This is a small cigar for a robusto in terms of ring gauge, but it presents very well. It is wrapped in a rich, nearly black capa that is shiny with oils. There are some veins, but they not significantly detract from the overall impression. A roll through the fingers reveals a firm cigar and I am concerned about the possibility of a tight draw. The pre light aroma is of rich, dark coffee and cocoa. The pre light draw shows extensive earthy tones and some light coffee and cocoa notes.
The cigar begins with a nice profile of cocoa and rich earthy tones. I am struck by the heft of the smoke, it covers the palate with each draw, and leaves a dusty feeling in the mouth. At the back of the palate there are notes of coffee and more cocoa flavors that show a nice depth. The draw is tight, but not substandard at this point. The burn is lopsided, but is not causing me any issues.
The first half of the cigar continues to show flavors of cocoa and earth. The smoke continues to be very heavy in the mouth, and I have not decided if that attribute adds or subtracts from the overall impression. At the back of the palate there are some notes of pepper and deeper notes of earth than in the front of the profile. The draw opens up slightly and provides for a more full flavor experience. The burn has begun a runner and I am hoping it will not require a touch up.
The second half of the smoke continues to show a nice profile. There are notes of coffee, cocoa and earth that bathe the palate with heavy smoke. At the back of the palate the pepper shows some development that adds to the depth. The draw is acceptable at this point, but the burn has run for nearly an inch and a half. I reluctantly touch it up and get some charred notes for a half inch or so. I have said before and I say again, a touch up is the worst possible turn of events when I am smoking a cigar.
The finish is nice with notes of coffee and earth, but the run returns near the end detracting from the closing stanza.
Appearance- 90 a nice looking cigar
Taste- 93 an excellent profile showing character, complexity and depth
Construction- 80 the major runner severely hurt the score
Strength- 88 a nice medium smoke
Overall- 87.25 a nicely presented smoke, but flaws hurt the overall impression
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