This cigar carried a bit more strength than I expected based on previous cigars from HVC. It has darker flavors which would make me lean towards smoking it in the evening or as a final cigar of a multi-cigar smoking experience. There weren’t many transitions, but that is OK as the cigars flavors were good. I wouldn’t recommend this cigar to a new smoker, but rather someone that is interested in strength along with flavors of earthiness, coffee and wood.