Think I'm gonna start practicing my Blind Review style..
Appearance: Dry looking maduro wrapper, no prominent veins. Nicely wrapped. This smoke does not have a cap, probably because of the unique shape of the head. I didn't punch this, as recommended, because I don't trust my punch not to break the head, just clipped it straight across.
Construction: Solid, good feel in the hand. Lighter than I would have expected given the size.
Burn & draw: Very even over the first third, then had a couple of times where it started to slope. Had to touch it up with the torch. In fairness, had to set it down a couple of times, so that may have had an effect. Draw was firm.
Ash: Medium grey, held on well. Solid, no flaking.
Aroma: Spicy, but not overpowering. Nothing special to report here.
Bouquet: Very pleasant, with a spicy, burnt sugar character.
Flavor: One-dimensional over the first inch or so, then opened up over the second third. Slight bitterness, notes of bitter chocolate and the burnt sugar came through. Last third reverted to the same as the first, just strong and heavy.
Finish: Long, as one would expect of a smoke heavy in ligero and maduro wrapped.
Impression: If you like strong smokes, you'll probably enjoy this one. The chisel shape gives a very strange mouth feel, one I never got used to. I would probably clip this one further down, or get a good punch and try it that way since, while I'm a pretty "dry" smoker, the lack of a cap caused the wrapper to start unravelling toward the end. I put it down with about 1 1/2 inches to go, since I just wasn't that impressed with it overall. Maybe with some time in the humi, but I don't know. I probably would not buy this again, given its premium price.
Will do the natural wrapper later today.
Appearance: Dry looking maduro wrapper, no prominent veins. Nicely wrapped. This smoke does not have a cap, probably because of the unique shape of the head. I didn't punch this, as recommended, because I don't trust my punch not to break the head, just clipped it straight across.
Construction: Solid, good feel in the hand. Lighter than I would have expected given the size.
Burn & draw: Very even over the first third, then had a couple of times where it started to slope. Had to touch it up with the torch. In fairness, had to set it down a couple of times, so that may have had an effect. Draw was firm.
Ash: Medium grey, held on well. Solid, no flaking.
Aroma: Spicy, but not overpowering. Nothing special to report here.
Bouquet: Very pleasant, with a spicy, burnt sugar character.
Flavor: One-dimensional over the first inch or so, then opened up over the second third. Slight bitterness, notes of bitter chocolate and the burnt sugar came through. Last third reverted to the same as the first, just strong and heavy.
Finish: Long, as one would expect of a smoke heavy in ligero and maduro wrapped.
Impression: If you like strong smokes, you'll probably enjoy this one. The chisel shape gives a very strange mouth feel, one I never got used to. I would probably clip this one further down, or get a good punch and try it that way since, while I'm a pretty "dry" smoker, the lack of a cap caused the wrapper to start unravelling toward the end. I put it down with about 1 1/2 inches to go, since I just wasn't that impressed with it overall. Maybe with some time in the humi, but I don't know. I probably would not buy this again, given its premium price.
Will do the natural wrapper later today.
Edited
