danthebugman
BoM Nov '10
After my experience with blend B, I decided to let the other two sit for a while in the hopes that some time would improve the cigar. Today was supposed to be a nice day so I figured I'd give 'em another go. Today I happened to grab blend A.
Pre-light inspection reveals an oily, dark brown wrapper that gives off a distinct peppered jerky aroma. I love that aroma and I don't believe there is another cigar on the market that carries it. There are some veins present and, as with blend B, I think a few are going to cause burn issues. Giving the cigar a little squish between the fingers reveals a very solid cigar, perhaps too solid.
The cap gave way cleanly to a draw that was tight. I ended up taking off a little more and while it was better, I still found it tight. I briefly considered taking another slice off the top, but was wary of going too far so I didn't. The cold draw flavors were much the same as blend B (slightly sweet tobacco with spice), but carried more pepper on the finish.
Toasted easily with the Ronson and we're smoking. Not much coming through with the flavors in the first few puffs. The draw is tight and I'm having to work to get much smoke output. A quick look at the foot reveals that the wrapper doesn't seem to be burning :hanghead:. A quick touch up gets things headed on the right track again.
A little ways in the flavors make themselves known. I'm getting an earthy, molasses flavor with some pepper on the finish. Through the nose there are some sweetened coffee notes, but they are very faint. The burn has been all over the place and the draw remains tight.
The flavors have remained consistent and they are good, but it's quite a bit of work to entice them out. Also there are some veins that are wreaking havoc with the burn.
I ended this cigar a little before it was through simply because I was tired of coaxing it. While the flavors were good and distinctive, the burn/draw issues were too much of a distraction.
Thus far if the primary consideration is flavors, blend A is the one I'd have to choose. Hope to get to blend C later this week or next.
Dan
Pre-light inspection reveals an oily, dark brown wrapper that gives off a distinct peppered jerky aroma. I love that aroma and I don't believe there is another cigar on the market that carries it. There are some veins present and, as with blend B, I think a few are going to cause burn issues. Giving the cigar a little squish between the fingers reveals a very solid cigar, perhaps too solid.
The cap gave way cleanly to a draw that was tight. I ended up taking off a little more and while it was better, I still found it tight. I briefly considered taking another slice off the top, but was wary of going too far so I didn't. The cold draw flavors were much the same as blend B (slightly sweet tobacco with spice), but carried more pepper on the finish.
Toasted easily with the Ronson and we're smoking. Not much coming through with the flavors in the first few puffs. The draw is tight and I'm having to work to get much smoke output. A quick look at the foot reveals that the wrapper doesn't seem to be burning :hanghead:. A quick touch up gets things headed on the right track again.
A little ways in the flavors make themselves known. I'm getting an earthy, molasses flavor with some pepper on the finish. Through the nose there are some sweetened coffee notes, but they are very faint. The burn has been all over the place and the draw remains tight.
The flavors have remained consistent and they are good, but it's quite a bit of work to entice them out. Also there are some veins that are wreaking havoc with the burn.
I ended this cigar a little before it was through simply because I was tired of coaxing it. While the flavors were good and distinctive, the burn/draw issues were too much of a distraction.
Thus far if the primary consideration is flavors, blend A is the one I'd have to choose. Hope to get to blend C later this week or next.
Dan