OK, so I got the chance to enjoy this stick in the company of my wife. This is pretty rare, and even rarer, she lit up a little vanilla number and actually joined me. Was a good time in the back yard.
Only a soft christmas-light glow in the gazeebo, and only the BlackBerry for photos... they are a trainwreck, but at least I got some. Please forgive the quality. Also, this is my first real review with Pics, so be gentle!!
The Stick: Bolivar Torpedo, 5 &1/2 inches, 52rg
The Cutter: Xikar Xi2 - Black Composite
The Torch: Colibri Firebird Dual Soft Flame
Admiring the beaut, pre-light:
The smell off the unlit tobacco is mild, and a tiny bit sweet. Wrapper is in good shape, this promises to be a good one!
Let's get to smokin'!
The First Third is very leathery, and I am noticing an almost flavored tip effect going on, very strange, but I swear the thing tasted like salt. This lasted throughout on the finish of the smoke, but was most prevalent during the first third. Initially, a very dry smoke, and not tons of smoke coming through. Some other notes coming out early include some cedar-like woodsy notes.
The Second Third is still leathery, but the saltiness and cedar have subsided... in their place is a rich tobacco flavor and a bit of a floral, almost soapy, flavor... not unpleasant. Some slight sweetness.
Construction has proven excellent up to and past this point. Medium draw and excellent burn line throughout.
In the Final Third I detected much grassyness but not a bland or offensive lot of it... getting some nuttiness, as well as a bit of a "kick" in the spice department.
One hour and 23 minutes total burn time.
Overall, a very decent stick. The flavors evolved and changed right on que at the "thirds." I was excited to try this stick as I have limited CC experience. This was one of only a few in the Wineador... I got to share it with my lady, and now, share the experience with all of you.
Brooks - Great thread idea... how about an annual tradition?
Moro - What stick did I smoke?
Cheers.