Both review samples had consistent dark coloring, with tight seams, a few knobby veins, an even roll, and a noticeable tooth. A little firm on the draw, but it actually made for a pleasant experience.
The flavors start off with notes that remind me of Asian cuisine, before changing to more earthy, umami, and dark notes before long. The smoke texture is semi-dry with a long, earthy/beefy finish. The burn started off a little wavy, but settled down fairly well about an inch into the cigar with a white and fairly solid ash.
The middle third on both samples had a little too much bitterness for my taste, though some may find it enjoyable. The final third unfortunately fell a little flat for me, with too much overtly astringent bitterness. Some very unique flavors to be sure, just rather off balance in the back half.
This could be a nice stick right after a beefy stir fry, ramen, or any spicy Asian beef dish. A sweetened coffee, Dr. Pepper or a bourbon and coke would be good pairings as it would help offset the bitterness. Total smoke time: 60 minutes.
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Maduro / Binder: Nicaragua / Filler: Nicaragua
Vitola: Robusto / Size: 5 x 50
Factory: Fábrica de Tabacos Joya de Nicaragua / Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Light florals, black pepper, damp earth
Chocolate chips, biscuits
Oak, soy sauce, ginger
Sesame oil, ginger, brown sugar, mineral rich earth, very dark cocoa powder, beef broth, chai spice
Retrohale: cocoa, cedar, anise, ginger
Charred oak, Chinese five spice, a more heavily bitter earth, sauteed mushrooms, turmeric
Retrohale: cedar, white pepper, bitter charred oak
Prune, more charred oak, tannins, black pepper, very bitter earth
Retrohale: bitter orange rind, white pepper, burnt paper
