Vital Stats:
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.
Vitola: Robusto
Length: 5″
Ring Gauge: 50
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Habano
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: El Rey de los Habanos
Blender: Pete Johnson / Don Pepin Garcia
Number of reviewers: 5 —– Ron (shuckins) Craig (WyldKnyght) Brian (B-daddy) Derek (lilninjabuddy) Ian (Sp@rky426)
Price: $5.50
Contributed by: Cannon (Stogie Friends)
Initial Impressions
Appearance: 91
“Appearance is classic, if not beautiful. Perfectly round, nice triple cap, veiny, but veins are relatively flat. Little to no tooth, and a uniform mocha leather color wrapper.” –Derek (lilninjabuddy)
Aroma: 90
“I’m getting hay and straw with some tea leaves mixed in.” –Ian (Sp@rky426)
Construction: 92
“Very firm solid feel. Appears to be well rolled and built for smoking.” –Ron (shuckins)
First Third
Flavor: 91
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium
“Starts out with huge volumes of smoke. Right up front – PEPPER. Some dark cherry sweetness and leather on the draw and pepper on the finish. Wow, great start. Pepper subsides towards the end of the first third. Leather and rich tobacco become the dominant flavors.” –Brian (B-daddy)
“This cigar started out with lots of spice and woody/earthy flavor. The spice mellowed out right away. There was some medium smoke that was creamy and smooth. The burn was even and the draw was good.” –Craig (WyldKnyght)
Second Third
Flavor: 91
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
“Entering the second third, the primary flavors are wood, leather and warm baking spices. The smoke remains very creamy. The burn begins to wander, but a quick touch up, and it’s back to razor straight. Draw remains firm, but not overly tight. So far, I’m really enjoying this stick.” –Derek (lilninjabuddy)
“Little more cedar flavor, along with light coffee, a hint of leather and nutmeg tasting tobacco that’s trying to get creamy.” –Ron (shuckins)
Final Third
Flavor: 90
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium
“Some wood notes in the final third; like the smell of the inside of a bourbon barrel. Still taste the leather and rich tobacco core and no bitterness all the way to the end. The last third is a little uneventful but very enjoyable nonetheless.” –Brian (B-daddy)
“Stayed consistent with the same flavors all the way through. Bitterness picked up a bit.” –Ian (Sp@rky426)
Overall Impressions
Draw: 92
“Absolutely nothing wrong with the draw, good and consistent from start to finish.” –Craig (WyldKnyght)
Burn: 89
“Pretty near perfect. Razor sharp burn line. Long ash. Huge smoke volumes.” –Brian (B-daddy)
Overall Experience: 90
Overall Strength: Medium
Overall Body: Medium-Full
“I enjoyed this cigar and would smoke it again, but would like to pair it with a good root beer to see if it could bring out some flavors that I think were hiding.” –Ron (shuckins)
“Overall this was a great smoke that I really enjoyed. This cigar was definitely in my favorite profile. I cannot wait to find out what it was.” –Craig (WyldKnyght)
“I enjoyed this cigar. I found it “easy” to smoke and interesting. I’ll take another, please.” –Brian (B-daddy)
“This is not the kind of cigar I’d ordinarily choose. The ligero kick with the light wrapper is just not really my thing. However, this one took that general profile toned it way down and cranked up the creamy smoke, chocolate, wood and nuts, and that balance made the cigar. I’d definitely smoke one of these again if the mood struck me. Recommended for fans of the Cain who want something a little less aggressive, or for fans of lighter shades who want something more powerful.” –Derek (lilninjabuddy)
“Nice mild medium stick with no spice; if it’s under the $5 mark it would be something I would smoke again.” –Ian (Sp@rky426)
Smoking Time (in minutes): 72
Total Score: 90 (Very good)
Link to full scores and notes: Full Notes