CigarPointe
age quod agis
Here is the link to the actual review and pics of the burn:
http://www.cigarpointe.com/cigars/paul-garmirian-symphony-20-review/
Wrapper: Ecuador Colorado Oscuro
Binder: Dominican/Havana Seed
Filler: Dominican/Honduran
Price: $17.00
Vitola: 6 x 52
Drink: Coca-Cola
Appearance & Construction: The appearance is nice and the smooth wrapper is a nice start. The cigar feels like its been filled to perfection. The draw is perfect, and it burns perfectly. I dont think theres going to be much delving into construction on this cigar, because its just simply great. The ash doesnt quite live up to the rest of the construction. Its somewhat solid, and has an off-white color with lines of dark grey to black. Itll stay attached for a while, but dont expect to smoke even 1/3 with the ash still on. Flakes ever so slightly, but not to a flaw. Wait to take off the bands until absolutely necessary. Maybe it was a fluke, but excessive glue caused the wrapper to tear slightly. Its nothing thats deteriorating the enjoyment of the smoke, but its a bit of an eye-sore.
Pre-light: The wrapper has no large veins (almost no veins at all), few blemishes, and is incredibly smooth to the touch. Pre-light draw is so interesting I almost dont want to light it up. Im picking up chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon, and a really, really, clean tasting natural tobacco flavor.
Flavor & Notes:
First Third There was more spice than I was anticipating, but its a very smooth spice. I assumed this would be an ultra-mild stick where youd have to read into it to even be able to say that you tasted something. Mainly spanish cedar dominates the flavor profile. I dont know that it is complex at this point, but its that ultra-clean taste that I know of lot of smokers like.
Second Third Still Spanish cedar dominating the overall flavor. It really hasnt changed much, and keeps that clean crisp taste. Notes of nuts and caramel have started to creep up, but overall remains the same (which isnt a bad thing at all).
Final Third Spanish cedar is still apparent, but a pleasant smooth flavor of leather is starting to show up. Caramel is still apparent, but is now more of an afterthought now. The leather flavor continues to build as I start to approach the end of the smoke, and ends up finishing that way.
Body: I think this is where the cigar becomes complex. No, its not going to be a full bodied cigar, but there are elements that will satisfy someone wanting a fuller smoke (especially through the nose it shows more strength). The spice keeps it from being a straight medium, but the overall smoothness will keep it from scaring anyone away.
Overall Smoking Experience: Needless to say, I smoke quite a few cigars (all different blends, shapes, sizes, tobaccos etc). I enjoy them immensely, but its rare that I find one that stands head and shoulders above my usual favorites. When you find that cigar, its a special experience. The PG Symphony 20 has been that for me. Its definitely a change from my recent trend of smokes, but this one hit a home run . a grand slam a walk off grand slam. Highly recommended for someone looking for a Davidoff alternative. Its cheaper, and in my humble opinion, superior. Its got a lot of the same flavor, but I think there is more of it in the PG.
Chooch Factor: This is a tough one. Because of its relation with Davidoff Im forced to give this a 3/5.
Rating: 9.0
Buy Again: Yes, will be my celebratory cigar.
