This is another from the CRA sampler I received for joining the organization. It appears to be a standard Tempus toro that CRA slapped a CRA band on, but I am happy to give it a go anyway. The cigar presents well with a dark, rich wrapper that has plenty of tooth. There is one huge vein that I have some misgivings about before I get started. The rest of the cigar appears to be of acceptable construction. The pre light aroma has some notes of spice and orange zest. The pre light draw has some interesting vanilla qualities and some notes of dark wood.
The smoke opens with a core profile of very nice vanilla notes and some hints of dark wood. At the back of the palate there are some rich tobacco flavors, but the vanilla has permeated and diffuses some of the tobacco strength. The draw is nice, but could be a bit looser. The burn is off, almost like the cigar is too wet, which is not possible as it has been in my 65% environment for three months.
The first half of the smoke shows a complete drop off of the early vanilla notes. Instead the profile becomes a show of wood and tobacco flavors that have no real depth or complexity. At the back of the palate there are some ideas of dark wood, but they are charred and show some bitter qualities. I find myself vainly hoping for some return of earlier characteristics, but in the first half there are no signs of it. The draw is still a bit too tight for me and the burn is still off, but not causing any issues.
The second half of the smoke is unfortunately much like the first half. The flavors in the core are of tobacco and wood, but there is no discernible development to these flavors and they flatten out on the palate like a prisoner against a wall as the spotlight comes his way. At the back of the palate the charred notes persist and dominate the experience. I am very disappointed with this profile. The draw and burn remain much the same through the smoke, average.
The finish is short and has some bitter notes of charred wood.
Appearance- 87 the huge vein detracts from the overall impression
Taste- 81 a very sub par profile
Construction- 85 very average
Strength- 89 a nice medium/full
Overall- 84.75 a below average smoke
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