OK, you guys asked for it, so now you get it!!
Number six got smoked last week, although based on what I have read, wondering if Luke gave me the same cigars that he gave you? I smoked this cigar at work, as we do most nights. Had my water, my Dr. Pepper and 7 of us partook of different smokes.
Careful inspection of this cigar shows a nicely wrapper, medium dark cigar. The cap was well made and placed on the cigar. Some veins, but these did not detract from the overal appearance of this cigar. After removing the cello, hints of spice, cocoa and coffee emitted from this cigar. No flaws in the construction were noted. Nice toro size cigar.
After cutting the cigar with my Palio, which all of my co workers want to steal from me, I tasted the unlit cigar to my tongue. Still good spice, not too strong, not too weak either. A slight hint of rosemary aslo came through on the pre-light taste. Pre-light draw was decent, with what appeared to be a little resistance. So far so good huh? Not!!!!!
After toasting this cigar, it was lit for exactly 4 minutes, before the draw completely tightened up. Prior to it going out, the flavors of coffee, Oak, rosemary, spice (white pepper, red pepper and anise) came through. Also a hint of light hay. I relit the cigar and tried to get it going again. Nothing. The cigar was plugged. I had to walk out t my truck, get my Henry's draw tools, walk back t the smoking circle, where I placed the tools on the trunk of a car. The guys laughed at the tool, not having a clue what they were.
I picked up the longer of the two tools, inserted it into the cigar, manuvered it a few different times, and tried to light it again. I was able to get it lit and keep it lit this time. The draw was still restricted, which worried me. The flavor seemed to disapate, since the draw was screwed up, but I did not loose faith.
After about 15 minutes, the cigar went out again. I re-lit it, but it was plugged again. Sheeesh... I even said to my guys, "This is a 94 cigar? No F**king way!" Being the consument cigar lover, I refused to give up. I redployed my Henry's draw tools, opened up the draw again, this time with greater success.
I relight the smoke and the draw was good, cept the burn sucked. I hadn't noticed that the burn was extremely uneven. Can it get any worse? Fear not, I touched up the burn, saw the ash was still somewhat nice and continued my adventure with this cigar. Needless to say, the first third sucked, but I keep an open mind.
The second third was more enjoyable. THe burn was still off and had to be touched up every 10 or so minutes, which kept it from canoeing. The ash was flakey, yet tight with grey and medium grey mottling. The flavors were still consistent with spice, Oak, coffee, earthiness (hay, wood) and even a slight sweetness. The draw was better with still a slight resistance.
As I hit the final third, the Cigar Gods struck again, smitting me for something I must have done to piss them off. The cigar went out yet again with ton's of restriction on the draw. I know this is supposed to be a premium cigar, but common. What the hell is happening. I use my draw tool yet again, get the draw to be better and light this one up again. The burn was still very uneven, although the ash was good. I really had to watch this one to keep it from going nuts. The flavors were still good, although my experience was adventurous to say the least. No harsh aftertaste, making the finish good. Also, good amount of smoke, which was blue grey.
Yes, Angry Bill, reared his angry mouth numerous times, but I never gave up. I refuse to quit. Overall, this cigar was not a pleasant one for me to smoke, but I am thinking there has to be one screwed up one in every box. I know it was not my humidor, as I smoked another cigar from the same travel case an hour later. (A Tatuaje Especiale). Had no problems what so ever.
This cigar obviously was not my favorite cigar in this tasting, but It was an adventure. My guys were all getting mad at me for saying several times, "This is a 94 cigar." lol.. It was actually funny! Although this was not a huge favortie of mine, I would like to try one or two more again, just to give it a fair tasting. I know it was a fluke to get a cigar like that, but still with draw and burn issues like that, it worries me abou this cigar. Can't wait to find out what it was..
Here are my scores and it won't be nearly as high as any of yours!
Appearance: 14/15 Well made in appearance. No issues.
Ash: 9/10
Draw: 5/10
Burn: 5/10
Smoke: 8/10 Huge smoke when it was lit.
Flavor: 16/20
Uniqueness: 8/10
Finish: 13/15
Total: 77/100
I am more critical on cigars that do not provide me a good smoking experience. Thanks for taking the time to read and for Luke for hosting this one. Can't wait to taste the next good round.
On a side note, If I can find more Henry's draw tools, I have 3 sets sold. hehe