and some lemon zest. These flavors punch up the light tobacco flavors that are still present in the main body of the profile. The burn has stayed consistent and the smoke is still abundant and smooth.
In the final half the cigar really packs a punch. The strength intensifies to a full blown experience. The profile develops notes of rich tobacco flavor and some floral essence. The flaw in the wrapper does cause an issue and the last 2 inches of the cigar comes apart. I struggle through anyway and the profile is not hurt by the issues.
The finish is long and strong. There are notes of rich tobacco, leather and a citrus zest on the finish.
Appearance- 88 one flaw hurt the score
Taste- 91 a fairly complex and tasty smoke
Construction- 80 hurt by the eruption at the end
Strength- 89 a nice full profile cigar, but the strength overpowers some of the depth in the profile at the end
Overall- 87 somewhat disappointing, but still above average
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