This is an old standby in my cigar rotation, but one that I have not smoked in over a year. The cigar presents with a tawny wrapper that is showing some tooth. The construction appears to be excellent as the cigar is well packed, but alluringly supple. The cap is a bit awkward and the foot is slightly squared giving this cigar a look that is rustic in it's simplicity. The pre light aroma is a bit sour, but has toasty notes. The pre light draw shows notes of light wood.
The cigar begins with some bitterness in a core of woody, toasty notes. There is a creamy undertone that could be more nuanced without the bitter overtones. The draw is excellent, which is rare in cigars of this size. The burn is solid, if a bit lopsided, and produces a nice firm, gray ash.
At the halfway point the cigar has progressed nicely showing notes of light wood, nutmeg, light spice and some pepper. The complexity is surprising, but the depth of the flavors is disappointing. I like to have deep rich flavors to consider, this cigar has many flavors but they are often too fleeting to be properly evaluated. The draw is still excellent, and the burn is very solid, holding an ash to almost the halfway point.
The final half of the cigar continues to show complex notes of flavor. There are notes of nutmeg, spice, light wood and bread. The draw has continued to perform well and the burn has remained solid.
The finish is long and has pleasing bready and toasty qualities. This cigar has proven why old standbys have their place in every aficionado's humidor.
Appearance- 85 not the most attractive of smokes
Taste- 91 an excellent profile that loses points for early bitterness and lack of depth throughout
Construction- 95 an extremely well made cigar that performed flawlessly
Strength- 88 an excellent mild/medium offering that could use more oomph
Overall- 89.75 an exceptional small smoke that is approaching magnificence
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