Well, I don't recall who it was, but a while ago, I purchased a bunch of super-premiums from a BOTL here. One was a Taboada Salamones. It arrived with a beetl hole in it, and I later found and killed the beetle. I froze all the cigars that it came with, and have kept it since (about 6 months, maybe?) in quarantine. I've been waitign for the time when I had time to smoke it (in case it wasn't ruined), but at the same time, a non special-occassion, in case it was, and I had to smoke a "back-up" cigar. So I brought it, as well as an Oscuro JR Ultimate Belicoso with about a year on it, with me to the woods today for a long walk with the pooches. WIthin 3 minutes of lighting it, it was very, very clear that there was nothing wrong with the cigar. THe beetle must have only damaged it very superficially, and it was only a half an inch from the foot. Well, the pre-light was smooth and rich. THe draw was so easy as to be ALMOST too easy. Once lit, the draw soliidifed to the way I like, with big mouthfuls of smoke and layers of flavors that changed, intensified, and morcphed like only the sweetest of ISOMs and a few choice DC's do. I regret that I smoked this cigar while out for a walk, as it could have been the subject of deep concentration and enjoyment on its own on the back deck.
The construction was flawless, the burn a picture of perfection. THe flavors stayed wonderfully enjoyable down to the point when I nubbed it, around 1:45 or so after I lit it. It was the largest cigar I think I have ever nubbed. Really nubbed. Could have used a roach clip nubbed.
So, to the BOTL who I can't remember that sold me this beauty...thank you. I'm sure you are as glad (or almost) as I am that the damage did not impact the beauty of this smoke. If anyone has any that they would be willing to aprt with via trade or purchase, please let me know.
Using my own completely arbitrary rating system, it is a 93 (compared to other similarly rated cigars I have had the pleasure of smoking).
Wowsers. Great cigar.
The construction was flawless, the burn a picture of perfection. THe flavors stayed wonderfully enjoyable down to the point when I nubbed it, around 1:45 or so after I lit it. It was the largest cigar I think I have ever nubbed. Really nubbed. Could have used a roach clip nubbed.
So, to the BOTL who I can't remember that sold me this beauty...thank you. I'm sure you are as glad (or almost) as I am that the damage did not impact the beauty of this smoke. If anyone has any that they would be willing to aprt with via trade or purchase, please let me know.
Using my own completely arbitrary rating system, it is a 93 (compared to other similarly rated cigars I have had the pleasure of smoking).
Wowsers. Great cigar.
