This was a very pleasant experience. Perfect burn, perfect draw and a laser focused flavor profile. It was on the mild side for the first two thirds, but took a nice turn in intensity with the final third. I really enjoyed how this cigar climbed the ladder of strength and intensity as it progressed. It didn’t provide wild transitions or twists and turns, which to me is a good thing if you have a solid path. “Don’t fix it if it ain’t broken” kind of deal. With that, I recommend this as a morning or afternoon smoke. It will certainly ease you into the day with style and grace. As for the wrapper, it was fairly clean, but had some very visible seams. Overall, this is one I’ll recommend without hesitation.
Pairing recommendations: Hot Coffee sweetened, Chai Tea, After a big breakfast (Bacon, eggs.. etc.) Light Lager, Peanut Butter Whiskey, White Russian, Chocolate Martini.
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sungrown / Binder: Nicaragua / Filler: Nicaragua
Vitola: Toro / Vitola: 6 x 52
Factory: Oscar Valladares Tobacco & Co. / Country of Origin: Honduras
Faint nuttiness
Wood
Spice, peanuts
Right off the bat, I’m met with that peanut note from the cold draw. With that is a nice red pepper spice that lingers in the back of the throat. The retrohale is very smooth and doesn’t offer much of a pepper kick. The first third calls it a night with the peanut note leading the way.
The second third transitions to a sweetness, that with the peanut, creates a very pleasant honey roasted peanut note. At this point, no spice is present whatsoever. Thus far, it’s been a very mild flavor profile, but enjoyable nonetheless. The final third approaches just as a touch of milk chocolate enters the frame.
The final third picks up right where the second third left off. I’m still getting the peanut note and the milk chocolate, but red pepper spice has come back into the picture. The red pepper is both on the palate and now very present on the retrohale. As the curtains close, strength increases and the flavors remain consistent with what the final third has served up.
