This was recently gifted to me at a get together by a fellow Brother of the Leaf. I was excited about it as I had not smoked this newest presentation of the Antano line. The cigar is impressive looking with a nice dark wrapper that has a nice oily sheen and very few veins. I quickly examine the cigar and find no issues with the construction. The pre light aroma has strong tobacco notes. The pre light draw has some spice and earth showing through, but there is a metallic undertone that is not pleasant.
The cigar opens with some sharp notes of tobacco, pepper and spice. There is an unpleasant metallic flavor that lingers on the palate after first few draws and it detracts from the experience. At the back of the palate there are some hints of dark wood and a sweet note that is fleeting. The draw is solid and produces plenty of smoke. The burn is sharp and even to this point producing a nice white ash.
The first half of the cigar shows little nuance, depth or complexity. The profile is a straight ahead presentation of tobacco flavors that could use more refinement, and there is still a metallic bite to the smoke as it leaves the mouth. At the back of the palate there are still some hints of wood, but they are overwhelmed by the metallic undertones of the main profile. The draw and burn are staying solid.
The final half of the cigar is much the same as the first half. There is little complexity or depth and the metallic undertones become more prevalent. At the back of the palate there is also no development. The saving grace is that the construction stays consistent throughout the smoke.
The finish is short and metallic.
Appearance- 91 a nice looking smoke
Taste- 80 a very sub par experience
Construction- 90 a nicely performing cigar
Strength- 86 trying to be full, but not complimenting the body of the cigar well
Overall- 86.25 saved entirely by construction, I would not recommend this cigar
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