This is the classic Ashton presentation, it is simple and elegant and has always been one of my go to smokes for something consistent and expected. It is wrapped in a yellowish/brown wrapper that has few veins and a nice smooth and oily presentation. A quick inspection leads me to believe that this cigar has superior construction and that I will not encounter any issues. The pre light draw is lightly spicy and a bit unexpected for me. The pre light draw shows some cinnamon and light tobacco notes.
The cigar opens with a touch of bitterness, but it dissipates quickly and the cigar shows some nice creamy vanilla notes, there is a mix of nice spice and cinnamon as well. At the back of the palate there are some solid flavors of cedar. The draw is a but tight for me, but not causing any issues in terms of performance. The burn is sharp and produces a nice solid ash as it progresses.
The first half of the cigar shows all of the things that I have come to expect from this smoke. The core profile has blasts of cinnamon and light spice, there is a solid under layer of light wood flavors that complement the main presentation extremely well. At the back of the palate there are still flavors of cedar that are quite nice, and they are offset by a nice mix of vanilla and bready notes. The draw remains a touch tight, but again it is a subjective evaluation as I like my cigars to draw in a very specific way. The burn is still rock solid and razor sharp.
The final half of the cigar picks up the pace a bit, and I am slightly surprised by this turn of events, as a strengthening of flavors is not typically what I expect of this smoke. The core profile intensifies with cinnamon and clove notes that are heady, there is still a nice undertone of tobacco but it has become richer and more involved with the presentation. At the back of the palate the cedar flavors have given way to a more robust oaky flavor that is emboldened by a slight tinge of white pepper that has crept in. I am impressed with the level of depth and complexity at this point. The draw opens up in the back half and becomes more acceptable to me. The burn is solid throughout.
The finish is a bit short, but shows a nice conclusive note of cinnamon and oak.
Appearance- 92 a very nice, simple looking cigar
Taste- 94 an excellent array of flavors, I smoked this with a clean palate which is what needs to be done to detect an array of subtlety that would not be noticeable after heavier blends
Construction- 88 some early draw tightness detracts for me, but all in all above average
Strength- 93 a very nice mild starter cigar, a lynch pin for early in the rotation
Overall- 91.5 a very impressive smoke
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
La Aroma de Cuba EE (Edicion Especial) Minuto (4.5x42)
I continue my recent tour of diminutive smokes with this newer edition of La Aroma made by Pepin for Ashton. I have said before, and I will continue to say, I love cigars in these sizes. They impart so much flavor and nuance over such a short time and they are just a joy to smoke. This particular cigar is adorned with a nice medium brown wrapper that is leathery and has few veins. I examine the smoke and find no areas of concern. The pre light aroma is spicy. The pre light draw is smooth and shows some nice tobacco and wood character.
The cigar begins with an intense array of flavors, there are notes of smooth cedar and other wood (notably hickory) along with sweet spice, cinnamon and some tobacco flavors. The balance is nearly perfect and the depth and complexity are noteworthy. At the back of the palate there are some shows of strength, as a nicotine tingle hits the back of the tongue and throat. There are also some nice salty notes here that I find interesting. The burn and draw are what I would expect from a Pepin product, nearly perfect.
The first half of the cigar settles in with a core profile of wood, again cedar and hickory, alongside some spice and rich tobacco character. At the back of the palate the nicotine tingle has lessened and the cinnamon notes detected earlier have settled into place as a nice backdrop to the main profile. The burn and draw remain exceptional to this point.
The final half of the cigar deteriorates slightly, however the profile is still interesting while less complex. The core of the profile has shifted into a presentation of roasted nuts, but there are some spice notes here that are out of place. At the back of the palate there are some sour presentations coming through, but an overall essence of cedar is still present. I catch a small run in the burn, but it evens out without issue. The draw stays smooth and easy throughout.
The finish is a touch short, there are some sour notes here as well that will hurt the overall impression. All in all I would say this is a winner and I will continue my relationship with Mr. Pepin as long as he continues to produce smokes like this one.
Appearance- 92 a nice little smoke, too much band artwork overwhelms the presentation
Taste- 91 I would like it to be higher, but sour notes hurt the score
Construction- 97 an excellent presentation of a small cigar, from the person I deem to be the master of small smokes
Strength- 90 a surprising full that compliments the cigar profile well
Overall- 93 a very solid experience, I will age some and see if the back end of the cigar improves
The cigar begins with an intense array of flavors, there are notes of smooth cedar and other wood (notably hickory) along with sweet spice, cinnamon and some tobacco flavors. The balance is nearly perfect and the depth and complexity are noteworthy. At the back of the palate there are some shows of strength, as a nicotine tingle hits the back of the tongue and throat. There are also some nice salty notes here that I find interesting. The burn and draw are what I would expect from a Pepin product, nearly perfect.
The first half of the cigar settles in with a core profile of wood, again cedar and hickory, alongside some spice and rich tobacco character. At the back of the palate the nicotine tingle has lessened and the cinnamon notes detected earlier have settled into place as a nice backdrop to the main profile. The burn and draw remain exceptional to this point.
The final half of the cigar deteriorates slightly, however the profile is still interesting while less complex. The core of the profile has shifted into a presentation of roasted nuts, but there are some spice notes here that are out of place. At the back of the palate there are some sour presentations coming through, but an overall essence of cedar is still present. I catch a small run in the burn, but it evens out without issue. The draw stays smooth and easy throughout.
The finish is a touch short, there are some sour notes here as well that will hurt the overall impression. All in all I would say this is a winner and I will continue my relationship with Mr. Pepin as long as he continues to produce smokes like this one.
Appearance- 92 a nice little smoke, too much band artwork overwhelms the presentation
Taste- 91 I would like it to be higher, but sour notes hurt the score
Construction- 97 an excellent presentation of a small cigar, from the person I deem to be the master of small smokes
Strength- 90 a surprising full that compliments the cigar profile well
Overall- 93 a very solid experience, I will age some and see if the back end of the cigar improves
Saturday, July 17, 2010
El Triunfador No.3 (5x46)
Another cigar that is right in my swim lane in terms of size, I love these smaller smokes as they usually pack more flavor into the shorter package and allow the wrapper to have more say in the profile of the smoke. This cigar is diminutive and I actually measured the ring gauge to ensure that it was what it purported to be because it just seemed small to me. Alas, it was correct, and I settled in for this cigar. It presents well in a small powerful looking package. The wrapper has few veins and a leathery visual quality and feel when rolled through the fingers. The pre light aroma is of wood and leather. The pre light draw shows some creamy, sweet notes that I would equate with vanilla.
The cigar opens with a full bodied profile that is chock full of flavors. The core flavors are roasted nuts, vanilla, wood (cedar), some spice and black pepper. There is a lot going on in the opening moments here and I am not sure it all works well together at this point, but there is plenty of depth and complexity while lacking balance. At the back of the palate there are some interesting earthy qualities that balance out the front of the profile slightly. The draw is flawless, in small cigar this is no small feat. The burn is a bit off early on, but I am not really concerned as it is showing no signs or traits of a cigar that will burn poorly.
The first half of the this cigar continues to show a booming array of flavors. The core shows roasted nuts, wood, spice, some bready character and some more hints of pepper. The balance now is much better than before and the complexity and depth continue to impress. At the back of the palate some dryness has permeated and leaves the mouth and throat a bit parched. The draw continues to be impressive and the burn has leveled out at this point.
The final half of the this cigar is something to smoke. The core profile blasts away like 12 inch guns from a WWII Battleship with shots of pepper, spice and wood and ups the ante by balancing out further and providing a level of depth and complexity that I have not witnessed in some time. At the back of the palate there is still some dryness, but the earthy flavors have returned to provide the closing crescendo to this smoke. The draw and burn are excellent through to the end.
The finish was actually a bit short and dry, but imparted nice flavors of pepper and wood. This is a prime example of a small cigar that delivers the goods.
Appearance- 91 a nice looking little smoke
Taste- 93 a very nice profile that loses some points for being a but muddled early on
Construction- 94 some points off for early burn issues, but nearly perfect
Strength- 92 a very nice medium/full that compliments the profile beautifully
Overall- 92.75 an excellent smoke!
The cigar opens with a full bodied profile that is chock full of flavors. The core flavors are roasted nuts, vanilla, wood (cedar), some spice and black pepper. There is a lot going on in the opening moments here and I am not sure it all works well together at this point, but there is plenty of depth and complexity while lacking balance. At the back of the palate there are some interesting earthy qualities that balance out the front of the profile slightly. The draw is flawless, in small cigar this is no small feat. The burn is a bit off early on, but I am not really concerned as it is showing no signs or traits of a cigar that will burn poorly.
The first half of the this cigar continues to show a booming array of flavors. The core shows roasted nuts, wood, spice, some bready character and some more hints of pepper. The balance now is much better than before and the complexity and depth continue to impress. At the back of the palate some dryness has permeated and leaves the mouth and throat a bit parched. The draw continues to be impressive and the burn has leveled out at this point.
The final half of the this cigar is something to smoke. The core profile blasts away like 12 inch guns from a WWII Battleship with shots of pepper, spice and wood and ups the ante by balancing out further and providing a level of depth and complexity that I have not witnessed in some time. At the back of the palate there is still some dryness, but the earthy flavors have returned to provide the closing crescendo to this smoke. The draw and burn are excellent through to the end.
The finish was actually a bit short and dry, but imparted nice flavors of pepper and wood. This is a prime example of a small cigar that delivers the goods.
Appearance- 91 a nice looking little smoke
Taste- 93 a very nice profile that loses some points for being a but muddled early on
Construction- 94 some points off for early burn issues, but nearly perfect
Strength- 92 a very nice medium/full that compliments the profile beautifully
Overall- 92.75 an excellent smoke!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Perdomo Patriarch Connecticut Corona Extra (5 5/8x 46)
I love this size for a cigar, when done correctly I believe that it is one of the few sizes that can deliver flavor and performance in a most profound way. Unfortunately this cigar does not fit the bill. It presents well with a blond Connecticut wrapper that has few veins and is applied deftly. There is a dusty quality to the wrapper giving the finger tips a satiny sensation as they slide along the exterior. An examination leads me to believe that the cigar is acceptably constructed, except that there is a small crack in the wrapper near the band. The pre light aroma is of light wood and wet grass. The pre light draw is thin, but shows some spice and a dry quality.
The cigar opens with a profile that has some bitterness, somewhat akin to crushed aspirin. The main profile has notes of light wood and some sweetness, but the bitterness overwhelms any other perceptions. At the back of the palate there are some grassy tones, but there is some tannic bitterness here as well that is taking away from the experience. The draw and burn are both acceptable, however the draw is bit thinner than I usually care for.
The first half of the cigar continues to show no development. The bitterness continues to permeate all aspects of the smoke, but there are some hints of light wood, grass and a sweet floral essence trying to make their way through the mess. The draw is still too tight for me, but it is performing well enough to pass. The burn has remained even to this point.
The final half is just as disappointing as the first. There is still a bitterness that is persistent and it is ruining the profile in general. There are still fleeting notes of light wood and some floral essences, but they are muddled and lost in the shuffle. The draw and burn continue to perform well.
The finish is short and bitter and leaves an aftertaste of scorched grass.
Appearance- 89 a well presented smoke
Taste- 72 constant bitterness precludes a higher score
Construction- 83 the crack near the band caused issues in the end
Strength- 85 a very average mild-medium
Overall- 80.75 very disappointing
The cigar opens with a profile that has some bitterness, somewhat akin to crushed aspirin. The main profile has notes of light wood and some sweetness, but the bitterness overwhelms any other perceptions. At the back of the palate there are some grassy tones, but there is some tannic bitterness here as well that is taking away from the experience. The draw and burn are both acceptable, however the draw is bit thinner than I usually care for.
The first half of the cigar continues to show no development. The bitterness continues to permeate all aspects of the smoke, but there are some hints of light wood, grass and a sweet floral essence trying to make their way through the mess. The draw is still too tight for me, but it is performing well enough to pass. The burn has remained even to this point.
The final half is just as disappointing as the first. There is still a bitterness that is persistent and it is ruining the profile in general. There are still fleeting notes of light wood and some floral essences, but they are muddled and lost in the shuffle. The draw and burn continue to perform well.
The finish is short and bitter and leaves an aftertaste of scorched grass.
Appearance- 89 a well presented smoke
Taste- 72 constant bitterness precludes a higher score
Construction- 83 the crack near the band caused issues in the end
Strength- 85 a very average mild-medium
Overall- 80.75 very disappointing
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Liga Privada No.9 Corona Doble (7x52)
In the interest of full disclosure I should point out that I reviewed this cigar before and found it to be cigarbage. Shortly after my first review someone gave me another one and I laid in the dark corner of my moochidor hoping that none of my good friends would mistake for something worth smoking. Recently, however, I have been hearing time and time again from Brothers of the Leaf that I respect that this cigar is a go to and a must smoke. I recalled that I had one laying around and I reached into my own moochidor, a no no by any standard, and grabbed this for another go round. The cigar is bold looking with a dark wrapper that has little veins. I quickly give it the once over and notice no areas of concern. The pre light aroma is of cedar and light spice. The pre light draw shows rich coffee notes.
The cigar opens with a powerful profile that has notes of coffee and earth. There is not not much in the way of complexity or balance, but there is some nice depth present here. At the back of the palate there are some touches of dark wood, but the overall impression is non-descript. The draw is a touch tight, but there are no reasons to be concerned as it produces ample smoke. The burn is even, and produces a nice white ash.
The first half of the cigar shows no real development. The core profile continues to show notes of coffee and earth, but the presentation has thinned out and the depth is fading. At the back of the palate there are still some fleeting notes of dark wood, but there really isn't that much there for me. The draw and burn stay acceptable to this point.
The final half of the cigar continues to show little development. The core profile shows some coffee and earth flavors, but again there is little complexity, depth or balance to this smoke. At the back of the palate there continues to be some hints of dark wood, but this shows little development as well. The draw and burn stay consistent throughout and actually are the highlight of this smoke which has been painfully average.
The finish is middling, but it does show some pepper and coffee notes.
Appearance- 88 a nice looking smoke
Taste- 85 a very average presentation
Construction- 91 a nice performance here
Strength- 86 a very average medium
Overall- 87.75 slightly above average due to construction
The cigar opens with a powerful profile that has notes of coffee and earth. There is not not much in the way of complexity or balance, but there is some nice depth present here. At the back of the palate there are some touches of dark wood, but the overall impression is non-descript. The draw is a touch tight, but there are no reasons to be concerned as it produces ample smoke. The burn is even, and produces a nice white ash.
The first half of the cigar shows no real development. The core profile continues to show notes of coffee and earth, but the presentation has thinned out and the depth is fading. At the back of the palate there are still some fleeting notes of dark wood, but there really isn't that much there for me. The draw and burn stay acceptable to this point.
The final half of the cigar continues to show little development. The core profile shows some coffee and earth flavors, but again there is little complexity, depth or balance to this smoke. At the back of the palate there continues to be some hints of dark wood, but this shows little development as well. The draw and burn stay consistent throughout and actually are the highlight of this smoke which has been painfully average.
The finish is middling, but it does show some pepper and coffee notes.
Appearance- 88 a nice looking smoke
Taste- 85 a very average presentation
Construction- 91 a nice performance here
Strength- 86 a very average medium
Overall- 87.75 slightly above average due to construction
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Camacho Connecticut Monarca (5x50)
I have heard rave reviews about this cigar from fellow Brothers of the Leaf so I decided to pick one up and give it a go. I should have smoked something else, but such is life. The cigar presents well with a dusty textured blond wrapper that has some veining, but nothing of concern. An inspection shows that the cigar does not have any voids or areas of concern. The pre light aroma is of cedar and light spice. The pre light draw shows some thin notes of spice, cedar and some bitterness that I can't isolate as a particular flavor.
The cigar opens with a somewhat interesting profile for a Connecticut wrapper, showing some serious notes of spice and cinnamon. However, there is a dry grassy quality to the smoke that is off putting. The draw is fluid and produces ample amounts of smoke. The burn is initially off, but evens out relatively quickly.
The first half of the cigar shows no real development. There are some thin notes of spice and light wood, but there is an overwhelming note of dry grass and burning foliage that derails the experience from early on. At the back of the palate there is a bitterness that is borders on putrid, and a weird sweetness that has a perfume like quality to it. The draw and burn are still performing acceptably to this point.
The final half of the cigar is more of the same. The profile is not satisfactory, showing notes of spice, grass and burning foliage. At the back of the palate the bitterness continues throughout the experience. The burn and draw are the only strong points of this cigar, that lacked depth, complexity and quality.
The finish is short and acrid with notes of grass.
Appearance- 88 not a bad looking smoke
Taste- 72 a very poor profile
Construction- 92 a nice performance here, the only redeeming quality
Strength- 83 a very sub par mild-medium that did not compliment the profile
Overall- 83.25 a below average experience that I would not recommend
The cigar opens with a somewhat interesting profile for a Connecticut wrapper, showing some serious notes of spice and cinnamon. However, there is a dry grassy quality to the smoke that is off putting. The draw is fluid and produces ample amounts of smoke. The burn is initially off, but evens out relatively quickly.
The first half of the cigar shows no real development. There are some thin notes of spice and light wood, but there is an overwhelming note of dry grass and burning foliage that derails the experience from early on. At the back of the palate there is a bitterness that is borders on putrid, and a weird sweetness that has a perfume like quality to it. The draw and burn are still performing acceptably to this point.
The final half of the cigar is more of the same. The profile is not satisfactory, showing notes of spice, grass and burning foliage. At the back of the palate the bitterness continues throughout the experience. The burn and draw are the only strong points of this cigar, that lacked depth, complexity and quality.
The finish is short and acrid with notes of grass.
Appearance- 88 not a bad looking smoke
Taste- 72 a very poor profile
Construction- 92 a nice performance here, the only redeeming quality
Strength- 83 a very sub par mild-medium that did not compliment the profile
Overall- 83.25 a below average experience that I would not recommend
Monday, July 12, 2010
La Flor Dominicana Ligero Cabinet Oscuro L300 (5.75x50)
I have always found La Flor offerings to be on the sick to my stomach side of full flavored and I smoke nothing but strong cigars, so this cigar languished in my humidor for over a year before I could find an appropriate time to give it a run. The foot showed some damage, I am assuming because it had found it's way in and out of my travel humidor several times always hoping to be chosen, but never quite getting the call. Other than that damage, which does not bother me because I will smoke through it, the cigar presents well. This cigar has significantly less sheen than when I placed it in the humi all those months ago and the wrapper has taken on a mottled appearance where oils have soaked back into the wrapper. An inspection tells me that the cigar is well made and I do not detect any areas of concern. The pre light draw is smooth and shows notes of dark wood and rich tobacco character. The pre light aroma has some hints of dark fruit and heavy spice.
I light the cigar and begin with trepidation, I have always thought these cigars can be in very in your face, but I am surprised to find a very mellow opening with a core profile of dark wood, tobacco and light coffee flavors. At the back of the palate there is an earthy texture and flavor to the smoke and there are some further hints of dark fruit and some other flavors I can only describe as salty and meaty. This level of complexity and depth while not being overwhelming is running contrary to my customary experience with these cigars. The draw is nearly perfect and produces scads of smoke. The burn is a bit wonky, but that is due to the damage that is my fault so I will not deduct.
The first half of the cigar is a thing of beauty. The core profile continues to impress with a balanced and deep presentation of coffee, dark wood and rich tobacco flavors. The saltiness, that was noted at the back of the palate, has permeated the core profile and provides a very tasty counterpoint to the main flavors. The back of the palate maintains a steady presentation of earth with some fruity sweetness that shows in spurts. The draw remains excellent and after I pass the damaged area of the foot the burn evens out and performs very well.
The final half of the cigar loses some complexity and balance, but it is still acceptable. The core profile shows some thin wisps of wood and tobacco, but has taken on a slightly vegetal quality. At the back of the palate there are still some nice notes of earth, but not much else is going on. It is a shame because this smoke was on it's way to becoming a near classic experience for me. The burn and draw remain excellent throughout.
The finish was touch short and showed some vegetal notes.
Appearance- 87 a box pressed presentation seldom does anything for me
Taste- 89 the first half gets a 95, the second half an 83, I split the difference
Construction- 94 a fine smoking experience in this area
Strength- 91 a surprising and pleasing medium
Overall- 90.75 still an excellent smoke, but it could have been so much more
I light the cigar and begin with trepidation, I have always thought these cigars can be in very in your face, but I am surprised to find a very mellow opening with a core profile of dark wood, tobacco and light coffee flavors. At the back of the palate there is an earthy texture and flavor to the smoke and there are some further hints of dark fruit and some other flavors I can only describe as salty and meaty. This level of complexity and depth while not being overwhelming is running contrary to my customary experience with these cigars. The draw is nearly perfect and produces scads of smoke. The burn is a bit wonky, but that is due to the damage that is my fault so I will not deduct.
The first half of the cigar is a thing of beauty. The core profile continues to impress with a balanced and deep presentation of coffee, dark wood and rich tobacco flavors. The saltiness, that was noted at the back of the palate, has permeated the core profile and provides a very tasty counterpoint to the main flavors. The back of the palate maintains a steady presentation of earth with some fruity sweetness that shows in spurts. The draw remains excellent and after I pass the damaged area of the foot the burn evens out and performs very well.
The final half of the cigar loses some complexity and balance, but it is still acceptable. The core profile shows some thin wisps of wood and tobacco, but has taken on a slightly vegetal quality. At the back of the palate there are still some nice notes of earth, but not much else is going on. It is a shame because this smoke was on it's way to becoming a near classic experience for me. The burn and draw remain excellent throughout.
The finish was touch short and showed some vegetal notes.
Appearance- 87 a box pressed presentation seldom does anything for me
Taste- 89 the first half gets a 95, the second half an 83, I split the difference
Construction- 94 a fine smoking experience in this area
Strength- 91 a surprising and pleasing medium
Overall- 90.75 still an excellent smoke, but it could have been so much more
Friday, July 9, 2010
Bolivar Petit Corona (5x42) (1997 Box Date)
I awaited the arrival of this box with great anticipation, it is just so rare to find a box with this kind of age on it. My friend got them, rested them gently, and then I took possession and began the journey. The cigar is beautiful, the wrapper is flawless and applied with the touch of expert hands. There is a leathery quality to wrapper that makes the palate anticipate the experience. An inspection shows that the cigar is well made, I only detect one area where there may be a small void to navigate. The pre light aroma smacks of cedar and leather. The pre light draw is smooth and easy while imparting flavors of earth, leather and tobacco.
I can hardly contain myself as I put flame to this one while walking out the door for the twenty mile cruise to my office. It is 8:30 in the morning and my senses are alive as I take the first draws. The opening profile is profound, showing leather, earth, spice and peppery flavors that are mingling to produce a superior sensory experience. At the back of the palate there are some hints of vanilla and a toasty note of bread. I am struck by the opening complexity, depth and balance of this smoke. The draw is exceptional, there is usually some tightness in this vitola, but not in this cigar as it smoothly delivers ample smoke. The burn is crisp as well and I am paying more attention to the cigar than the road, but it matters not as traffic is light.
The first half of the cigar settles down a bit. The profile delivers notes of leather and earth and is typical of most Bolivars that I have smoked, if a bit more refined due to age. At the back of the palate there are some bitter tones that detract slightly from the experience, but there are some excellent notes of pepper laced with the bready qualities that I noted earlier in the smoke. The draw continues to be flawless, but the burn has taken a turn for the worse as I approach the area I was concerned about. I make the decision to smoke through so as not to scorch the profile, besides I am always loathe to relight.
The final half of this cigar is everything that a classic Bolivar should be about. The core profile continues to deliver notes of leather and earth in a profound delivery of classic flavor that has balance and depth. At the back of the palate the toasty notes continue and the pepper becomes more subdued. The draw continues to perform flawlessly and the burn evens out without any touch ups from me.
The finish is smooth and leaves a satisfying earthy tone that lingers for nearly an hour.
Appearance- 95 an excellent looking cigar
Taste- 92 some subtractions for bitterness, but an excellent overall presentation
Construction- 88 points taken off for the burn issues, but other than that an excellent performance
Strength- 91 surprisingly bold for a cigar of this age
Overall- 91 an excellent experience
I can hardly contain myself as I put flame to this one while walking out the door for the twenty mile cruise to my office. It is 8:30 in the morning and my senses are alive as I take the first draws. The opening profile is profound, showing leather, earth, spice and peppery flavors that are mingling to produce a superior sensory experience. At the back of the palate there are some hints of vanilla and a toasty note of bread. I am struck by the opening complexity, depth and balance of this smoke. The draw is exceptional, there is usually some tightness in this vitola, but not in this cigar as it smoothly delivers ample smoke. The burn is crisp as well and I am paying more attention to the cigar than the road, but it matters not as traffic is light.
The first half of the cigar settles down a bit. The profile delivers notes of leather and earth and is typical of most Bolivars that I have smoked, if a bit more refined due to age. At the back of the palate there are some bitter tones that detract slightly from the experience, but there are some excellent notes of pepper laced with the bready qualities that I noted earlier in the smoke. The draw continues to be flawless, but the burn has taken a turn for the worse as I approach the area I was concerned about. I make the decision to smoke through so as not to scorch the profile, besides I am always loathe to relight.
The final half of this cigar is everything that a classic Bolivar should be about. The core profile continues to deliver notes of leather and earth in a profound delivery of classic flavor that has balance and depth. At the back of the palate the toasty notes continue and the pepper becomes more subdued. The draw continues to perform flawlessly and the burn evens out without any touch ups from me.
The finish is smooth and leaves a satisfying earthy tone that lingers for nearly an hour.
Appearance- 95 an excellent looking cigar
Taste- 92 some subtractions for bitterness, but an excellent overall presentation
Construction- 88 points taken off for the burn issues, but other than that an excellent performance
Strength- 91 surprisingly bold for a cigar of this age
Overall- 91 an excellent experience
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