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: 6.25″
Ring Gauge: 52
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: DMS (Dominican Maduro Special)
Binder: Dominican, Cuban Seed
Filler: Dominican Ligero, Cuban Seed
Factory: Cuban Stock Cigar Co.
Blender: Unknown
Number of reviewers: 5 —– Sandeep (Djangos) Craig (WyldKnyght) Milton (mjohnsoniii) Cindy (Ms_CindyLynn) Jason (bigslowrock)
Price: $8.00
Age: 2 Months
Release Date: 2012
Contributed by: Cuban Stock Cigar Co.
Initial Impressions
Appearance: 91
“Good looking maduro torpedo. Dark and veiny in appearance. Almost looks like a Diesel UC. Well made with no apparent issues. No spots or wrapper issues.” –Sandeep (Djangos)
Aroma: 92
“The foot gave off rich cocoa and slight pepper.” –Cindy (Ms_CindyLynn)
First Third
Flavor: 90
Strength: Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
“There is an initial blast of pepper after which it comes down a bit only to ramp up swiftly in the next inch. The pepper is strong and is filling the entire mouth. Lots of leather and some nutmeg are also present. There is a lot of creamy smoke with a great burn. The ash is dark grey with black streaks and is holding fast for over an inch before falling off.” –Sandeep (Djangos)
“Some light woody smoky flavor on the first puff. Pepper picked up right away and stayed on the back of the throat. Burn was a little off, but not bad.” –Craig (WyldKnyght)
“Immediately, the cigar greeted my palate with espresso, leather and a little spice in the back of my throat. The flavors we’re very full and tasty. Throughout the entire first third it reminded me of these chocolate covered coffee beans I had at one point. There was a little grittiness to the smoke, but very good.” –Cindy (Ms_CindyLynn)
Second Third
Flavor: 93
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
“The second third became more and more enjoyable. This smooth and full-bodied gem had coffee notes and hints of marzipan and almond that combine to make for a very pleasing smoking experience.” –Milton (mjohnsoniii)
“The cigar is starting to deliver a bit of balance with a light caramel sweetness. The third is also giving off nice chocolate, coffee and a light earthiness. Its hard to believe that this is the same cigar as what was delivered the first quarter of the stick.” –Jason (bigslowrock)
Final Third
Flavor: 91
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
“The last third is by far the best, pepper mellowed out and became very smooth.” –Craig (WyldKnyght)
“Pepper and leather notes came back a little bit more. There was more of a smoky flavor though and no sweetness.” –Cindy (Ms_CindyLynn)
Overall Impressions
Draw: 92
“Excellent draw from the start to the finish.” –Sandeep (Djangos)
Burn: 91
“The burn on this was about as good as it gets. Lots of smoke volume. Epic ash retention. Razor sharp burn line. No relight. Nice work by the torcedor.” –Jason (bigslowrock)
Construction: 96
“Well constructed with a firm feel to the entire length of the cigar. No soft spots are appreciated. The veins are appreciable and a slightly bumpy surface.” –Sandeep (Djangos)
Overall Strength: Medium-Strong
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
Overall Experience: 91
“The cigar was enjoyable and any fans of pepper would be overjoyed! However, I would have preferred to have some more complexity to the smoke other than just pepper and leather. definitely a good smoke but would have scored higher if more complex.” –Sandeep (Djangos)
“This cigar didn’t started out with much promise, but after the first half it definitely picked up.” –Craig (WyldKnyght)
“I made the mistake of inhaling at the beginning of the second third (don’t worry, it wasn’t on purpose) but that caused me to take a 10-minute break and lots of cold water before returning and finishing this one off. Once back at it, I tasted flavors not present in the first third that made me enjoy it that much more. This is one that would be welcomed in the stash and I would definitely make it a regular.” –Milton (mjohnsoniii)
“Really solidly constructed cigar. It seemed to deliver some great flavors but then it also had some lulls and disappointing flavors. I would certainly give this cigar another chance in the future.” –Jason (bigslowrock)
“I would definitely buy more of these cigars! It was very full and enjoyable. I’m very excited to find out what this is! Oh and you should try it!” –Cindy (Ms_CindyLynn)
Smoking Time (in minutes): 87
Total Score: 92
| Reviewer | Appea-rance | Aroma | 1/3 | 2/3 | 3/3 | Draw | Burn | Constr. | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sandeep | 90 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 95 | 93 | 90 | 90 |
| Craig | 90 | 88 | 90 | 88 | 90 | 90 | 88 | 90 | 90 |
| Milton | 88 | 93 | 90 | 95 | 93 | 90 | 90 | 98 | 95 |
| Cindy | 98 | 95 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 98 | 100 | 93 |
| Jason | 93 | 93 | 90 | 95 | 90 | 93 | 98 | 95 | 90 |
| Overall | 91 | 92 | 90 | 93 | 91 | 92 | 91 | 96 | 91 |