Last cigar of 2019 / First cigar of 2020, and a mini-review
(Once again, thanks, Larry!)
My first Opus, and honestly the only cigar I've ever truly been afraid of. Every single review I've ever read ranges from "moderately swimmy", to, "I pre-ordered my KISS Koffin for just this moment".
I was GREAT outside smoking and reading with all of the Shock and Awe going on around me (they like their fireworks here, apparently). I came inside, made a drink and a snack and walked the stairs for bed. As soon as I got undressed and sat in bed, it felt like the world came down around me. Spinning. Woozy. Sweats. Fear of projectile vomiting if I moved too fast. Fear of things projecting from the inverse end if I didn't move fast ENOUGH... Luckily none of either came to be, and I just pulled my hood down over my eyes to block out any remaining ambient light, cuddled with the dog, and eventually fell off to sleep. I don't remember my wife coming in to bed, though she said she was only a few minutes behind me. Amazing smoke, overall, though (pre-freight train). Very complex. VERY rich and full. About midway through the last third brought a distinct and consistent caramel flavor, which was wonderful. Lots of smoke -- it never needed the slightest touch up, either. A full 2+ hours with that bad boy, taking it easy.
It surprised me, because I've had Connecticuts that had a harder initial hit. However, I think if there was another inch on that stick, I would have died out there where I sat. It came on that quick. Even knowing what I was in for, I'd smoke it again tonight. It's honestly not the worst I've ever felt after a cigar, but usually in those cases I push it well past the point I know I should have deposited it in the ashtray. This one was a sleeper. It didn't hit until after I was done with it, and I was burning my fingers when I finally dropped it in. Although, it's easily the BEST cigar I've ever smoked to feel that bad.
