So Kyle gave me the opportunity to test out a couple test blends from his forthcoming line... These are my thoughts on the most recent, updated blend....
Pre-light : good draw - raisins, molasses
1st third - got some good pepper from the closed foot. Fresh leather, toasted tobacco, fireball/red hots candy (not the heat from the candy, but the sweet cinnamon)... Maybe 'cinnamon syrup' is a better term, touches of cedar, getting some toasted marshmallow, getting some sweet cream notes (Similar to my 09 BRCs in that regard), a little ammonia at the 1" mark,
2nd third- still tons of sweet cream, tastes like the aroma of a freshly ground, lightly roasted, fruity African coffee, hints of peat and sherry (Caol Ila 12 year comes to mind... Fruity, but smokey), less cinnamon and more fruit. Lingering bitter chocolate. Hints of toasted walnuts.
Last third- flavors are getting a little muted. Little bit of pepper, fruit is coming back, still some hints of cream and cinnamon, but overall the flavors are starting to fade.
Final thoughts : it's a very delicate cigar, which isn't what I was expecting. I though the level of spice was appropriate compared to the rest of the flavors. It did leave my mouth unusually dry (weird). Great volume of smoke. Aroma was phenomenal throughout... Light, fruity and spicy.
This cigar was rolled less than a week before I smoked it, so it still had some rough edges that will smooth out over time. Overall I really enjoyed it. The wrapper is gorgeous and incredibly silky to the touch. Reminds me of some of the dark Johnny-Os I have. I can't wait to smoke another in a few weeks/months once they have rested a little more. This stick has A LOT of potential.
Pre-light : good draw - raisins, molasses
1st third - got some good pepper from the closed foot. Fresh leather, toasted tobacco, fireball/red hots candy (not the heat from the candy, but the sweet cinnamon)... Maybe 'cinnamon syrup' is a better term, touches of cedar, getting some toasted marshmallow, getting some sweet cream notes (Similar to my 09 BRCs in that regard), a little ammonia at the 1" mark,
2nd third- still tons of sweet cream, tastes like the aroma of a freshly ground, lightly roasted, fruity African coffee, hints of peat and sherry (Caol Ila 12 year comes to mind... Fruity, but smokey), less cinnamon and more fruit. Lingering bitter chocolate. Hints of toasted walnuts.
Last third- flavors are getting a little muted. Little bit of pepper, fruit is coming back, still some hints of cream and cinnamon, but overall the flavors are starting to fade.
Final thoughts : it's a very delicate cigar, which isn't what I was expecting. I though the level of spice was appropriate compared to the rest of the flavors. It did leave my mouth unusually dry (weird). Great volume of smoke. Aroma was phenomenal throughout... Light, fruity and spicy.
This cigar was rolled less than a week before I smoked it, so it still had some rough edges that will smooth out over time. Overall I really enjoyed it. The wrapper is gorgeous and incredibly silky to the touch. Reminds me of some of the dark Johnny-Os I have. I can't wait to smoke another in a few weeks/months once they have rested a little more. This stick has A LOT of potential.
