I have actually tried these. It is a strong stick. I love a full body smoke but this is pushing the line for me. Firespec35 said it right, you do want to have this AFTER a big meal. Lots of spice and pepper on the retro hale. Burn was a little on the uneven side, several touch ups need (on the ones i had). Pepper was consistent through out with some cedar building in about the end of the first third.