The wrapper although free from cracking, was rather dirty in appearance. Some thick seams/veins and large blotches were present, but I take this as it has nothing to hide. The draw was effortless, leaning more towards loose than tight, but to me it was ideal. As with all my reviews I used a straight cut, but this particular one might benefit from a punch cut.
I can’t recommend this cigar enough! It was on the mild side, but would have zero issue holding up with a high proof whiskey. To me, this is the perfect morning cigar although I wouldn’t hesitate having this with a trusty Miller Lite after a long day. I’ll certainly be stocking up on these as soon as I find out what they are, hopefully I beat you all to it!
Pairing recommendations:
Coffee, Miller Lite, Wild Turkey 101 Rye, After a hearty breakfast, oatmeal stout, Pepsi
Breakdown of My “Overall Enjoyment” Total:
Feel in the hand: 15/15
Ash Strength: 3/5
Versatility (pairings, time of day): 10/10
Appearance: 2/5
Pepper Scale: 6/10
Box Worthy: 5/5
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut / Binder: Ecuadorian Habano 2000 / Filler: Nicaraguan Estelí & Condega and Dominican (Villa González)
Vitola: Robusto / Size: 5 x 50
Hay, cedar
Bread
Buttered Toast
At light up, I’m met with a blast of grass and hay. If I was blindfolded I might think I’m smoking a candella, but luckily I’m not blindfolded and my eyes tell me this is definitely not a candella. The grass and hay notes dissipate quickly, making way for possibly the best representation of cedar I’ve found in a cigar. A touch of creaminess lingers right behind the cedar. The retrohale is providing a perfect dose of white pepper.
The second third kicks right off with that creaminess and the addition of the buttered toast I was getting from the cold draw. I always get disappointed when I get such an amazing note on the cold draw, but it never shows up while flame hits leaf. This cigar took that cold draw and amplified it perfectly. The retrohale maintains a steady white pepper and it’s providing a perfect contrast to the super creamy buttery taste lingering on the palate.
Cedar makes a comeback right as I enter the final third. I’ve never been crazy about cedar notes, but this one is absolutely perfect. The cream and buttered toast are still hanging in there, but taking the backseat to the cedar. Just to be clear, the creaminess isn’t just in the smoke texture, it’s right there on the palate as well. As the curtains close, the white pepper retrohale hangs on just as it has through the entire cigar.
