This vitola is one of my favorite sizes to smoke, I have always found that it imparts excellent balance but allows for the flavor of the wrapper to show through. This particular cigar is sheathed in a nice medium brown wrapper that has a small split near the band and some fraying at the foot. An examination leads me to believe that the cigar will perform well, as I find no areas that are too soft or too firm. The pre light aroma is grassy, but shows some interesting spice notes. The pre light draw is a touch sour, but there are some hints of light wood present.
The cigar opens with a profile that is flat and grassy, there is little depth and there are some bitter notes present here as well. If the opening moments are any indication I will have a difficult time getting through this one. At the back of the palate there are some vegetal undertones that deflect some hints of light wood that would otherwise be pleasing. The burn is lopsided, but I do not believe it will require a touch up. The draw is a touch tight, but at this point is not causing me any distress.
The first half of the cigar proceeds in much the same way as the opening moments. The flat, grassy core profile stays consistent and that is unfortunate. At the back of the palate there is some sweetness starting to try and show through, but it is muddled against a backdrop of vegetation and loamy earth notes. The burn has evened out slightly, but the draw continues to tighten and threatens the integrity of the cigar if heat becomes an issue.
The final half of the cigar begins to show me something, but it is too little too late. The core profile picks up some nice rich wood flavors and some hints of maple syrup. The depth and complexity becomes interesting with about and inch left in the smoke, what a shame. At the back of the palate the vegetal notes have rounded into a more pleasing mix of earth and wood. If the entire cigar had been this way it would be a winner. The burn stays a bit off throughout, but causes no issues. The draw opens once I get past a small plug and settles down with about one third of the cigar left.
The finish was lingering, or maybe malingering, as there were hints of crushed aspirin left on the palate.
Appearance- 83 some issues with the wrapper and foot
Taste- 82 a very sub par front half, saved in the last third so
Construction- 84 some burn and draw issues make this sub par
Strength- 85 a very average medium
Overall- 83.25 a below average experience that could have been much worse if not for the final third of the smoke
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