I am not a fan of Cusano offerings and I am certain that amongst my fellow brothers of the leaf there are also very few admirers of the brand. This particular cigar was the 10th Anniversary blend, and I had not smoked it before. The cigar itself has a plain looking wrapper and band, and it lacks the flash that I expect from an anniversary offering. The construction appears to be acceptable, but I have some concerns that it may draw loosely. The pre light aroma is grassy and herbal. The pre light draw has notes of dry grass and vegetation.
The cigar opens with overwhelming notes of dry grass and strange herbal notes. I always detect this profile in Cusano offerings and I find it to be very unappealing. At the back of the palate there are some light earthy notes, but there is some bitterness that is creeping in as well. The draw is loose and I am concerned about some heat developing later in the smoke. The burn is even, but the ash is flaky and dark.
The first half of the cigar continues to show grassy and herbal flavors, but there is no development of either flavor into something that would be enjoyable. The depth and complexity are just not there for me. At the back of the palate some notes of almond surface and in the background there are some earthy flavors, but they have undertones of vegetation and some bitterness. The draw remains loose, but there is not yet any heat permeating the experience. The burn stays solid, but the ash continues to be flaky and dark.
The final half of the smoke takes on some different characteristics, but they are not good. The profile becomes acrid and shows some metallic qualities, this deterioration makes a below average cigar poor. At the back of the palate there continues to be some earthy flavors, but they still are dry and vegetal. The draw imparts some heat in the last third, but it does not effect my evaluation. The burn was consistent throughout.
The finish was short and bitter with notes of dry grass and a metallic aftertaste.
Appearance- 87 slight above average looking
Taste- 73 a very poor profile
Construction- 85 average at best with a draw that was too loose
Strength- 85 a very unremarkable medium
Overall- 81.25 a very underwhelming smoke
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