This is the much ballyhooed cigar of the year, from last year, according to the "pros" at Cigar Aficionado. They rated a different size, but the point is that a major publication believed that this was the cigar of the year. It presents well with a beautiful dark brown wrapper that is exceptionally oily and shimmering with the beginnings of plume crystals. There are few veins and the construction feels firm, but not unduly so. The pre light aroma is of rich cedar and there is light coffee notes with some floral hints. The pre light draw shows some light spice, cedar and floral notes, I note that the draw is a bit firm.
The cigar begins with a core profile of cedar and a sweet earthy spice. There are some notes at the back of the palate that are bit sour and thus cloying some of the essence of the core profile. The draw is tight, but not horribly so, just a bit too firm for my liking. The burn is sharp and a bright white ash is forming.
The first half of the cigar is awash with solid cedar and earthy spice essence. The sourness at the back of the palate is still present, particularly through the nose. The draw has loosened slightly and is becoming more acceptable as I progress. The burn is remarkable and the ash is firm, white and solid.
The final half of the cigar shows more notes of cedar and sweet earthy spice, there are some notes of coffee and a nice tobacco flavor at the back of the palate. However, the sour notes have not fully retreated from the experience and I have to consider them against the rest of the experience. The draw is now acceptable and the burn has stayed consistent.
The finish is not unpleasant, but leaves me wanting something more complex and bold. There are notes of coffee and earth, but there is not enough depth to fully contemplate giving a great score to the smoke.
Appearance- 94 a very good looking cigar
Taste- 82 the sour notes really detract from this experience
Construction- 86 tight draws for the first half hurt this score, otherwise excellent
Strength- 85 an unremarkable medium smoke
Overall- 86.75 saved by appearance, no cigar of the year honors from me!
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