danthebugman
BoM Nov '10
Size: 5 1/4 x 45
Wrapper: African Cameroon
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Dominican
Price: $3-4
Intro: This morning dawned bright and clear. Wife had to work early and I dropped off our son at day care early as well, which gave me a couple extra hours to do whatever. The way the sun hits the porch swing in the morning is awefully enticing and since there was no breeze it was about 10 degrees warmer there. When I got home and was walking up the steps there was really no more debate about what I was going to do with those few hours. I went in, browsed the humidor, and made my selection.
Prelight: Removing the cigar from the cellophane there was a burst of slightly sweet, slightly earthy tobacco. Visually there isn't anything eye catching in this package, but at the same time it's well constructed. Seams are tight, cap is neat, feels well packed. Wrapper is a pretty standard brown, fairly toothy, and some oily sheen to it. The foot is slightly larger in ring gauge and tapers toward the cap. Cut the cap with the Palio and the draw was spot on. Cold draw was a slightly sweet tobacco. Pulled out a Ronson and fired it up...
First Third: Initial flavors were a slightly sweet, nutty tobacco with a faint spice on the finish. Smoke output was good, burn was superb, the ash layered nicely and held strong.
Second Third: Heading into the second third, the ash fell just before I could get the picture taken. Rats! Anyway, the burn is still going wonderfully. The flavors are rocking as well. Definitely a great choice for the morning. The spice fromt he first third died out leaving a very nutty tobacco flavor with a little sweetness to it. It's going very well with my tea.
Last Third: In the last third the draw tightened up and I ended up chucking it in the ash tray about half way through, but before then the flavors started to take on a more woody flavor with a hint of roasted nuts. The burn continued to be sharp until the end and the ash holding strong in 1" clumps.
Final Thoughts: A very good, though unassuming cigar. And cheap enough they're not going to hurt your wallet. I've been enjoying these here and there, but for some reason (and perhaps it was just the setting) this morning it was exceptionally good. Overall I'd put it at a solid medium bodied cigar and it made for a great start to the day. Going to have to make it a point to try the Maduro version.
Dan
