I have long been a fan of the Cabaiguan offerings as a starter cigar for my lineup, which can be a little heavy with full bodied cigars at times. I have always found these to be excellent starters in terms of body and strength. To see them in a muduro manifestation has been a pleasant surprise, as I have wondered what some sweetness would do to the blend.
The cigar itself is something to behold. There are few veins in the wrapper and the cigar is elegant looking with a nice oily sheen. A quick inspection reveals nothing of note and I believe that the cigar will perform well. The pre light aroma is of dark chocolate. The pre light draw shows some excellent potential as I take note of chocolate, orange zest, pepper and earth.
The cigar opens with a profile of light chocolate and orange zest that has a unique underlay of pepper. This early profile is amongst the best that I can remember in recent months and I am settling in for what I am anticipating will be an excellent experience. At the back of the palate there robust presentations of earth and dark wood that serve to balance and complicate the profile at the same time. The level of depth and complexity so early in this smoke is astounding. The draw is a bit too tight for me as there is some labor involved in producing acceptable, but it loosens as the opening moments pass. The burn is excellent and is producing a ponderous white ash at it progresses.
The first half of the cigar is everything a cigar experience should be. The palate is under constant assault with blasts of flavor coming from every direction. There are dark chocolate notes with an orange peel tinge to them. There are some hints of coffee and pepper that keep me guessing as the smoke continues to tease the palate with thoughts of what might be in store. At the back of the palate there earthiness is sharp, but not in an offensive way and the dark wood notes add some crispness to the underbelly of the smoke that completes an experience in complexity that is seldom seen. The draw has opened beautifully and is imparting ample blasts of flavorful smoke with each draw. The burn continues it's ponderous course in a razor sharp fashion and the crisp white ash is a thing of beauty.
The second half of the smoke continues to rank amongst the best I have smoked in recent months. The profile tames itself here into a more straightforward presentation of dark chocolate and coffee flavors. The peppery notes have all but disappeared into thin wisps of smoke, but I am not disappointed, it is almost like they had served their purpose admirably and, like many heroes, faded quietly away leaving bystanders to ask who was that guy? At the back of the palate there are still some intense flavors of earth and dark wood that are completing this cigar opus. The burn and draw perform extremely well right down to the finger burning nub.
The finish is luxurious and lavishes the palate with coffee and chocolate flavors long after the smoke has cleared. This is a cigar experience that can't be missed!
Appearance- 92 a very attractive and regal smoke
Taste- 97 a classic profile with miles and miles of depth and complexity
Construction- 91 some early draw tightness precludes a higher mark
Strength- 94 a very impressive and complementary medium
Overall- 93.75 a near classic for me
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