Just finsihed my first Robusto Intenso, the 2005 LE from Davidoff. I picked up a box of 10 for $150.00 just a few days ago. This is a very nice smoke; I would rate it above the Robusto Real (the 2004 LE, which was a bit mild for my taste) and below the Panetella Extra (the 2003 LE, which is a great smoke IMHO). I am a big fan of the Millenium series, especially the Robusto and more recently, thanks to posts here, of the petit corona. The 2005 LE is definately a different blend. Accoring to the literature in the box, there are 6 different leaves in this stick, including a 3-year old, double fermented (whatever that means) Ecuador wrapper.
I punched the end, sparked the foot, and noticed a huge amount of smoke and a near perfect draw. No complaints on construction here as it burned [perfect all the way. The first half inch the stick was mild, but it warmed a bit and developed a nice mildly spicy flavor, a bit like a Millenium but muted. If my pallate is on, I tasted citrus and licorice, underneath a spicy nutty dominance. Not as strong or flavorful as a Millenium, but a very nice afternoon smoke with a good kick. Perhaps with a little age these will become even more complex, as that is what separates them from the Panetlla Extra and Millenium.
I punched the end, sparked the foot, and noticed a huge amount of smoke and a near perfect draw. No complaints on construction here as it burned [perfect all the way. The first half inch the stick was mild, but it warmed a bit and developed a nice mildly spicy flavor, a bit like a Millenium but muted. If my pallate is on, I tasted citrus and licorice, underneath a spicy nutty dominance. Not as strong or flavorful as a Millenium, but a very nice afternoon smoke with a good kick. Perhaps with a little age these will become even more complex, as that is what separates them from the Panetlla Extra and Millenium.
