Cigar Info
This is the second in the Underground Cigar Exclusive NFG Series. The first was released early in 2015 and the most recent early 2015. The first was simply called the NFG,this is the NFG Maduro. The third and most recent is the NFG Litigator. All house sticks are blended by Mark Scott – Co-Owner of Underground Cigar.
Vital Stats:
Vitola: Torpedo
Length: 6.5″
Ring Gauge: 52
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Capa madura
Binder: Bando habano
Filler: Seco jalapa , Viso condega, Viso esteli
Factory: Flor de san luis
Blender: Mark Scott
Number of reviewers: 5 – Matthew T. (A Huge Nerd) Adam B. (Bushboy) Kent (Throck) Matt C. (Big Matt) Dave W. (mdwest)
Price: $6.25
Age: 5 Months
Release Date: 2015
Contributed by: Underground Cigars
Initial Impressions
Appearance: 92
“This is a gorgeous looking vitola that I would consider a torpedo. It sports a very dark wrapper with some prominent veins running down the shaft. The cigar has a nice bit of weight to it and after the squeeze test there is no give to the cigar. It appears to be packed to the hilt with tobacco, with almost no aroma coming off of the foot or the shaft of the cigar. However, on the cold draw produces nutty caramel sensation on the tongue and the back of the throat additionally there a subtle generic component almost undetectable. The draw is what I would consider to be optimal for this shape of vitola.” –Matt C. (Big Matt)
Aroma: 93
“Raisins and hay with a sweet overtone. Very nice.” –Adam B. (Bushboy)
First Third
Flavor: 90
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
“The first light brings flavors of mild pepper, molasses, and a hint of citrus. Some leather shows up on the finish. Later in the first third, some creamy coffee and raisin sweetness joins the party.” –Matthew T. (A Huge Nerd)
“I was not expecting the flavors, draw and complexity of this smoke from my pre-light inspection. Underlying sweetness of a raisin mixed with an almost plum flavor. Very light, plenty of smoke and extremely enjoyable. Every draw leaves the palate feeling refreshed.” –Adam B. (Bushboy)
Second Third
Flavor: 92
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
“I was able to detect a bit of a tart berry flavor to this third. The leather persisted, but it was incredible to be able to have a fruit-like flavor coming through.” -Kent (Throck)
“At the start of the second third, earth and vegetal notes enter the mix with the plum, berries and heavy cream albeit it isn’t overpowering any of the continuing first thirds flavors. The retrohale now has some more English on it with red pepper entering the mix. The cigar has a long finish on the palate, and the nutty caramel I detected on the prelight draw now sits on my tongue for as long as I like until I take a sip of water. Moving thru the second third the earth notes begin to wash out some of the cream. This is quite the cigar experience, Asian spice replaces the red pepper on the retro and pepper dances on the tongue. Whoever blended this cigar has got some talent, and I would love to age this cigar. Cigar easily is in the medium-full category” –Matt C. (Big Matt)
Final Third
Flavor: 92
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium
“Starting the final third it seems that we are now on yet another different journey; I’m greeted with earth, aged tobacco, heavy cedar and cream. So many flavors you really don’t even need to retrohale. However on the retro there is espresso cream, and vegetal notes. The final third holds its own against the first two thirds and heavy cream, cedar and nuts is ramping back up again and the sweet almost barrel aged tobacco I thought I detected in the first third returns. I’m on a dreamboat, as this is normally not a size of cigar I would reach for.” –Matt C. (Big Matt)
“The final third ends the way the second third began with pepper, leather, and a hint of sweetness on every puff. A very nice profile.” –Dave W. (mdwest)
Overall Impressions
Draw: 93
“Preflight the draw was loose and airy foreshadowing the easy draw that followed. Light puffs produced plenty of smoke throughout. Effortless smoking that never burned too hot.” –Adam B. (Bushboy)
Burn: 91
“Overall, the burn was consistent. No relights were required, but a few small wrapper touch-ups were necessary. The burn line was wavy throughout, although the ash did hold on for good chunks.” –Matthew T. (A Huge Nerd)
Construction: 89
“The cap was really well constructed. This was one of the first cigars that I’ve had where I had no issues even threatening to occur. No bulging or buckling anywhere on the stick.” -Kent (Throck)
Overall Strength: Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
Overall Experience: 93
“It was a nice smoking experience with some good complexity and discernible flavors. The burn and construction were not perfect, but did not vastly affect the flavors or smoke output. It is a cigar I would smoke again, but probably would not go out of my way to get.” –Matthew T. (A Huge Nerd)
“I prefer a little more kick, however this was a very enjoyable smoke. Flavor transitioned from start to finish which I have found is rare with a milder smoke. I could see myself enjoying more of these over rounds of golf or with brunch.” –Adam B. (Bushboy)
“I enjoyed this cigar immensely. It had a great appearance and aroma alongside rock-solid construction and subtle, delicate flavors. This would be a great accompaniment on a hot, summer day.” -Kent (Throck)
“This is a cigar I would recommend for the experienced palate, and this is not a cigar you sit back and HERF with your boys. It was one of the more enjoyable blends I’ve had this year and will definitely be grabbing more when I find out what it is.” –Matt C. (Big Matt)
“Even with the wrapper issues experienced, this was still a very nice cigar that I would be happy to give another try to. The flavors were solid and right in my wheelhouse. After the reveal I am sure I will seek a few more of these out.” –Dave W. (mdwest)
Smoking Time (in minutes): 110
Appearance
Aroma
First Third
Second Third
Final Third
Draw
Burn
Construction
Overall Experience
To view the complete scores and notes, click here.