I guess the only complaint that I have against the cigar is the lack of flavor transitions over the first two thirds. The flavor that was present was good and there was lots of it. If you like an oaky woodiness with a bit of spice, then this would be a perfect match. The performance of this cigar was top notch. I had to pay no attention to the burn or tapping of the ash. With the strength of medium and the flavors that it offered, I would consider this a good middle of the day cigar or maybe the second cigar of the day if you are planning to smoke more than one.
"Some softer grasses and baking spices enter the final third. The pepper is still present and now coats my lips leaving an interesting mix of sweet and spicy."-Gregg (McGreggor57)
The cigar performed very well. The flavors in the first two thirds were very good with a slight drop off in the final third with some bitterness creeping in. That bitterness went away, but it still was a drop off compared to the previous thirds. I would be interested to see if the flavors in the final third improve with a little more rest. I have another sample which I will wait on for a little bit and revisit. Overall, with the good draw, burn and the predominantly good flavors, this is definitely a cigar I would smoke again.
I thought I would take an opportunity to put down some of my thoughts and observations from the IPCRPR 2014 show that was held in Las Vegas this past week. Just to be clear, these are my thoughts and opinions and do not necessarily reflect those of Blind Man's Puff or any other member of the team here.
AaronAllBlind Cigar ReviewsBrianCraigCriolloFeaturedGreggKing HavanoNaturalNicaraguaOliverosRafael NodalRonTorpedo
·"The lighter flavors of the first two thirds were just the ticket for a hot humid afternoon while the bolder flavors at the end gave the cigar a nice finish. I appreciate that this stick stayed true to it's flavor profile while adding enough variation to keep it interesting." -Gregg (McGreggor57)
AaronAllBill PaleyBlind Cigar ReviewsFeaturedGreggHabanoJason H.La PalinaLanceroNaturalRonSandeepUSA
·"Overall the cigar was a pleasant smoke. The initial and final thirds were not up to mark, but the middle third was excellent with several changes in flavors and with perfect burn and draw. I will definitely try this one again to see if some time in the humi might get rid of the harshness in the very final third of the cigar." -Sandeep (Djangos)
AaronAllChurchillConnecticutDaniel MarshallDominican RepublicEmmettFeaturedManuel QuesadaQuick Cigar ReviewsShade Grown
·This was a very smooth cigar. Being a Churchill, it presents a long experience. There were some good flavor transitions, but oak was the predominant flavor throughout which mixed well with the other flavors that presented themselves. I think this cigar would be great in the morning paired with some coffee or as the first cigar of the day. It could also be paired with some other libations that aren’t overpowering such as a nice peaty Scotch. I could definitely see myself smoking more of these.
This is a cigar that got better as it went along. Plenty of transitions to keep things interesting and one that just begs you to keep retrohaling to experience all of the flavors that it offers. The fuller strength is something that may be better suited for the end of the day or after a meal. The price point fits the experience, so I wouldn't hesitate on pulling the trigger on getting some of these if they are available to you.
I have to say that for a $3.50 cigar this could easily be a daily smoke if you find the flavors in your wheelhouse. Lots of interesting transitions through each of the thirds. Performance was fantastic and really just capped off an excellent smoking experience. I would highly recommend that you pick some up and see if they are a fit for your humidor.
"Surprisingly, the ash has held on up to this point. The strength has kicked it up a notch but is not overpowering. This is just the way I like it. Along with the raw leather, which is most prominent, I'm getting hints of smoked beef and cream. There is also some spiciness that is most noticeable on the retrohale. " -Milton (mjohnsoniii)