This cigar has big shoes to fill as it has replaced the Miami 8 & 11, which remains the cigar with the highest score on this blog to date. Padilla and Pepin Garcia had a much talked about falling out and Padilla now has the brand, but not the blends. Thus, this cigar has been retooled.
The cigar presents well, with a dark, rich looking wrapper. There are some prominent veins, but I do not detect where they may cause an issue, the body of the cigar also appears to be issue free. The pre light aroma is earthy, but has touch of a sour note. The pre light draw is also earthy, but there are hints of pepper as well.
The cigar begins with sweet notes of earth and light blasts of pepper. There is a slightly sour note at the back of the palate that is detracting from the opening stanza. The burn is excellent, but the draw is a bit tight. In the first third of the cigar the profile keeps a core of sweet earthy notes with hints of pepper, but the sour note persists.
At the half way point I am discouraged by a continued sour note in the profile. The profile itself has taken on a flavor of leather with undertones of earth and pepper. Overall it is a nice experience that would be excellent without the sour underpinnings. The burn has stayed sharp, and I maintain an ash well past the two inch mark on two occasions. The draw has stayed a bit tight, but manages to produce acceptable amounts of smoke.
The final quarter of the cigar finishes strong. The profile maintains leathery flavors, but the peppery notes kick it up a notch. There are some signs of light spice and roasted nuts as well. The sour notes have left the profile and I am wishing the whole cigar was this good.
The finish is long and smooth with notes of leather, pepper and nuts.
Appearance- 90 an attractive cigar, some veining hurt the score
Taste- 84 came on strong in the end, but sour notes for the first three quarters of the cigar hurt the score
Construction- 89 well made and burned well, I detract points for the draw
Strength- 88 a nice medium to full presentation, could use some more oomph
Overall- 87.75 a nice solid smoke that would have been better without sour notes.
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