Cigars from the IPCPR are starting to show themselves and I recently ran into Billy Perdomo and he handed me some of these new cigars in maduro and sungrown wraps. Billy knows what I like and he had a knowing smile on his face as he slipped me these bad boys and he slyly said, "Let me know what you think".
The cigar is beautifully done, but in a simplistic old-fashioned way. The band work is rustic and workaday and the cigar is well constructed. The wrapper is toothy, but shows some nice oils and very little veining. The cap is well done and the overall impression of the cigar is something I like, not too flashy and just sexy enough to get my attention. The pre light aroma smacks of wood and sweet fruit. The pre light draw is a little peppery but not overwhelmingly so.
The cigar opens with a satisfying profile of toasted marshmallow and light spice. I am stunned by the depth of these flavors so early in the smoke as Perdomo often takes some time to warm up in it's other blends. At the back of the palate there are some excellent notes of dark wood and roasted nuts that complement the front of the experience seamlessly. The draw has some tension and I would like it to be a touch looser, but I don't think it will cause any performance issues. The burn is sharp and nice white ash is forming and holding well.
The first half of the cigar continues to progress with depth and complexity. The toasted marshmallow notes continue to show through, but there has been a transition into more dark wood notes in the front of the palate that adds some nice depth. At the back of the palate a nice earthy presentation takes center stage and continues to complement the cigar beautifully. The draw opens slightly and becomes near perfect for me. The burn continues to be excellent and the ash holds for 2.5 inches before I lightly knock it off.
The final half of the smoke thins a bit, but there are still some nice core flavors. The main body shows some nice dark wood and fruit notes, but the depth is not what it was earlier in the smoke. The back of the palate continues along earthy lines but there is some loamy mustiness that creeps into the effort here as well, not a death knell by any means, but you have to be accepting of this change. The draw continues to be nearly perfect at this point and the burn continues to show well.
The finish is long and satisfying showing dark wood and earth long after I set it down. All in all another Perdomo winner in my book and as an added bonus I am hearing the price point will be economical.
Appearance- 91 a nice, simple, old-fashioned approach
Taste- 90 a very nice cigar that would have been better if the flavor had not waned in the back half
Construction- 91 some early tightness in the draw, but overall well above average
Strength- 92 a very nice medium
Overall- 90.75 a very nice smoking experience
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Ernesto Perez Carrillo Maduro
I can't find anything out about this cigar, but I will tell you what I know, it will be released at IPCPR next week. I came into possession of one when a close friend of mine gifted it to me after he obtained one from the Carrillo Rep at an event. This is so hush hush that I could not find size or blend information when I ran it through the Googleplex.
The cigar presents with the standard EPC Black, Red and Gold band. The wrapper is toothy and very dark with very little veining. The cigar is large with a 50+ ring gauge to be sure, an inspection realizes no issues anywhere and I am thinking this could be something special in spite of the large ring gauge. The pre light aroma smacks of coffee and dark fruit. The pre light draw shows some cocoa and dark fruit as well.
The cigar opens with a profile that is astounding. There are notes of dark fruit, raisin, chocolate and hazelnut present and they blend together in an excellent array of flavor. At the back of the palate there is an earthiness that I have never experience outside of a Padron product and it shocks me because in my mind Padron has always had the corner on this area of flavor. The draw is fluid and easy whilst delivering serious amounts of smoke. The burn is solid and a nice, crisp white ash is forming.
The first half of the cigar continues to be impressive, all though there has been some mellowing in the flavor area. The profile maintains a beautiful array of dark fruit and chocolate and I could swear I am tasting raspberry in the smoke at this point. At the back of the palate satisfying earthy tones continue coat the palate. The draw continues to be nearly perfect and I am becoming more surprised by this as it progresses, I am used to big cigars causing issues in the draw. The burn is still very solid.
The final half of the cigar ramps back up and shows miles and miles of complexity and depth. The profile moves into a more provocative presentation of cocoa, black pepper and coffee. At the back of the palate the earthy tones have been joined by some dark cherry flavors that are phenomenal. The draw and burn stay solid throughout the smoke.
The finish was long and smooth and full of earthy flavors that smack the palate for several minutes.
This was a fantastic cigar, I can only hope that the release will be as spectacular.
Appearance- 91 a very nice looking cigar
Taste- 98 one of the finest profiles I have ever experienced
Construction- 100 not a single issue in the smoke, and I was outside on a hot day
Strength- 93 a wonderful medium/full that I thought could stand some more punch
Overall- 96.75 an instant classic, I only wish I had more at this time. I anxiously await the release.
The cigar presents with the standard EPC Black, Red and Gold band. The wrapper is toothy and very dark with very little veining. The cigar is large with a 50+ ring gauge to be sure, an inspection realizes no issues anywhere and I am thinking this could be something special in spite of the large ring gauge. The pre light aroma smacks of coffee and dark fruit. The pre light draw shows some cocoa and dark fruit as well.
The cigar opens with a profile that is astounding. There are notes of dark fruit, raisin, chocolate and hazelnut present and they blend together in an excellent array of flavor. At the back of the palate there is an earthiness that I have never experience outside of a Padron product and it shocks me because in my mind Padron has always had the corner on this area of flavor. The draw is fluid and easy whilst delivering serious amounts of smoke. The burn is solid and a nice, crisp white ash is forming.
The first half of the cigar continues to be impressive, all though there has been some mellowing in the flavor area. The profile maintains a beautiful array of dark fruit and chocolate and I could swear I am tasting raspberry in the smoke at this point. At the back of the palate satisfying earthy tones continue coat the palate. The draw continues to be nearly perfect and I am becoming more surprised by this as it progresses, I am used to big cigars causing issues in the draw. The burn is still very solid.
The final half of the cigar ramps back up and shows miles and miles of complexity and depth. The profile moves into a more provocative presentation of cocoa, black pepper and coffee. At the back of the palate the earthy tones have been joined by some dark cherry flavors that are phenomenal. The draw and burn stay solid throughout the smoke.
The finish was long and smooth and full of earthy flavors that smack the palate for several minutes.
This was a fantastic cigar, I can only hope that the release will be as spectacular.
Appearance- 91 a very nice looking cigar
Taste- 98 one of the finest profiles I have ever experienced
Construction- 100 not a single issue in the smoke, and I was outside on a hot day
Strength- 93 a wonderful medium/full that I thought could stand some more punch
Overall- 96.75 an instant classic, I only wish I had more at this time. I anxiously await the release.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Rocky Patel Renaissance Sumatra Toro (6X52)
It is no secret that I have a black heart towards Rocky offerings, when they ruined the original Olde World Reserve with some crappy re blend I left the fold and have never been back. Then along comes a friend with a respected palate and some solid reviewing chops and recommends this smoke. To top it all off she gave me one and asked me to smoke it. Never one to look a gift horse in the mouth, I accepted it and sat in my humi for a long time just never getting around to smoking it. Well it is now ash and my thoughts follow.
The cigar presents well with a nice solid wrapper visual that is unmarred by veins or flaws. The band is somewhat bland, but who smokes the band anyway (as a side note I have seen some drunks, they will remain nameless, smoke the band as well, but that is a story for another time)? Construction seems to be ok and I can't detect any areas of immediate concern. The pre light aroma has all the pungent attributes of a hot barnyard. The pre light draw is woody, but shows some hints of pepper and spice.
The cigar opens with a profile that is middling to me. There are some nice dark wood flavors and a hint of raisins, but overall there is not real complexity or depth here. The back of the palate is showing some rich tobacco notes, but I find myself wanting more from the get go. The burn is wonky from the start, but I am resisting an immediate touch up. The draw is nice and fluid and delivers plenty of smoke.
The first half of the cigar is a study in duality. There are moments when this cigar wows me, these are when there are deep and rich flavors of wood, earth, raisin and spice. Then there are moments that are flat and lacking, these are when there are papery flavors with some bitter soap like tastes. Thankfully the wow moments are more numerous, but I am sad when pondering what this cigar could be with wow factor type consistency. The burn levels out some, but is still lopsided. The draw continues to be excellent.
The final half of the cigar settles down nicely. The profile morphs into a nice presentation of wood, cocoa and spice flavors that are pleasing. My only complaint would be that I would like some more power, but that is me being nit picky I guess. At the back of the palate there is a satisfying earthiness that is melding the whole experience together. There is one touch up required as the burn canoes in the last third so there will be some deductions for that, but the draw stays solid throughout.
The finish was long and earthy. All in all this was a nice smoke. Would it make me reconsider my Rocky position? Probably not, but I might smoke one of these on rare occasion.
Appearance- 87 a nice looking smoke, but nothing over the top
Taste- 88 a nice experience toward the end, some deductions for issues in the first half\
Construction- 86 all burn related
Strength- 87 I would have liked more than the medium presented here
Overall- 87 a solid smoke that could have rated much higher with some consistency
The cigar presents well with a nice solid wrapper visual that is unmarred by veins or flaws. The band is somewhat bland, but who smokes the band anyway (as a side note I have seen some drunks, they will remain nameless, smoke the band as well, but that is a story for another time)? Construction seems to be ok and I can't detect any areas of immediate concern. The pre light aroma has all the pungent attributes of a hot barnyard. The pre light draw is woody, but shows some hints of pepper and spice.
The cigar opens with a profile that is middling to me. There are some nice dark wood flavors and a hint of raisins, but overall there is not real complexity or depth here. The back of the palate is showing some rich tobacco notes, but I find myself wanting more from the get go. The burn is wonky from the start, but I am resisting an immediate touch up. The draw is nice and fluid and delivers plenty of smoke.
The first half of the cigar is a study in duality. There are moments when this cigar wows me, these are when there are deep and rich flavors of wood, earth, raisin and spice. Then there are moments that are flat and lacking, these are when there are papery flavors with some bitter soap like tastes. Thankfully the wow moments are more numerous, but I am sad when pondering what this cigar could be with wow factor type consistency. The burn levels out some, but is still lopsided. The draw continues to be excellent.
The final half of the cigar settles down nicely. The profile morphs into a nice presentation of wood, cocoa and spice flavors that are pleasing. My only complaint would be that I would like some more power, but that is me being nit picky I guess. At the back of the palate there is a satisfying earthiness that is melding the whole experience together. There is one touch up required as the burn canoes in the last third so there will be some deductions for that, but the draw stays solid throughout.
The finish was long and earthy. All in all this was a nice smoke. Would it make me reconsider my Rocky position? Probably not, but I might smoke one of these on rare occasion.
Appearance- 87 a nice looking smoke, but nothing over the top
Taste- 88 a nice experience toward the end, some deductions for issues in the first half\
Construction- 86 all burn related
Strength- 87 I would have liked more than the medium presented here
Overall- 87 a solid smoke that could have rated much higher with some consistency
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Ernesto Perez Carrillo New Wave Connecticut Gran Via (7x49)
This is the latest offering from EPC in his new endeavor. I have loved some of the prior smokes, like the Inaugural 2009 and the Short Run so I was anxious to smoke one of these and see what old Ernesto could do with some Connecticut leaf.
The cigar presents well with a nice wrapper, but it seems a bit dry to me and it has some veins that I am concerned about. I feel some areas of tension in the roll and I am concerned about some potential burn issues as the cigar progresses. The texture is somewhat dusty and I am left a bit confused about what to expect, cigars with these attributes typically perform very poorly in all areas. The pre light aroma is light, with floral hints and some notes of dry wheat and oatmeal. The pre light draw is grassy and shows some light nutmeg essence.
The cigar opens with a profile that is decidedly dry and a touch bitter. There are some interesting flavors here, most notably some sharp lemon and other assorted citrus flavors. There are also some dry wood and light spice notes in the mix here, but they are not helping with complexity or depth. At the back of the palate there is a cardboard that is very poor and threatening to define the experience in a very negative way. The burn is off from the start and a big, lopsided, ash is hanging on for life very early in the process. The draw is fine to this point.
The first half of the cigar shows some transition, but it is really nothing to alert the Cigar Hall of Fame about. The profile shows some hints of wheat and grass, but there is nothing particularly interesting here. The dryness of the smoke continues and I am very disappointed that this persists to this point, in my opinion dryness kills an experience. At the back of the palate there are still some papery and cardboard like notes that are not doing anything for me. The burn continues to run amok and I have touched up several times in the first half. The draw continues to perform well to this point.
The final half of the cigar shows some marked improvement, but it will be too little too late. The profile begins to soften in terms of dryness, and some nice flavors of brown sugar and vanilla impress themselves on the palate in fleeting shows of sweetness. The main core continues to be wheat and grass but the other elements are now complementing this area nicely. At the back of the palate the smoke has transitioned into a nice light wood tone that is more interesting. The burn was a mess right until the end. The draw stayed acceptable throughout.
Alas, this cigar showed far too little to late. I am very disappointed in this effort.
Appearance- 87 a moderately attractive smoke
Taste- 83 some nice notes in the end, but sub par for the first two thirds or better
Construction- 73 constant burn issues and retouches galore
Strength- 85 a very middle of the road mild/medium
Overall- 80.75 just not very good
The cigar presents well with a nice wrapper, but it seems a bit dry to me and it has some veins that I am concerned about. I feel some areas of tension in the roll and I am concerned about some potential burn issues as the cigar progresses. The texture is somewhat dusty and I am left a bit confused about what to expect, cigars with these attributes typically perform very poorly in all areas. The pre light aroma is light, with floral hints and some notes of dry wheat and oatmeal. The pre light draw is grassy and shows some light nutmeg essence.
The cigar opens with a profile that is decidedly dry and a touch bitter. There are some interesting flavors here, most notably some sharp lemon and other assorted citrus flavors. There are also some dry wood and light spice notes in the mix here, but they are not helping with complexity or depth. At the back of the palate there is a cardboard that is very poor and threatening to define the experience in a very negative way. The burn is off from the start and a big, lopsided, ash is hanging on for life very early in the process. The draw is fine to this point.
The first half of the cigar shows some transition, but it is really nothing to alert the Cigar Hall of Fame about. The profile shows some hints of wheat and grass, but there is nothing particularly interesting here. The dryness of the smoke continues and I am very disappointed that this persists to this point, in my opinion dryness kills an experience. At the back of the palate there are still some papery and cardboard like notes that are not doing anything for me. The burn continues to run amok and I have touched up several times in the first half. The draw continues to perform well to this point.
The final half of the cigar shows some marked improvement, but it will be too little too late. The profile begins to soften in terms of dryness, and some nice flavors of brown sugar and vanilla impress themselves on the palate in fleeting shows of sweetness. The main core continues to be wheat and grass but the other elements are now complementing this area nicely. At the back of the palate the smoke has transitioned into a nice light wood tone that is more interesting. The burn was a mess right until the end. The draw stayed acceptable throughout.
Alas, this cigar showed far too little to late. I am very disappointed in this effort.
Appearance- 87 a moderately attractive smoke
Taste- 83 some nice notes in the end, but sub par for the first two thirds or better
Construction- 73 constant burn issues and retouches galore
Strength- 85 a very middle of the road mild/medium
Overall- 80.75 just not very good
Monday, June 13, 2011
Dos Familias Toro by Ortez y Turrent (6x56)
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
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
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Arganese CL3 Torpedo (6.875x52)
I will give you a rundown of the circumstances that led me to choose this cigar from the oft perused, but recently much maligned singles trays. It was hot and I was looking forward to a White Sox game on the lanai with some scotch and a smoke. I hate it when the heat claims one of my puros so I often look for something sturdy and less expensive for summer lanai smoking dalliances. This cigar seemed to fit the bill for me, it had the appropriate visage of mediocrity for the circumstances, and I always know that a poor cigar is better than no cigar at all.
The cigar presents in a lopsided torpedo presentation with a wrapper that could only be described as rustic at best and downright cheap at worst. There is a dryness that permeates this cigar from first sight to first touch and I am concerned that exposing it to the heat will cause it to unfurl like a New Year's Eve party favor. The construction seems loose to me, but I don't think it is terrible based on the inspection. The pre light draw is loose and full of cardboard notes. The pre light aroma is grassy and vegetal.
The cigar opens with a profile that can only be described as drying hay. The smoke is exceptionally dry and I find myself heading for the water bottle. There are some hints of sweet spice here, but the predominant flavor is of dry grass and dust. At the back of the palate there are some very slight cedar notes, but they can't get past the dry front of the palate to materialize into anything magical, or even mundane. The draw is too loose, but there are no issues at this point. The burn is acceptable, but the ash is flaky and loose.
The first half of the smoke shows no development at all. The profile continues to be grassy and dry, so dry in fact that my throat is becoming a barren wasteland in need of irrigation. At the back of the palate there are some bitter notes that are creeping in, and some very dry wood flavors that are not very appealing. There is nothing that is redeeming about this smoke to this point. The draw is still too loose and the burn is still flaky and dry.
The final half of the smoke continues it's death march. The profile has plunged to the depths of dryness and the flavor has become acrid and putrid. There are few readily identifiable flavors here, but I am still detecting dry grassy notes. The back of the palate is still showing bitter flavors and not much else that would lead to make any passing comment, either positive or negative. The burn and draw stay the same as noted above throughout the smoke.
The finish is short, bitter and full of dry grass and hay flavors.
Appearance- 82 very rustic and cheap looking
Taste- 73 nothing here worth much of anything
Construction- 75 the draw was too loose and the burn was flaky and messy
Strength- 85 a very non-descript mild/medium
Overall- 77.25 a very poor smoke
The cigar presents in a lopsided torpedo presentation with a wrapper that could only be described as rustic at best and downright cheap at worst. There is a dryness that permeates this cigar from first sight to first touch and I am concerned that exposing it to the heat will cause it to unfurl like a New Year's Eve party favor. The construction seems loose to me, but I don't think it is terrible based on the inspection. The pre light draw is loose and full of cardboard notes. The pre light aroma is grassy and vegetal.
The cigar opens with a profile that can only be described as drying hay. The smoke is exceptionally dry and I find myself heading for the water bottle. There are some hints of sweet spice here, but the predominant flavor is of dry grass and dust. At the back of the palate there are some very slight cedar notes, but they can't get past the dry front of the palate to materialize into anything magical, or even mundane. The draw is too loose, but there are no issues at this point. The burn is acceptable, but the ash is flaky and loose.
The first half of the smoke shows no development at all. The profile continues to be grassy and dry, so dry in fact that my throat is becoming a barren wasteland in need of irrigation. At the back of the palate there are some bitter notes that are creeping in, and some very dry wood flavors that are not very appealing. There is nothing that is redeeming about this smoke to this point. The draw is still too loose and the burn is still flaky and dry.
The final half of the smoke continues it's death march. The profile has plunged to the depths of dryness and the flavor has become acrid and putrid. There are few readily identifiable flavors here, but I am still detecting dry grassy notes. The back of the palate is still showing bitter flavors and not much else that would lead to make any passing comment, either positive or negative. The burn and draw stay the same as noted above throughout the smoke.
The finish is short, bitter and full of dry grass and hay flavors.
Appearance- 82 very rustic and cheap looking
Taste- 73 nothing here worth much of anything
Construction- 75 the draw was too loose and the burn was flaky and messy
Strength- 85 a very non-descript mild/medium
Overall- 77.25 a very poor smoke
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Don Pepin Garcia Special Selection (5x50)
Recently during a silent auction I was able to procure three of these cigars. The rarity of this cigar is nearly unmatched in the industry, they are not available for sale in any retail establishments and are basically available when they are donated to charity type auctions. To say that I was excited to win them would be an understatement, and at a price of about sixteen and some change, I would say well worth the flyer investment for a once in a lifetime opportunity.
The cigar itself is very plainly presented in a box of three with a My Father Special Selection band that sports an S and some of the same artwork of a standard My Father. The wrapper is very familiar to a My Father enthusiast such as myself and is applied flawlessly and shows little veining. The construction feels excellent to me and I can't find a single area of concern. The pre light aroma is leathery with a touch of spice. The pre light draw is a slap in the face as that familiar nicotine burn coats the lips and tongues with a fiery tingle that is bordering on being uncomfortable. I am worried about this being too strong for a first cigar of the day, but I plunge onward.
The smoke opens with a profile that is all nicotine fire and strong tobacco notes. I am immediately on notice and off balance because I was not expecting such power (even after the pre light draw showed me what could be coming), I was anticipating a more My Father like experience early on. At the back of the palate the throat is tingling from the early blasts of nicotine, but there are some very nice notes of dark wood and earth here as well. The draw is nearly perfect for me, providing just the desired amount of resistance to each pull. The burn is very solid and a nice ash develops slowly and cleanly.
The first half of the smoke settles in beautifully, gone are the in your face nicotine and tobacco notes and the cigar begins to show a level of complexity and depth that is seldom experienced in a cigar. The profile smacks of clove and cedar with sublime undertones of bread and salt. At the back of the palate the true champion of this smoke emerges as thundering cannon blasts of pepper and wood come through and provide a strong backdrop to the front of the profile. The draw remains nearly perfect and the burn holds the ash to nearly the half way point.
The final half, yet again, shifts into a more well rounded cigar experience. The core profile segues into a nice presentation of leather and earth with shots of pepper. At the back of the palate there is soft underlay of cinnamon and light coffee that is as pleasing as the day is long. The draw and burn maintain a near flawless disposition throughout.
The finish is a shame, in that the cigar is now done and I only have two others. If you can get your hands on some you absolutely must!
Appearance- 88 kind of plain, but solid
Taste- 94 an excellent smoke, the only drawback was some early harshness
Construction- 100 they don't perform any better that this one did
Strength- 91 a very nice full that was too overwhelming early
Overall- 94.5 a superb smoking experience
The cigar itself is very plainly presented in a box of three with a My Father Special Selection band that sports an S and some of the same artwork of a standard My Father. The wrapper is very familiar to a My Father enthusiast such as myself and is applied flawlessly and shows little veining. The construction feels excellent to me and I can't find a single area of concern. The pre light aroma is leathery with a touch of spice. The pre light draw is a slap in the face as that familiar nicotine burn coats the lips and tongues with a fiery tingle that is bordering on being uncomfortable. I am worried about this being too strong for a first cigar of the day, but I plunge onward.
The smoke opens with a profile that is all nicotine fire and strong tobacco notes. I am immediately on notice and off balance because I was not expecting such power (even after the pre light draw showed me what could be coming), I was anticipating a more My Father like experience early on. At the back of the palate the throat is tingling from the early blasts of nicotine, but there are some very nice notes of dark wood and earth here as well. The draw is nearly perfect for me, providing just the desired amount of resistance to each pull. The burn is very solid and a nice ash develops slowly and cleanly.
The first half of the smoke settles in beautifully, gone are the in your face nicotine and tobacco notes and the cigar begins to show a level of complexity and depth that is seldom experienced in a cigar. The profile smacks of clove and cedar with sublime undertones of bread and salt. At the back of the palate the true champion of this smoke emerges as thundering cannon blasts of pepper and wood come through and provide a strong backdrop to the front of the profile. The draw remains nearly perfect and the burn holds the ash to nearly the half way point.
The final half, yet again, shifts into a more well rounded cigar experience. The core profile segues into a nice presentation of leather and earth with shots of pepper. At the back of the palate there is soft underlay of cinnamon and light coffee that is as pleasing as the day is long. The draw and burn maintain a near flawless disposition throughout.
The finish is a shame, in that the cigar is now done and I only have two others. If you can get your hands on some you absolutely must!
Appearance- 88 kind of plain, but solid
Taste- 94 an excellent smoke, the only drawback was some early harshness
Construction- 100 they don't perform any better that this one did
Strength- 91 a very nice full that was too overwhelming early
Overall- 94.5 a superb smoking experience
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