I have had some of these slopping around my humidor for some time and I had been hearing mixed reviews from my cigar brethren about them so they were shuffled back to the dark recesses of the singles mix. They rested well and waited for me to make them ash, which just so happened this weekend. I had three rounds of golf scheduled and I knew it would be hot so I selected these for the golf course because they seemed sturdy enough to hold up in the heat and activity.
The cigar itself is huge, at 56 ring we are way beyond what I think is normal or acceptable for a cigar. These smokes are no visual prize, the wrapper is veiny and mottled with some reddish brown colorations that give it a slightly leprous appearance. An examination reveals that they are loosely rolled and packed and I am immediately concerned about combustion issues. The pre light aroma is fruity and full of cedar essence. The pre light draw is light with some nice hints of spice and sweet hard candy.
The cigar opens with a profile that is all dark fruit, spice and anise. I am surprised by some of the early depth and complexity of this profile. At the back of the palate the flavor is all cedar and it has a sharp edge to it that could become overpowering if it continues. The draw is exceptionally loose and I am very worried about heat too soon in this smoke. The burn is lopsided and wonky from the beginning, no touch up is yet required, but there is definitely one in the works here.
The first half of the cigar continues to show a profile of dark fruit and spice. The flavor has a deep and resonating character that I am finding appealing at this juncture. At the back of the palate the cedar has calmed and there are some nice earth and coffee tones that have joined the fray here to provide another level of enjoyment. The draw is an unmitigated disaster, the heat starts to creep in very early on it the smoke and I have slowed it considerably so I can enjoy a very strong flavor profile without killing it. It is by far the most loose draw I have ever experienced. The burn has canoed for an inch and a half at this point and I touch it up to promote evenness.
The final half of the cigar continues to perform well profile wise, but it has slipped. The core is still showing some dark fruit notes, but there is a disappearance of the spicy flavors and the appearance of a curious musty taste that is not nearly as pleasant as early characteristics. At the back of the palate earth and cedar dominate the presentation. Overall there has been some slippage in the profile package. The draw and burn continue to deteriorate rapidly and the heat in the smoke is causing me irritation because I can't smoke any slower and keep it lit.
The finish is a touch short and shows some cedar and fruity remnants that are interesting.
Appearance- 85 very average
Taste-88 a nice profile that slipped in the back half
Construction- 75 a very poor showing in this area (both cigars I smoked had the same issues)
Strength- 87 a nice medium/full
Overall- 83 construction really hurts the score here, I really just don't want to fight with a cigar
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