Well, I finally got around to smoking one of these - although mine was the Churchill size (7.2" x 48). I read the review on Jesse's site way back in 2008 and traded for a couple of these. They found their way into my bottom desk drawer and were forgotten. I found the glass-tubed cigar today while doing some rearranging and wondered if this was still OK to smoke - especially being in an unhumidifed environment for so long. After opening the sealed tube, I found the cigar still in good shape and actually quite pliable/moist.
I took it out to the backyard deck along with a glass of iced tea and proceeded to punch the end + light up.
You can see the outer wrapper is very nice looking with only a few small veins.
Right away I found an extremely tight draw. For about the first 1/2" or so it was like drinking a thick milkshake. The draw did finally loosen up a bit, but it remained somewhat restricted until the band point where I finally put it out. The smoke volume was moderate at best and the burn fairly even. The ash was mostly white and held on for about 1 - 1.5" until I tapped it off.
I did not however find this a very exciting smoke, in fact it was somewhat boring as you can see ...
First 1/3: Flavors were sweet wood, tobacco and a touch of cocoa.
Second 1/3: Flavors were sweet wood, tobacco and a touch of cocoa.
Last 1/3: Flavors were sweet wood, tobacco and a touch of cocoa.
Time to smoke to the (Torano) band point = 1hr 30 min.
Overall strength = mild
Overall body = mild for the first 2/3, mild-medium at the end
This is definately not a new favorite for me and I doubt I'll smoke another anytime soon.
I see Jesse is still around though as his website is fairly current.
