danthebugman
BoM Nov '10
Size: 6 x 52
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sun Grown Sumatra
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan (Estili & Ometepe Valleys) & Honduran (Jamastran)
Price: $5-6
Intro: I recently scored a 5er of Robustos on CBid to try and then while transferring some cigars between humidors I came across this resting in the bottom. Forgot I had gotten some a while back already. Oops. These came out during the 2010 IPCPR show and hit the market along with the Ave Maria. I've enjoyed the Ave Maria, but not gotten around to trying this one so figured while I'm waiting on the Robos to arrive I'd give this one a shot.
Prelight: All the cigars in this line are box pressed and this cigar is a beautiful example of that. Some examples of box press I have seen are extremely box pressed, featuring crisp edges that could almost slice you. Others are only marginally so. The wrapper is a silky smooth and a golden color with oily glisten in the afternoon sunlight. The seams are tight and the cap is neatly done. I think the band on this cigar is pretty cool, but I may have a bias. The brand's name is Spanish for Saint Michael, who is the angel that leads God's army to defeat Satan and his angels in the book of Revelation. The label features a miniaturized version of Guido Reni's painting Michael which depicts the angel Michael defeating Satan. Feels firm between the fingers, but there appears to be a small chunk of filler missing in the foot. Took out the Palio and clipped between and 1/8 and 1/4 inch off the cap (not all that great at guestimating and I didn't measure it...sorry folks). The draw was spot on and contained a slightly cedary tobaccoo flavor. Toasted easily with a Ronson Jetlite.
First Third: Initial flavors are a light woodiness with a creamy, almost buttery finish. A few puffs in I picked up a slight pepper note on the finish as well. One thing I noticed, and I'm not sure if it was just this cigar or indicitative of the brand as a whole, but it sure puts of a ton of smoke. We're talking Liga Privada smoke output. The burn was straight, but it insisted on burning at a slight angle. The ash was white, but seemed to be a bit loose structure wise.
Second Third: Coming into the second third the flavors had transitioned into a faintly peppery woodiness. Not real strong, not real enjoyable...to me at least. I was looking for something more...intense. Burn was still going a little at an angle, but straight and still pouring out smoke. Not far into the second third there was a shift in the profile to an ashy, peppery flavor. Bleh. Tried purging it and didn't seem to help so I dropped it in the Stinky.
Last Third: Didn't make it this far.
Final Thoughts: Started out not too bad. I think it was a little light on the flavor/strength for my particular tastes though. Certainly poured smoke with the best of 'em. Burn wasn't bad. The second third certainly took a dive in the flavor department. I don't know what that ashy flavor was, but if I get it when I try these Robustos, these won't be something I keep around.
Dan
