Vital Stats
This cigar was reviewed blind (no bands) by a panel of at least 4 reviewers. They did not know what they were smoking beforehand. The scores are an average of all the reviewers' scores with outliers removed. All of our cigars reviewed are shipped to the panelists with Boveda packs to ensure optimal smoking experience.
Vitola: Torpedo
Length: 6.5″
Ring Gauge: 52
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Dominican Habano Ligero
Binder: Dominican Ligero
Filler: Dominican Ligero Long filler
Factory: Habana Cuba Cigar Co, Dominican Republic
Blender: Rafael Nodal
Age: 2 years after purchase
Number of reviewers: 5 Will (Dubv23), Jack (splattttttt), Brian (B-daddy), Derek (lilninjabuddy), and Ron (shuckins)
Price Paid: $5 per stick
Contributed by: Emmett (rhetorik)
Initial Impressions
Appearance/Aroma: 90
Somewhat mottled wrapper, and not the prettiest cap, but very few veins and nice dark natural color. Foot gave off aromas of cocoa, barnyard, and pepper.
Construction/Burn/Draw: 89
This cigar was well packed, with an excellent draw, and no soft spots.
First Third:
Flavor: 89/100
Strength: meduim-strong
Body/Complexity: medium-full
There was an initial blast of pepper, but not too strong and not distracting. The burn and draw were consistent. Notes for the first third include pepper, leather, wood, baking spices, and tobacco. This third was not overly complex but enough to keep the smoker interested.
Second Third:
Flavor: 87
Strength: medium
Body/Complexity: medium-full
This third came with more creamy flavor and strength. There was a slight nicotine kick, but nothing overpowering. Tasting notes included coffee cocoa cedar. Two reviewers experienced a tar buildup accompanied by a tightened draw in this third, but both were able to re-cut and get back on track, though this did detract from the score.
Final Third:
Flavor: 89
Strength: medium-strong
Body/Complexity: medium-full
This third increased again in complexity and strength. The flavors are creamy and pronounced, and include coffee, cocoa, and caramel, but surprisingly less pepper flavor.
Overall
Smoking Time: 93 minutes
Overall Experience: 89
Overall Strength: medium
Overall Body/Complexity: medium-full
Overall very pleasant, gained strength and complexity throughout the experience. Coffee cocoa and pepper were the standout flavors throughout the cigar. Only detractors were tar experience and slightly bitter finish. These cigars can be had at a very reasonable price, so this appears to be a good buy for the money.