SurpriseMVP
Mike
I picked it up for a visual inspection. First thing I noticed is a stem sticking out of the foot. Pulled it out and no harm there. The wrapper is dark and smooth, no soft or hard spots on the body and feels pretty good. I gave it a punch and the cold draw resistance is perfect. The flavor of the cold draw is best described as “meh”. It really doesn’t taste like anything. At this point I’m setting the cigar up for failure because in my opinion it’s just too damn big.
Toasted the foot and off we go. BAM! Initials flavors of molasses and cocoa are amazing. The retrohale is smooth as silk. Cigar is Full flavor, but medium in body. I have quickly figured out that it is impossible to put the cigar in your mouth and enjoy drawing on it. Might sound silly, but I just put my lips up to the cigar like I’m kissing it and draw that way. This may not be the best way to describe how I’m drawing on it, but all I can think of. The burn is razor sharp. Draw and flavors stay consistent through the first third.
Second third is right in line with the first. No noticeable changes.
Last third is a beast. For the first time in a long time I can feel the Nic kick. Refilled my water with mango lemonade and walked around a bit to combat the dizziness. The cigar has ramped up to more of a med/full body and the flavors intensify. Now getting strong espresso and wood. The flavor change isn’t a bad one. The sweetness that was in the first two thirds is gone giving way to more intense flavor that is enjoyable.
Final thoughts: I wanted to hate this cigar due to size and price. Quite the opposite happened and I really enjoyed it. I have a few singles left and ponder maybe picking up a few more. Holding in line with the EL program this tastes nothing like a Cohiba, but I’m OK with that. Great change of pace and I enjoy an EL once in a while.
Mike
Toasted the foot and off we go. BAM! Initials flavors of molasses and cocoa are amazing. The retrohale is smooth as silk. Cigar is Full flavor, but medium in body. I have quickly figured out that it is impossible to put the cigar in your mouth and enjoy drawing on it. Might sound silly, but I just put my lips up to the cigar like I’m kissing it and draw that way. This may not be the best way to describe how I’m drawing on it, but all I can think of. The burn is razor sharp. Draw and flavors stay consistent through the first third.
Second third is right in line with the first. No noticeable changes.
Last third is a beast. For the first time in a long time I can feel the Nic kick. Refilled my water with mango lemonade and walked around a bit to combat the dizziness. The cigar has ramped up to more of a med/full body and the flavors intensify. Now getting strong espresso and wood. The flavor change isn’t a bad one. The sweetness that was in the first two thirds is gone giving way to more intense flavor that is enjoyable.
Final thoughts: I wanted to hate this cigar due to size and price. Quite the opposite happened and I really enjoyed it. I have a few singles left and ponder maybe picking up a few more. Holding in line with the EL program this tastes nothing like a Cohiba, but I’m OK with that. Great change of pace and I enjoy an EL once in a while.
Mike
