I had not smoked one of these is quite some time, and this cigar is one that appeared in my Top 5 from 2008. I have always found these to be most flavorful and quite strong in profile. This particular one has over one year of humidor age on it and I am interested to see what the aging has done to the cigar and am anxious to see if there is any further refinement in the smoke. It presents well with no flaws and my examination leads me to believe that there will be no issues with the smoke. The pre light aroma has intense spice and coffee influences. The pre light draw is earth and shows a nice coffee character.
The cigar opens with a very deep and complex profile that shows notes of coffee, earth and very refined tobacco flavors. The strength is exactly as I remember it and immediately puts the palate on notice. At the back of the palate there are some very nice pepper notes that offset some of the sweetness presented by the coffee flavors in the front of the profile. The draw is nearly perfect for me, imparting copious amounts of smoke with very little effort on my part. The burn is sharp and produces a bright white ash that is sturdy and firm.
The first half of the smoke continues to develop and show some unexpected nuance. Like hearing a fine piece of music or viewing a piece of art there is some work involved in enjoying this smoke for all that it is showing. The profile is full of coffee and pepper flavors that coat the palate in a pleasing array of firework like intensity. At the back of the palate there are some excellent notes of earth and some sweet spice notes that come through as well. The draw continues to be very impressive and the burn is consistent and issue free.
The final half of the cigar transitions into a more in your face presentation of flavors and strength. The balance of this cigar is second to none as flavors transition very easily, but with subtlety. The profile continues to show some slight hints of coffee, but peppery tobacco flavors have taken over the core profile at this point. At the back of the palate there are still deep, rich flavors of earth and spice that are countering the core profile in a very satisfying way. The burn and draw stay consistent throughout.
The finish is long and full of peppery flavors that linger. This is a cigar that lets you know it is there.
Appearance- 92 a nice looking smoke
Taste- 94 a very balanced and intense flavor experience
Construction- 97 a nearly flawless performance that was very impressive
Strength- 93 a very complimentary performance when considered against the profile
Overall- 94.5 an excellent smoke, that is only enhanced with age
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