This is the softest one in the box, chosen more to get rid of it than anything else, but also to see what this cigat at it's worst will be like. This sample has a very soft spot near the head which extends al the way under the band. VERY worrisome. It cuts fine, revealing a yin/yang twist of what could be dark ligero and pre-light draws up a jolt of spice alot like an equadorian wrapper imparts to the lips. I can put to rest the theories of some at CA that it might not be authentic, as the cuban classic flavor is there from the first draw. A bit of soft cream is there in the tip smoke, burning to a gray nipple of ash. The first 1/4 inch just imparted a little green apple flavor, too. The draw is a bit easy, the firm yet empty pull that bears no explanation. The smoke is medium bodied with a toasty coffee flavor, but full flavored in that it has a nice, potent dash of spice. At the shoulder of the perfecto tip, it is apparent that this is not yet an intimidating smoke, but who knows what surprises are blended in for later. Now into the body of the smoke, there is no problem getting a mouth full of smoke with the smallest draw .This may help in keeping it cool and smoking it down pretty far. The burn is not straight, but scalloped like the bottom of a OpusX band. As it burns, I am struck by how beautiful this cigar is while smoking. What a great shape. There are 4 layers of twist in the wrapper as it winds up to the head. It is a nice colorado, with a delicate amount of oils. My impression is that this cigar is too young by a year. It is tingling my tongue, something I had yet to experience. It is not quite bitter, but seems a bit unbalanced. Still nicely creamy at 1 inch gone, but wild and untamed. A blast of leather as we go along, echoed in the aroma. I also think that we are heading for some power that I only hope I can handle. The burn is tough in that it's hard to keep the cigar lit without heating it up. The smoke production is down now as well. Still tangy and harsh, but just bare notes of vanilla and cream to make it OK. I think that these notes may come full on when the cigar has another year or so in the box. At two inches gone, some pepper has come on, but the cigar has gone out twice in less than 1/2 inch. She is not performing like a 22 dollar cigar, and not satisfying like one either. Of course, my expectations were low for this one at this age and this construction. I will not judge the vitola by this one, surely. This cigar was just for me. Make no mistake, this is a strong cigar. At less than a year old there is nothing subtle about it with three inches gone. The only other cigar I have smoked with this much raw power was the RyJ EL robusto. This one has little of that EL's nuances at this stage. Near halfway, the wrapper has inexplicably split. I can only imagine that there was just too much moisture in this soft, spongy sample. The flavor has gone south as too much puffing was needed to keep her going. With three inches to go, I am going to cut her open. I would recommend this vitola only for those who intend to keep them buried for a long time, or those who are just gluttons for punishment. This may be a fine cigar one day, just not today. Still, I learned what I needed to know, so it served it's purpose.
Before surgery, an odd chocolate taste crept in, I say odd because it was not the same as the tarry chocolate taste that comes on when a cigar is past it's prime This flavor saved her from the knife at 3 inches left, but now at 2 inches, she is done. A 6 out of 10 (Likely to improve dramatically, buy to hold.)
KinnickKinnick
Posts: 634 | Location: New Orleans, LA | Registered: July 01, 2002
I enjoyed a late smoke with my wife and a NYC couple a few days ago.
A fine cigar, beautifully made cigar. Certainly not the most affordable smoke. A discrete complexity that is hard for me describe.
This was my first salamone but I have smoked smaller Cuabas. I find it strange that some have posted that it has a peppery taste. Personally I have never found this at all.
A fine smoke to end a wonderful afternoon and evening with some good friends.
QM Quality does not occur by chance. It is the result of intelligent activities.
Posts: 7145 | Location: Cigar land | Registered: March 10, 2003
