Sorry this one is late, but you all can thank the fires out here and the long days. Was at the fires everyday and was stuck there for almost 10 full days.
Here is my review on #1 and I have not looked at anyone else's review, thus have no idea of what this cigar is, other than it needs a hell of a lot of time to age.
This cigar has a nice, light medium brown wrapper with a well placed cap. The cigar had a nice oily sheen to it. Veining was pronounced on the cigar from head to foot. I noticed two minor cracks on the wrapper, one of which looked as if the wrapper was unraveling. The cigar had a very firm feel to it with no spring to any portion of the cigar.
Pre-light scents of a light spice, minor floral notes and a dry grass. After cutting the cap with my Palio, hints of light white pepper and dry hay were present. The pre-light draw was good, although the cigar was firm.
After toasting the cigar with my Dupont Xtend lighter, I noticed a nice amount of blue-grey smoke emitted. This smoke was thick, which allows for ease of blowing smoke rings. That turned out to be the most fun about this cigar.
First third of this cigar had tastes of light white pepper, earthiness, light dry hay and a mellow sweetness started to develop. The ash was a mottled, flakey white/grey ash, which remained firm. The burn was even, but this cigar would not stay lit. (This cigar was in my humidor at 65%, where it had been resting until I smoked it last night.) Three times I had to re-light this cigar.
The second third kept the light spice, sweetness and light dry hay, as well as a slight hint of espresso. This cigar is definitely less than a year old, as the youngness came through during the first two thirds. The ash remained mottled and lot' of smoke still came through when the cigar was lit. Another four times I had to re-light it.
The final third kept the dry hay, earthiness, but the sweetness disappeared to bring on a sour flavor. The cigar kept going out, so I tossed it in the ashtray with about 2" left. Not worth the trouble or wasting of good lighter fluid. Just was not fun (Not your fault Luke! You did not make it.) This cigar reminded me of a poorly made Montecristo.
Overall, this cigar was just ok. I would love to smoke another one in 3 years to see how it aged. I am not even sure the lighting issue could be fixed with age.
Appearance and pre-light = 12/15
Ash = 8/10
Draw = 7/10
Burn = 6/10 When it was lit!
Smoke = 9/10
Flavour = 12/20
Uniqueness = 7/10
Finish and experience = 10/15
Overall score = 71
Thanks Luke for hosting this!