This is another old standby, and was a standard cigar in my lineup for years. The cigar presents in a cedar sleeve with the famous black satin band at the foot. The cigar itself has some prominent veins and the construction feels a bit firm. The pre light aroma is of earth and spice. The pre light draw shows notes of spice, earth and some grass.
The cigar begins with a spicy profile that shows notes of pepper and earth. There is a clean tobacco flavor that I have always noticed in this cigar, and this one is no exception. The draw is a bit tight, making the smoke thin. The burn is somewhat lopsided, but a crisp white ash is forming. There are some grassy flavors at the back of the palate and through the nose, which is disturbing.
The first half of the cigar shows plenty of spice and pepper, but the continuation of grassy flavors detracts from the smoke. The draw opens slightly and the production of smoke is satisfactory. The burn is still slightly akimbo, but the white ash is firm.
The last half of the cigar continues with a profile of spice and pepper, but the grassy notes persist and detract from the experience. The draw and burn have both improved and show no defects. There is some sweet earthiness at the back of the palate that helps offset some of the grassy effects.
The finish is troubling and shows a melange of spice, earth, pepper and grassy notes.
Appearance- 87 some veining hurts the score
Taste- 84 grassy flavors throughout detract from the score
Construction- 86 early draw issues limit the possibilities here
Strength- 87 a nice medium/smoke
Overall- 86 a slightly above average smoke
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