danthebugman
BoM Nov '10
Size: 5 x 38/52
Wrapper: Something Dominican with something darker on the cap and foot.
Binder: Something Dominican
Filler: Something Dominican
Price: $3.25
Intro: I have a confession. I'm a sucker for something different. If it looks unusual, especially if it's got two or more kinds of wrapper, I'll more than likely buy it (manufacturers take note :laugh
. About a month ago I was in the local B&M and, as is my custom, I took a browsing lap through the humidor. Wasn't intending on buying anything, just seeing what was on the shelf and if perhaps they had something new. What do my wondering eyes spy, but this cigar. I passed on the first lap, but who was I foolin'?Prelight: One would think that given the price tag on this cigar it'd be a rough looking cigar. Not too bad though. The seams are smooth and the wrapper has a couple small veins. The cap is a little rough looking and leans slightly, but all in all I've seen worse. However the band screams budget. In fact it screams Ramen noodle college student budget. The thing looks like it was designed in the late 80's and perhaps came off a printer from the same era. Getting past that there is a slightly earthy, light tobacco aroma from the cigar. I clipped the cap with my Palio and got some rather encouraging tobacco flavor with a sweet finish and slight tingle on the tongue. Let's see what we got here...
First Third: Well I've had worse. The draw is pretty good and despite taking a little effort to get started, smoke's pouring out. There is an initial burst of graham cracker flavor which transitions into a woodiness with a slightly sweet, slightly peppery flavor. Burn is much to my surprise quite straight and mostly unwavering. I say that because in my experience with perfectos the burn always starts out of wack.
Second Third: Progressing into the second third I gotta say I'm pretty impressed. I was totally prepared for this to be a dud. The pepper has dropped off and the woodiness has become more pronounced, but the graham cracker is still present. Not all that complex in the flavor department, but what's there is pretty good. The burn is still surprisingly good and the ash is rock solid. I started to get the idea that I may be able to coax it all the way to the nub. Unfortuantely around the half way point the draw started to tighten up and it started to have some issues. I got the bright idea to trim a little more off the cap and the minute I did the ash fell. Damn.
Last Third: More of the same in the last thrid. The pepper returned on the finish closer to the end. The burn was just as good as a more expensive cigar and the ash was just as strong in the second half as it was before it fell.
Final Thoughts: Well I was surprised. What I figured would be a stinker ended up being not a bad cigar. Should make for something nice to have while I'm doing yardwork or any activity where you don't need to pay that much attention to the cigar to enjoy it. Unfortunately I couldn't find anything out about the cigar. Bupkus. Zilch. Nada. Not sure who makes it or where you can find it, but if you see 'em at your local you might give one a go.
Dan
