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IPCPR Review: Satori from Viaje

kockroach

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I think we are all fairly aware of Andre Farkas' Viaje line, and the number of limited release cigars that have come out (especially within the last couple of months). Well, keeping with that theme, comes Satori....which in Buddhism means awakening or enlightenment.

The Satori line is a limited release cigar that features three sizes....IIRC they are robusto, toro and a box-pressed double perfecto. These cigars have a dark oscuro colored wrapper...much like the Skull and Bones.



The pre-light draw had flavors of cocoa and coffee. Upon lighting, that cocoa and roast coffee poured out. Mixed within was hints of leather and pepper. The burn was quite straight, and the ash was tight and light grey in color.



The second third of the Satori had a dominant coffee flavor, along with leather and spice. There was a slight sweetness present (similar to what I find in the Skull and Bones), mixed with mild cocoa.



The rest of the cigar had a pleasant leather forefront, mixed with coffee. Spice, cedar, and bits of cocoa provided a flavorful finish.



The Satori robusto lasted 90 minutes. I was very impressed with the cigar. It's flavors reminded me a great deal of the Skull and Bones...so much so that I wonder if the cigar is a similar blend. I did have one possible issue....and you should be able to see it, especially in the last picture.


Additional comments regarding the residues on my fingers:

I had posted a link to this review on the Viaje Cigars page on Facebook. One of the comments that Andre had posted was the following:

Jere, In order to produce Maduro or Oscuro leaf the tobacco must undergo long fermentation at high temperatures. This type of fermentation produces rich oils. What you experienced is completely normal for this type of leaf. My factory practices only time honored traditions. Viaje or Raices Cubanas would never do ANYTHING artificial to the leaf. Our cigars are rolled using only natural processes. I hope this addresses your concerns.

Additional comments on the wrapper:

I might add I chose this special leaf for Satori due to its rich flavors and abundant oils. Satori was held up for some time because I couldnt find the right wrapper to compliment the blend. When I found this Oscuro I knew I had something special. Needless to say I've secured this wrapper for future production.
 
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KPP

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I've heard good things about this stick as well. Really looking forward to it. Not sure about the residue though......although I recall Steve Saka (or was it JD himself??) posting about that in depth a while back, and the various ways with which that could occur. Andre would have to explain the method he uses of the ones Steve (or JD) mentioned, but I don't recall what they are without going back and reading it. And I also don't think Andre posts here, so :dunno:.

If it reminded you at all of the S&B though, I'd say that still leaves me with plenty of anticipation on this one ;). Thanks for the review!
 

kockroach

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Yeah, I said possible issue, because I am not going to say it is or isn't natural. That would be for Andre to say. However, I won't let it affect me smoking it again....which I will do!
 
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Mmmmmm....something about this one! Looks pretty damn good, maybe it's the band and the wrapper or maybe it's the picture no maybe the background? I'm not sure Jere but even with the residue it looks finger licking good! LoL Thanks for another fine Review!
 

SkinsFanLarry

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Jere, Thanks for your review and pic's and for sharing your smoking experience! :thumbsup:
 
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i also noticed the stick to be extremely dark...natural or not it is quite interesting, especially since andre said in the latest cigar press issue that he doesn't have his hands in the making of the cigar...just samples sent his way and tastings.
 

LiLo

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If you have another sample or if you still have that nub somewhere in an ash tray, try to cut off a bit of the wrapper and check it to see if it was sprayed of any kind. They only spray the outer side so you should see a difference.
 

Craig Mac

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Thanks for all the great reviews lately of the new stuff, Jere!


Question though, the stains on the fingers are present in the last three pics. Is Viaje getting a pass on this? If it had been an RP with the same results I think we would be getting and outcry of negativity and brand bashing regarding dying the wrappers based on the pics.
 

Jfire

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I'm going to say this. I've read the dying article. Dark wrappers like the Conn Broadleaf and a few others are NOT suppose to have one straight color no matter how dark or light. They ARE suppose to have some blotches on them. When I see almost Jet black to black/brown wrappers such as these and then the fingers being stained IMO not good no matter what brand. Thanks for the review(s) Jere glad you like it.
 
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Thanks for the review, Jere.

I don't know about the wrapper issue. I do agree that if it was a RP, there would be an outcry. But now, not sure if it's because it's a Viaje, or because it's after Saka's piece on dark wrapper colors?

I had that Edge Missle maduro that night... had the stained fingers and lips, but it was a double whammy that it burned horrible, and wouldn't even stay lit. If it had been a delicious cigar & good smoking experience, I don't think I would have worried much about the wrapper issue.
 

smokemifugotem

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Great reviews Jere! Cannot wait for most of these bad lads to hit the shelves!
Too bad about the viaje wrapper...would be pretty bummed to find out he is starting to cut corners for these LEs!
thanks again!
 

kockroach

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So, I was lucky enough to still have the little nub sitting in my ashtray. I pulled it apart as best as I could....had to be careful as it was dry as hell and tearing apart.

Also, I could not get it to lie perfectly flat, so depending on which side I was shooting, light makes it a bit of a pain to see perfectly.

Now, I am not experienced with wrappers, and whether they are dyed or not, but after seeing this one pulled apart I do NOT think that it is dyed. But that is my opinion. The area that did not have any portion of the cap left appeared to be the same on both sides.

Here is a picture of the outside of the piece I could get off:



Here is a picture of the inside of the same piece:



Here is a picture of the outside of the piece, with a white backing:



It is a dark wrap, but seeing it up close, it looks like the wrapper is the same on the exposed side, as it is on the unexposed side. The wrapper appears so much darker on the cigar due to overlap....just like you can see in the last image where the portions of the cap make it much darker.

As I said in my first post...if it is dyed, I still really enjoyed the cigar, and will smoke it again. However, in my my amateur opinion, it looks to me like it is not dyed.
 
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