This is a hand rolled cigar from a Pepin event I attended in July of 2009. Don Pepin told me that is a Blue Label blend with a standard Cabaiguan wrapper and that it should encompass the best traits of both of those cigars. It presents well with a tawny brown wrapper that is smooth and pleasing to the eye. There are minimal veins, but there are some identifiable flaws. A quick examination of the construction leaves me with no concerns. The pre light aroma is of cedar and spice. The pre light draw shows sweet floral notes and some light tobacco and earth flavors.
The cigar begins with a profile of cedar and light tobacco flavors. At the back of the palate I notice some sweet floral essence with some woody undertones that are interesting. The draw is exceptionally smooth and easy and provides excellent amounts of savory smoke. The burn is off from the beginning, but not causing any issues to this point.
The first third of the cigar progresses with a profile of light, toasty tobacco flavors with notes of some cedar and other light wood. At the back of the palate the floral sweetness has given way to a nice light earth flavor that is adding complexity to the smoke. The draw is still above average, but the burn is showing signs of deterioration and the wrapper is beginning to lift ever so slightly at the halfway point of the cigar.
The middle third continues to show a nice profile development. I am picking up excellent toasty tobacco notes accompanied by a light spice element. The back of the palate continues to show some notes of light earth. The draw is still nearly flawless and the smoke is a joy. The burn on the other hand has canoed and the wrapper is unraveling quickly. I make efforts to save the construction, but it is for naught, I have an ACME cigar on my hands and it quickly looks like something the Roadrunner would give the coyote. Disappointing, but I press on.
The final third of the cigar continues to show a nice profile of toasty tobacco and light spice. At the back of the palate there are still some nice notes of light earth and light wood flavors. The draw worked well right to the finish, but the burn was a disaster and by the time I am finished the cigar looks like it never was a cigar at all.
The finish is smooth, but a bit short. It showed notes of tobacco, earth and light spice.
Appearance- 88 a nice looking cigar with some minor flaws
Taste- 91 a very nice profile with some complexity and depth
Construction- 75 a disaster
Strength- 87 a nice medium/full
Overall- 84.5 construction killed this cigar
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