Ventura Cigaras launched the Archetype line in 2016 consisting of two lines: Chapter 1 and Chapter 2. Chapter one has three blends within it: Dreamstate, Sage Advicce, and Strange Passage. Chapter two has two blends: Axis Mundi and Initiation. Today we are reviewing the Ventura | ArchetypeSage AdviceGordo. The theme of these blends has to do with the “hero’s journey” mythology inspired by psychologist Dr. Carl Jung and the writings of mythographer Joseph Campbell.
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.
Sage Advice uses an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper and comes in three vitolas. Robusto 5.25×54 ($10.99), Toro 6×52 ($11.99), and Gordo 6×60 ($12.99).
Vital Stats:
Vitola: Double Toro
Length: 6″
Ring Gauge: 60″
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Dominican San Vincente
Filler: Dominican Republic
Factory: TABADOM
Blender: undisclosed
Number of reviewers: 5 – Eric (smalls29) Matthew T.(A Huge Nerd) Jeff (ExpendableYouth) Adam B. (Bushboy) Emmett (BMP_Emmett)
Price: $12.99
Age: 9 Months
Release Date: September 2016
Contributed by: Ventura Cigars
Initial Impressions
Appearance: 89
“This is a large ring gauge cigar, looks like 6×60 to me, it has a smooth wrapper and tight wrap lines. The cigar is a darker brown, but definitely not in the Maduro category, with a dry but shiny look to it. ” –Jeff (ExpendableYouth)
Aroma: 91
“The cigar has a strong barnyard, hay, pepper, and earth aroma to it.” –Jeff (ExpendableYouth)
First Third
Flavor: 90
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium
“What a great start. I am immediately hit with a strong cup of espresso with hints of chocolate. (The wife says it tastes like a chocolate brownie.) This is definitely a bold smoke. The is a mild peppery tingle in the background but the flavors are nicely balanced. A very nice start.” –Eric (smalls29)
“Right away I’m hit with fresh coffee, a nice way to start the cigar. Some black pepper creeps in after a few more puffs, but not a lot. The coffee flavor doesn’t last long and is replaced by leather.” –Emmett (BMP_Emmett)
Second Third
Flavor: 86
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium
“This cigar is a monster. I am moving into the second third and approaching the 45 minute mark. I have to admit, I have put it down once or twice to attend to fatherly duties, but have not had to relight upon my return. Flavors are still all over the place depending on which corner I tug a puff from. Sweet pepper to cool molasses. Very interesting cigar and extremely enjoyable this far. ” –Adam B. (Bushboy)
“The middle of the cigar has a minor tunneling issue, but it corrects itself after a few minutes. The dominant flavor profile is still earth, leather, and a bit of pepper. ” –Matthew T. (A Huge Nerd)
Final Third
Flavor: 87
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
“Final third has brought on a huge boost in flavor and strength. Flavors did not transition as much as they have built in strength. Tar build up is very prevalent on the tongue when touching the cutline. Still has a gorgeous aroma and burn/performance is second to none. Wood and earthy notes, with the touch of sweet allspice on the finish. ” –Adam B. (Bushboy)
“This last third is a bit milder, but more balanced. The pepper is mostly gone, but the leather and baking spices meld into a pleasant experience. The cigar has stopped putting out a lot of smoke which is interesting. Just a little bit of wood flavor joins at the end. This was the best third of the cigar. The lessening of the pepper allowed more lighter flavors.” –Emmett (BMP_Emmett)
Overall Impressions
Draw: 89
“The draw was a bit loose but not enough to actually impact the draw. ” –Jeff (ExpendableYouth)
Burn: 89
“The burn was pretty sharp for a large ring gauge. I never had to retouch it, but it did wave a little.” –Emmett (BMP_Emmett)
Construction: 89
“Solid” –Eric (smalls29)
Overall Strength: Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
Experience Overall: 86
“This cigar definitely had personality. It started off with a nice balance of espresso and chocolate with a very nice, mellow after-taste. The second third became more of a strong espresso with hints of chocolate, much like a chocolate brownie after-taste. Finally, it took on the personality of a strong, bold cigar that was basically a strong cup of coffee. There were nice notes of chocolate throughout but became very strong at the end. The construction was solid and the draw, while very easy at first, became just a not tight about half way through. All in all this was nice cigar that would pair well with any strong drink.” –Eric (smalls29)
“In general, it was just ok for me. The flavors were relatively static and muted, with no real wow factor or nuance. I hate to pick on a cigar for it’s size, but I am also not a real fan of large ring gauge cigars, so this attribute made it tougher for me to really enjoy it. That being said, if this is available in smaller sizes, I would love to try that. ” –Matthew T. (A Huge Nerd)
“I am going to preface this review by saying I don’t generally like/smoke 60-ring gauges. This isn’t to say I don’t like any 60-ring gauges it’s just generally not in my wheelhouse. This cigar in particular was a one trick pony of charred cedar, earth and mineral, occasionally with a hint of tea. The bitterness in the last-third was a bit off-putting but not to the point of ruining the experience. I would pass on this cigar personally, but for the right person looking for a large ring gauge cigar this might be perfect if it is at the right price. ” –Jeff (ExpendableYouth)
“Overall this was a pretty damn good cigar. Make sure you have at least two hours to spare before tackling this beast. The size of this cigar allows it to slowly build until it is a kick in the mouth towards the end. The aroma was the best part. I would definitely smoke another one of these.” –Adam B. (Bushboy)
“I would smoke this cigar again. It wasn’t very complex but the leather flavor was distinct and enjoyable. The first and last thirds were more enjoyable. I would like to see see how this does in a smaller ring gauge. I would say try one and see what you think, but maybe hold off before buying a fiver or box.” –Emmett (BMP_Emmett)
"This cigar definitely had personality. It started off with a nice balance of espresso and chocolate with a very nice, mellow after-taste. The second third became more of a strong espresso with hints of chocolate, much like a chocolate brownie after-taste. Finally, it took on the personality of a strong, bold cigar that was basically a strong cup of coffee. There were nice notes of chocolate throughout but became very strong at the end. The construction was solid and the draw, while very easy at first, became just a not tight about half way through. All in all this was nice cigar that would pair well with any strong drink." -Eric (smalls29)
