Blind Cigar Review: Fusion | Headlines Original 1st Edition Page 3

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Toro
Length: 6″
Ring Gauge: 50
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Dominican Republic
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic
Factory: Tabacalera Real
Blender: Don Amadiz and Radhames Perez
Number of reviewers: 5—–Ron (shuckins) Dave (mdwest) Gregg (McGreggor57) Jason H. (Jokey Smurf) Robert (NavyPiper)
Price: $7.00
Age: 5 Months
Release Date: Undisclosed
Contributed by: Fusion Cigars

Initial Impressions

Appearance: 87

“A very rustic looking stick with a mottled wrapper, rough lines and distinct seams, that is actually kind of attractive in an old West or turn of the century (19th) sort of way.” –Dave (mdwest)

Aroma: 91

“The aroma is a rich composted tobacco with a touch of nutmeg. The aroma at the foot is milder but carries the same characteristics as the wrapper aroma.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

First Third

Flavor: 91
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Starts off with a leather and wood tasting tobacco, which always appeals to me, so I am happy with the way the cigar started. Soon after, a spicy coffee flavor showed up blending well with the leathery wood adding a tingle to my palate and a smile to my face.” –Ron (shuckins)

“Awesome start for this stogie! Has a nice medium tobacco, baking spices and some leather. All are pretty evenly balanced and it is just a pleasure to savor each puff, roll the smoke around coating the palate before a nice zing through the sinuses as I release the smoke. Man, I hope the whole thing is a good as this third!” –Robert (NavyPiper)

Second Third

Flavor: 91
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“The profile remains primarily nutty in the second third. Thankfully flavors are getting a little bit more pronounced now as a little bit of black pepper starts to make its way into the profile that wasn’t detected before.” –Dave (mdwest)

“The pepper is surging a bit again, leaving a savory note on my palate. Although it obscures any subtle flavors that might be in the mix, the allspice is still discernible. Some charcoal is developing along with dried grasses.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

Final Third

Flavor: 91
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“Rich, creamy leather that has a sweetness to it since the cocoa has faded, bringing the light cedar flavor with it. There was enough allspice left in the background to add a pop and zing to the cigar the closer to the end it got.” –Ron (shuckins)

“Dang, it’s the final third already??!! Flavors remain consistent, just a little stronger. Medium tobacco, baking spices and the leather. Although near the mid point, a little pepper popped in and out. Trying hard to slow down in an attempt to eek out every bit of this smoke. Broke out the nubber so I could take it as far down as I could without fryin’ my fingers. When I had to finally let it go I was tempted to break out the pipes and play a lament in honor of the joy this stogie gave me.” –Robert (NavyPiper)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 91

“A loose and airy draw, but I was still able to get the tasty smoke.” –Ron (shuckins)

Burn: 86

“A very flaky ash and the burn line, while never needing correcting, did burn around spots in the wrapper. The ash dropping so frequently made this one a bit messy to smoke.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

Construction: 88

“The construction was acceptable in regard to the draw and ash strength, however, the roughness of the cap was a distraction to me. It’s silly, but I just couldn’t get over how it looked, and how it felt on my lips.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

Overall Strength: Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
Overall Experience: 90

“A very enjoyable cigar that I not only would smoke again, but would also put on my purchase list for the next time I go cigar shopping.” –Ron (shuckins)

“While things started out a little bit slow, they ended up really pleasant, and overall this stick provided a very nice smoking experience with well blended flavors and solid overall performance. I would gladly buy a handful of these to keep in the humidor and will probably seek them out after the reveal.” –Dave (mdwest)

“While nothing special, I would grab another one any day. The allspice and nuts held up well to the fluctuating black pepper. There weren’t many other flavors, but all of the ones I picked up on worked together.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

“I was excited when I began this review…the aroma and initial flavors promised a great smoke. Unfortunately, the performance and the negative turn in flavor have turned me off to this cigar. Maybe some significant aging would smooth it out. Unfortunately, I’m not sure I’d want to take the chance and buy any to rest.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

“Every now and then you run across a stogie that just ‘hits’ you as how you wish every smoke was- well that’s how this one was for me. Loved the flavors, and actually pleased that there weren’t any real changes. There was the increase in strength and the little bit of pepper that came in and out in the final third, but that just enhanced things for me. This was one of those smokes that I wished would go on and on. Unfortunately, it was only 6X46, as I could’ve smoked it joyfully even if it was a Churchill! Dang that was a great stogie!” –Robert (NavyPiper)
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Smoking Time (in minutes): 74

Edit

Reviewer	Appearance	Aroma	1/3	2/3	3/3	Draw	Burn	Constr.	Overall
Ron	92	92	95	92	92	85	85	88	92
Dave	87	90	88	88	90	90	92	90	90
Gregg	85	90	90	90	90	90	85	88	88
Jason H.	85	95	90	85	83	92	85	88	85
Robert	90	90	92	92	92	100	87	90	95

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.
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Blind Cigar Review: Fusion | Headlines Original 1st Edition Page 3