As someone who bunches cigars daily, It seemed that the tips of the tobaccos were broken off to fill in the middle of the cigar. Tips are usually where you find the most strength and bitterness of the leaves. This is one way cigar makers can distinguish their blends from others. The positions of the tips in the middle of the cigars differentiates blends and the overall experience of the cigar. In this case, the bunchero could have put one or two closer together than normal. These are handmade artisan products, so that is to be expected. All in all, give it a shot, and go on the journey for yourself.
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Rosado / Binder: Mexico / Filler : Nicaragua, Pennsylvania Broadleaf Ligero
Vitola: El Americano / Size: 6 × 52
Factory: Fábrica de Tabacos Joya de Nicaragua / Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Mesquite - Light Char
Raisins
Raisins - Cedar - Woods
The Retro - Black pepper burn is strong. This cigar starts off great with pepper and toast on the first light up. Quickly, it was accompanied by almond and vanilla. These flavors started out clanking around and then found a beautiful harmony that was wonderful. the lingering sweetness had a touch of cedar and the black pepper became a bit softer and transitioned into more of a white pepper corn. This was the start of a great smoking experience.
The notes going into the second 3rd stayed and they danced around each other. Un fortunately this is when I found myself bringing my lips together to a mouth feel that had a light bitterness to it. It got progressively worse. the flavors I picked up seemed muted and mushed together and I found myself looking for the harmony I had had up until then. The retro hale still had a good burn but it was turning into a roasted coffee note at this point.
Although the second 3rd took a surprising turn, The flavors of the third 3rd where pleasing to the pallet. The notes had transformed into black coffee, white pepper, and lightly roasted nuts. Maybe it was how the roller placed the end of the leaves to fill in the empty spaces, or just the way they marinated together, but the same harmony of flavors I had in the beginning were no longer in the forefront. I will say, these transitions throughout the cigar, made for one heck a journey, that lasted for about an hour and fifteen minutes.
The reviewing process at Cigar Public ensures that each cigar is reviewed blindly. This cigar was sent without any bands and without any information about the cigar. Cigar Public does not attempt to influence or alter any scores given by any of our reviewers.
Timothy W. Greene
Has been rolling, smoking, and enjoying cigars since 2017. "Cigars combine flavors, it's up to us to discover each one".