Savinelli RyR Robusto

This cigar presents with an interesting light brown wrapper that shows more tooth than the average cigar. The wrapper shows some prominent veins and a few flaws, but the visual impression is of a firm, girthy cigar. A quick examination shows a well rolled vitola that has some tightness that might be of some concern in the smoke. The pre light aroma has some barnyard qualities, but there are some notes of spice and pepper. The pre light draw is spicy and has some notes of pepper as well.

The cigar opens with a profile that is all spice and pepper. There is a sour undertone at the back of the palate that is not the most pleasant and it detracts from the opening salvo. The draw is a bit tight, but there is not any undue labor involved in maintaining the cigar. The burn is strong and even, if a bit slow.

The first half of the cigar shows notes of spice, pepper and dark wood. There is a toasty character that borders on showing notes of charred wood, and there is still some sourness at the back of the palate. The draw loosens up nicely near the one third point. The burn also continues to show well to this point.

The last half of the cigar is disappointing. The profile transitions into a strange melange of wood and earth, but it has an underlying note that hints of wet vegetation. The sourness is even more prominent in the back half of this smoke and it is vexing. The draw is acceptable at this point and the burn continues to be solid.

The finish is sour and has notes of wood, earth and damp vegetation.

Appearance- 87 not an unattractive cigar
Taste- 78 the final half killed what would have been an average score at best
Construction- 86 the tightness in the draw hurts the score
Strength- 80 a weak medium that did not compliment the profile
Overall- 82.75 a below average smoke that I would avoid

Savinelli Special Selection 2005 Torpedo

This cigar presents as a giant torpedo with a slightly lopsided look and a slightly rounded head. The wrapper looks dark and bold, but there are some prominent veins and some minor wrapper flaws. The pre light aroma is fruity and has notes of tobacco and spice. The pre light draw is sweet and has hints of fruit.

Upon lighting this cigar begins to deliver notes of tobacco, spice and dark fruit. The draw is decent and the burn begins well. I detect a slight bitter note at the back of the palate, but it is not prominent or overwhelming. The first inch and a half of the cigar performs well, but I am hoping for some development in the final two thirds.

The middle third of the cigar continues to show notes of tobacco and fruit. There is some further development of a tobacco note, but the flavors are shallow and thready. The draw has stayed consistent, but the burn has started to run a bit, but does not yet require attention.

The final third of the cigar continues to show the run that was beginning in the middle third, but I am still trying to smoke through it. The profile has begun to show notes of pepper, tobacco and earth. There is still a bitterness through the nose and at the back of the palate. The draw and burn stayed consistent throughout.

The finish is short and a bit acrid, it shows notes of pepper and tobacco.

Appearance- 84 not the most attractive of cigars
Taste- 83 some bitter notes and a poor finish hurt the score, but the profile showed promise
Construction- 83 some burn issues hurt the score
Strength- 86 an unremarkable medium/full
Overall- 84 a slightly below average offering