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!