This is a gigantic new release from the Gomez boys, and everyone that reads this blog knows that I predisposed to dislike cigars that are too big. I don't like the size, the heft, the flavor etc... with a big cigar. Having said that, I have smoked great big ring gauge cigars before and rated some of them very highly. This particular cigar, while large, is not as intimidating as some of the other La Flor vitolas and blends. I think it may have something to do with the less imposing color of this cigar. The wrapper is a nice deep brown that has some toothy qualities, as opposed to the nearly jet black oily wrappers on so many other La Flor smokes. The cigar feels light for it's size and I am worried that it may be under packed and loose in the draw. There are no other noticeable flaws on the cigar and I am ready to fire it up. The pre light aroma has a strong presence of cocoa and there is some light spice present. The pre light draw shows some hints of pepper and light spice.
The cigar is difficult to light, in my opinion a major detraction in a cigar. Once lit the profile shows very thin notes of spice, tobacco, grass and cocoa. There is little complexity or depth and the overall presentation is muddled. At the back of the palate there is an unfortunate bitterness that is showing through. The draw is actually much tighter than I anticipated and it produces enough smoke to be acceptable. The burn is sharp and the ash is of monumental size and holds until nearly the three inch mark of the smoke.
The first third of the cigar transitions very little. The profile continues to be schizophrenic and jumps from grass, tobacco and back to grass again at will. At the back of the palate the bitterness is taking away from the smoke as well. The draw is still acceptable and the burn maintains a very solid performance. Without above average construction this cigar would be a disaster.
The middle third begins to level out and the profile shows some nice flavors of spice and tobacco with some light wood essences lingering around. At the back of the palate there are some flavors of bread and light spice. The depth and complexity are still not there, but at least it has transitioned into something semi-pleasing. The draw is still fine and the burn continues to be issue free.
The final third of the cigar slided back into schizophrenia. The profile is all over the place, and mostly displeasing. There are charred notes of wood and grass and some prevailing bitterness interferes with the palate. At the back of the palate there is little but bitterness and I am feeling disappointed by the whole experience at this point. The burn and draw stayed consistent throughout.
The finish was sharp and grassy with charred notes of paper and wood.
Appearance- 89 a nice looking smoke that lacks some visual elegance
Taste- 81 an inferior palate that never developed well
Construction- 90 the only saving grace for this cigar
Strength- 85 a very unremarkable medium/full
Overall- 86 slightly above average, a score saved by above average construction
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