r3db4r0n
BoM Jan '11
Blistering hot afternoon heat pelts the front porch as I try to escape the sun’s rays underneath an umbrella ; the humidity is high and it is difficult just to sit outside comortably, regardless, a friend has joined me for a smoke so I decided to make the best of it with a review. This cigar comes courtesy of Ron(Shuckins).
Unfortunately I have very little information on this cigar other than the fact it is a robusto with origins in Java, but I will try my best.
The wrapper has a very smooth leather-tan appearance, small veins dot the surface everywhere while more prominent ones run the length of the body. These veins are rather faint in appearance so I don’t believe they will cause any burn issues, although time will tell. This cigar appears be constructed well, it has a spongy feel between the fingers but not enough give to suggest a bad draw or an improper roll.
Pre light: After moistening the cap, it comes off easily and cleanly producing a smooth draw; nuances here consist mostly of cedar, spice and mild tobacco, while the fragrances from the wrapper and foot are identical.
Lighting: The foot cherries quickly under jet flame and lights easily producing large plumes of creamy smoke, on which are carried smooth notes of sweet tobacco, cedar - very mild as far as lighting in general is concerned.
First third: This cigar remains quite mild for the majority of the first third, retaining its sweet and cedar notes as dominant flavours until about 2 thirds of the way through where spice appeared. The retro-hale on the other hand is surprisingly complex given the mild nature of draw, fragrances of cedar, spice and almond dominate throughout, while the ambient burn exhibits a sweet floral fragrances, coupled with almond undertones, an extraordinarily vibrant gift to the senses. Over all the burn was relatively consistent, there were some minor issues and some blistering at the edge of the burn line but nothing that warranted a touch up; ash held for about an inch.
Second Third: Overall, the second third was very consistent in contrast with the first, the only notable differences being the addition of toasted almond notes and the deepening of the existing spice on the draw. The ash continued to hold well for about an inch to an inch and a half at the end of the second third; any potential burn issues that were present during the first third have cleared up, although, there is minor blistering and the ash itself is quite spindly and unsightly.
Final third: Until this point the draw has been exceedingly smooth, smoking coolly with superb consistency; within a few draws this would change abruptly. Without warning the burn became hot, almost uncomfortable; almost simultaneously the flavour profile changed drastically. Cedar and almond that had been present for the majority of the cigar disappeared almost immediately, leaving only a spicy espresso that lingered well after the draw was expelled. The retro-hale also became noticeably sharper, again dropping the cedar and almond present throughout the first and second thirds, leaving only spice. Changes in the draw aside, the physical attributes of the of the burn remaining free of any serious issues, though the as dropped ash every quarter inch until the finish.
Final thoughts: Although my smoking experience was rather enjoyable for the most part, I found that this particular cigar left me with a little to be desired. It came out brilliantly in the first third with a wonderful bouquet of notes and fragrances, the consistency was good, but it lacked significant change until the finish which came about abruptly and was almost uncomfortable in comparison. Given the unusual nature of burn in the finale, I would have to say almost for certain that this is due to a defect in the filler and is likely unfairly representative to the quality of this line.
Cheers,
Shawn
Unfortunately I have very little information on this cigar other than the fact it is a robusto with origins in Java, but I will try my best.
The wrapper has a very smooth leather-tan appearance, small veins dot the surface everywhere while more prominent ones run the length of the body. These veins are rather faint in appearance so I don’t believe they will cause any burn issues, although time will tell. This cigar appears be constructed well, it has a spongy feel between the fingers but not enough give to suggest a bad draw or an improper roll.
Pre light: After moistening the cap, it comes off easily and cleanly producing a smooth draw; nuances here consist mostly of cedar, spice and mild tobacco, while the fragrances from the wrapper and foot are identical.
Lighting: The foot cherries quickly under jet flame and lights easily producing large plumes of creamy smoke, on which are carried smooth notes of sweet tobacco, cedar - very mild as far as lighting in general is concerned.
First third: This cigar remains quite mild for the majority of the first third, retaining its sweet and cedar notes as dominant flavours until about 2 thirds of the way through where spice appeared. The retro-hale on the other hand is surprisingly complex given the mild nature of draw, fragrances of cedar, spice and almond dominate throughout, while the ambient burn exhibits a sweet floral fragrances, coupled with almond undertones, an extraordinarily vibrant gift to the senses. Over all the burn was relatively consistent, there were some minor issues and some blistering at the edge of the burn line but nothing that warranted a touch up; ash held for about an inch.
Second Third: Overall, the second third was very consistent in contrast with the first, the only notable differences being the addition of toasted almond notes and the deepening of the existing spice on the draw. The ash continued to hold well for about an inch to an inch and a half at the end of the second third; any potential burn issues that were present during the first third have cleared up, although, there is minor blistering and the ash itself is quite spindly and unsightly.
Final third: Until this point the draw has been exceedingly smooth, smoking coolly with superb consistency; within a few draws this would change abruptly. Without warning the burn became hot, almost uncomfortable; almost simultaneously the flavour profile changed drastically. Cedar and almond that had been present for the majority of the cigar disappeared almost immediately, leaving only a spicy espresso that lingered well after the draw was expelled. The retro-hale also became noticeably sharper, again dropping the cedar and almond present throughout the first and second thirds, leaving only spice. Changes in the draw aside, the physical attributes of the of the burn remaining free of any serious issues, though the as dropped ash every quarter inch until the finish.
Final thoughts: Although my smoking experience was rather enjoyable for the most part, I found that this particular cigar left me with a little to be desired. It came out brilliantly in the first third with a wonderful bouquet of notes and fragrances, the consistency was good, but it lacked significant change until the finish which came about abruptly and was almost uncomfortable in comparison. Given the unusual nature of burn in the finale, I would have to say almost for certain that this is due to a defect in the filler and is likely unfairly representative to the quality of this line.
Cheers,
Shawn
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