"I think what I liked most about this cigar is that it serves as a reminder of how enriching the blind review process can be. Preconceived notions influence so many decisions and I find it to be a breath of fresh air when I get to experience something that I never would have chosen for myself in a completely subjective manner. I never would have picked a cigar of this length to smoke. Not only do I think that it looks silly, such a lengthy cigar never feels comfortable in the hand. Although the overall experience wasn't my favorite, it was far from awful and there were a handful of things that I truly liked about this cigar. In addition to a stellar draw and burn, the number of transitions that took place made it seem as though a different cigar was being smoked with every third making for a truly unique smoking experience. With regards to flavor, this cigar really shined the most throughout the latter part of the first third all the way through the second. Not only were the flavors balanced, complex and enjoyable but the smoke was buttery smooth. Had the initial puffs and final third been a little less harsh and more inline with my palate it certainly would have been given higher remarks. Although I wouldn't seek out this particular vitola, I am interested for the reveal as I would certainly give this blend another shot assuming it is offered in a different size." -Noah S. (Noah)
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·"Overall, this cigar was very consistent in terms of flavor. A few burn issues tended to rear their heads a few times during this session, requiring multiple touchups as it liked to spoon. If you enjoy medium to full-bodied notes of leather, cream, oak, and pepper, this cigar will be right up your alley. I did enjoy this sample; however I would like a non-linear experience…" -John A. (Bostoneo)
"This was a great cigar that changed on a few occasions. At times it was light and sweet then it would switch it up to a more darker, spicy, and rich profile. This is why blending is so important. When done right it can take you on a journey. This would make a great after-dinner cigar while you sit and reflect on the events of the day. I will be grabbing a few, once I know what it is, to have on hand to end my days with. " -Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)
"So I must start off with this statement: I need to smoke this cigar again to get a true idea of what it is all about. That being said there are some high notes but that can not overcome the tight draw. This is the number one killer of any cigar for me. Disappointing..." -Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)
"It’s a straight forward inoffensive cigar, with few transitions and not a lot of complexity by anyone’s definition. But with solid construction and those very prominent core flavors I found myself enjoying it. Retrohaling is a must with this one!" -Matt Cade (CADE)
"From the time I snatched it from my humidor to the time I laid it to rest in the ashtray my experience with this stick was splendid! Each and every puff was robust with rich and pleasant flavors that were well blended, well rounded, and well balanced. There were no noticeable transitions that took place, but with such incredible flavors that harmonized so well together I wasn't upset by that fact and my palate was plenty entertained throughout. Most notably, this cigar was incredibly smooth from start to finish and the smoke output was simply impressive. This stick would be a great pairing with any number of beverages including a morning cup of coffee, a rich stout, a glass of bourbon, or even a nice red wine. Hurry up already with the reveal please!!!" -Noah S. (Noah)
"I was a little unsure when I started smoking this since it was so grassy at the beginning. That quickly dropped to the wayside and I was left with a rich creamy cigar. If you like smoking something an old-timey villain would pick some of these up. It is a classic tobacco-forward profile that performs great. " -Alan (Eulogy)
"If you are a mild cigar smoker or even like something stronger I think you would enjoy this cigar. This was a sweet and creamy cigar with fruit notes. Great roasted flavor towards the end. I smoked this until it was burning my fingers with little to no harsh flavor whatsoever." -Jake P. (Jake P.)
"Overall, this was an okay stick, however not something I myself would seek out. While it was fairly consistent in flavor, it did switch up things to a slight sweeter note on the second half. This would pair wonderfully with a port wine, porter & stout beer with its robust flavors and sweetness options they provide. Burn, construction and draw were spot on for this sample and couldn’t of asked for much better. If you like dark, char, and a bit of chocolate covered cherry sweetness, check out this blend for your enjoyment!" -John A. (Bostoneo)
The cigar market has plenty of special cigars to choose from. If you are looking for a cigar to celebrate a special occasion or you just want to treat yourself, I highly recommend the ESG especially in this vitola. Something about this size seems to be just the right combination for a perfect burn and great combination of flavor and strength. Since these cigars already have a good amount of age, you don't need to let them sit in your humidor for a long time before they are in the zone. Smoke them now. They are in the zone now. You will be pleased with the refined, smooth, flavorful, intense, complex, and rich flavors that only improve as the burn progresses.