ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZAAABAC
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TimestampReviewerCigar NumberAppearance [Score]Appearance NotesAroma [Score]Aroma Notes1/3 Flavor [Score]1/3 Strength1/3 Body/Complexity1/3 Notes2/3 Flavor [Score]2/3 Strength2/3 Body/Complexity2/3 Notes3/3 Flavor [Score]3/3 Strength3/3 Body/Complexity3/3 NotesDraw [Score]Draw NotesBurn [Score]Burn NotesConstruction ScoreConstruction NotesOverall Experience [Score]Overall NotesSmoking time
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5/3/2016 20:12:20Adam B. (Bushboy)49587.5"Wrapper color on this robusto is on the darker side of milk chocolate. Small imperfection of bunched wrapper about an inch from the foot. Very firm when pinched, with almost no give. Appears to have a well constructed double cap." -Adam B. (Bushboy)87.5"Earth with slightly sweet smell from the foot. Faint dried bean aroma." -Adam B. (Bushboy)87.5MediumMedium"Toasty flavor that is a dull licorice on the front of the tongue and more of an earth and leather aftertaste. Burn will need a touch up soon as one side is developing a run." -Adam B. (Bushboy)87.5MediumLight-Medium"Flavors have not evolved. I am picking up a woodsy cedar flavor that isn't new to the mix, but more prevalent in the second third. Earth and leather. Construction is admirable." -Adam B. (Bushboy)87.5MediumMedium"Flavor stayed uniform throughout with very little transition. Not a bad taste, just didn't evolve." -Adam B. (Bushboy)92.5"Perfect resistance. Great smoke output with the right amount of effort required." -Adam B. (Bushboy)95"Had a minor touchup about an inch in, but probably could have done without." -Adam B. (Bushboy)95"Except for the slight bunching of the wrapper noticed pre light, no flaws. Burn was not affected by the minor imperfection." -Adam B. (Bushboy)87.5"Not a bad smoke but a bit on the boring side. Minimal flavor transition left me not craving another. I associate these factors in other cigars I have smoked to very little aging. I assume these cigars are rolled by experienced rollers, but spend very little time from the field to the local brick and mortar. If I had a few more I would definitely let rest for a while to allow flavors to mature." -Adam B. (Bushboy)55
3
5/4/2016 19:50:16Matt C. (Big Matt)49590"This is a gorgeous looking robusto sporting a nice looking cap and 3 seams, there is a small hole in the wrapper about an inch up from the band, however I do not think it will become a problem. The cigar has a nice oily sheen to it. Not getting much aroma from the cigar but at the foot you’ll faintly find cinnamon and nutmeg notes. Neither of these notes can be found on the cold draw besides fermented tobacco. This is a vitola that I love and reach for regularly." -Matt C. (Big Matt)92.5"Prelight there was not much aroma at all, however post light a light floral aroma covered the whole yard with no breeze." -Matt C. (Big Matt)92.5Mild-MediumMedium"The first thing I notice is the amount of white pepper on the retrohale along with a strong mushroom note. Nuts, light cream and a slight cedar note dominate the exhale. The finish is not neither too short or too long; but in the optimal range and it reminds me of the cinnamon and nutmeg notes I picked up on the prelight draw. Draw, construction, and combustion is spot on minus the small hole in the wrapper which has turned into a small crack however it doesn’t hurt the smoking experience. This cigar isn’t a boatload of flavors and complexity, but the flavors that are there are very good. Mild/Med." -Matt C. (Big Matt)92.5MediumMedium"At the start of the second third white pepper is dominating the retrohale minus the mushroom note. Cedar, cream, and cinnamon are the dominant flavors on the palate and exhale. This is a cigar that if you don’t retrohale you will lose a lot of the flavors. Citrus and a lemon zest are now coupling with the cedar and cream on the palate. Med." -Matt C. (Big Matt)92.5MediumMedium"Starting with the final third this cigar remains to be very enjoyable with the cedar leading the pack with cinnamon, cream, and nuts and light citrus notes closing in. I put the cigar down with less than an inch left to go. Med." -Matt C. (Big Matt)92.5"Draw was optimal throughout the entire experience. I barely nicked the cap and it offered up the perfect draw." -Matt C. (Big Matt)90"This cigar required zero touchups after lighting, even with the small crack developed in the first third. Ash was gorgeous and held on for well over an inch with an almost razor sharp combustion line." -Matt C. (Big Matt)90"Overall the construction of this cigar was very good and required zero maintenance." -Matt C. (Big Matt)92.5"93. This was an excellent experience and I will definitely be picking up more of these cigars if they are still available. The robusto provided just the right amount of time at 70 minutes for me to really sit back and enjoy this cigar. I would recommend smoking this cigar in solitude with nothing more than ice water to cleanse the palate as you may miss out on some of the highly subtle nuances such as the citrus and nuts. I really don’t like to say this but this cigar had a very Cubanesque profile to it, however the great construction, draw and burn path has me thinking there is no way a Cuban cigar performed this well. I guess time will tell…" -Matt C. (Big Matt)70
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5/4/2016 23:05:20Stefan (Stefan)49590"A smooth, silky wrapper, exhibiting three major veins that aren't protruding, and three minor holes close to the foot which reveal the binder underneath." -Stefan (Stefan)90"Aroma of tea tree oil, summer sausages, fresh American oak, and menthol." -Stefan (Stefan)90MediumLight-Medium"Starts off relatively thin on flavor, then it builds momentum around the first third's midpoint, with white pepper notes and smoky, peaty notes that linger through the long finish. Some creaminess then emerges during the second half. By the end of the first third the smoke reaches a perfect balance of creamy and smoky flavors with a touch of savory notes in the background." -Stefan (Stefan)92.5Mild-MediumLight-Medium"The second third reintroduces the white pepper notes from the beginning of the smoke, which are joined by additional spices (nutmeg, allspice, etc.). The smoke exhibits a great balance of flavors of cream, smoke, and spice respectively." -Stefan (Stefan)90MediumLight"The last third shifts to a flavor profile of coffee and cream. Turns medium-strong at the nub with notes of cream, tobacco, white pepper, and licorice." -Stefan (Stefan)90"No problems with drawing through a full cut." -Stefan (Stefan)87.5"Steady, even burn, with very short ashes. Went out on me twice when not tending to it for 4+ minutes." -Stefan (Stefan)92.5"Excellent construction overall." -Stefan (Stefan)90"A crowd-pleasing, medium strength smoke exhibiting outstanding balance of cream and spice flavors." -Stefan (Stefan)83
5
5/6/2016 23:30:45Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)49592.5"This is a classic looking cigar sporting a light, gritty feeling wrapper that is uniform in color and has minimal veining and easy to miss seams. It doesn't particularly stand out in any aspect, but there is very little to critique either." -Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)92.5"This cigar has a light tobacco and baking spice aroma. The scents are faint, and I need to deliberately concentrate to detect anything beyond simple tobacco." -Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)87.5Mild-MediumLight-Medium"The initial flavors of this cigar were faint cream and a bit of cashew. On the back of the first puffs was a slightly acrid tanginess that was metallic on the back of my palate and made me thirsty. After the first inch, the metallic notes smoothed out and the primary flavors were creamy cashew. The smoke was quite oily, and thoroughly coated my palate." -Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)92.5MediumMedium"The second portion of this cigar has very gradually increased in strength while remaining relatively mellow in the flavor department. The primary notes remain cashew and cream, however there is a sweetness now and then that reminds me a little of heavy whipping cream. This cigar would go beautifully with a cup of cream laced coffee and the newspaper!" -Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)92.5Mild-MediumMedium"Much of the same as the cigar draws to a close, and no complaints from me. This is quite possibly the creamiest and oiliest cigar that I have smoked in the last several months. A variety of creamy nut flavors, coupled with heavy whipping cream from start to finish. One thing to note is that this is a very easy cigar to retrohale. No pepper at all, and and a delicious salty note through the nose...almost like salted peanuts. Really pretty enjoyable, and would be an awesome start to any day." -Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)92.5"This cigar had a slightly restricted draw but it was not problematic as there was plenty of oily smoke to coat my palate. Fortunately, as I drew near the nub, the draw opened and allowed me to control the rate of burn to my satisfaction." -Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)92.5"Although the draw was a bit restricted, the burn was not problematic at all. The cigar required no re-lights or touch ups but did burn a bit erratically and never ventured near razor sharp." -Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)92.5"Other than the slightly restricted draw, this cigar was constructed quite well. The ash was firm, and the rate of burn very acceptable." -Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)92.5"This cigar was a bit of a surprise, given the very mild beginning. I'm not really a fan of mild cigars but the cream and salty peanut/cashew notes were interesting and something I would recommend to anyone to begin their day, or practice retrohaling...really quite enjoyable and an easy to enjoy experience. If you're looking for an easy morning cigar, then this is for you." -Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)55
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5/7/2016 8:47:40Dave W. (mdwest)49582.5"Not a pretty or symmetrical cigar at all. The wrapper is toothy and veiny and has tight seams, but the foot is cut unevenly, and the cigar isn't really round. It has a flat spot that runs down almost the entire length of once side. Honestly I'm kind of surprised this one made it past the QC checks at the factory." -Dave W. (mdwest)87.5"A strong aroma of grass and wood comes off the foot." -Dave W. (mdwest)87.5MediumMedium"Like the aroma, the flavor is mostly grass and wood." -Dave W. (mdwest)87.5MediumMedium"Flavors remain the same in the second third with cigar producing mostly dry wood and grass type notes." -Dave W. (mdwest)87.5MediumMedium"The final third presents more of what the first and second thirds did with notes of grass and wood, although there was a slight transition where the wood began to fade toward the end and the grass seemed to come on a little stronger." -Dave W. (mdwest)85"The draw was noticeably tight on this cigar. Manageable, but distracting." -Dave W. (mdwest)90"The burn line was never perfect, but it also never required any touch ups and continued to self correct from beginning to end. The ash produced was tight and held on extremely well." -Dave W. (mdwest)82.5"As stated earlier, I was actually a little surprised this cigar made it out of the factory based on its outward appearance and some pretty obvious construction flaws. Those combined with the tight draw resulted in a subpar rating in overall construction." -Dave W. (mdwest)85"Overall not a bad cigar. Just nothing to write home about in my opinion. Flavors were decent, and performance was ok, but nothing about it wowed me or made me want to try another. Price would likely drive my decision to smoke again. If affordable it might make a decent cigar to knock around the yard with. If on the expensive side, for me there are probably better options available." -Dave W. (mdwest)73
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Real Average88.5090.0089.004.704.7090.505.104.7090.005.104.7090.5091.0090.5089.5067.20
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Standard Deviation3.792.502.241.101.102.740.891.102.500.891.793.262.854.813.2612.13
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Lower83.7686.8886.203.333.3387.083.983.3386.883.982.4686.4387.4484.4985.4352.03
15
Upper93.2493.1391.806.076.0793.926.226.0793.136.226.9494.5794.5696.5193.5782.37
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Adam B. (Bushboy)87.587.587.55.55.587.55.53.587.55.55.592.5FALSE9587.555
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Matt C. (Big Matt)9092.5FALSE3.55.592.55.55.592.55.55.592.5909092.570
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Stefan (Stefan)9090905.53.592.5FALSE3.5905.5FALSE9087.592.590FALSE
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Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)92.592.587.53.53.592.55.55.592.5FALSE5.592.592.592.592.555
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Dave W. (mdwest)FALSE87.587.55.55.587.55.55.587.55.55.5FALSE90FALSEFALSE73
26
Adjusted Average90.0090.0088.134.704.7090.505.504.7090.005.505.5091.8890.0092.5090.6363.25
27
Weight10510101010101025100
28
Score9.004.508.819.059.009.199.009.2522.6690.46
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Overall Strength5.23
30
Overall Body4.97
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Total Score90.46
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Initial ImpressionsBlind Cigar Review: Total Flame | Nicaragua 2013 Robusto
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Appearance:90Vital Stats:
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Aroma:90Vitola:Robusto
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First ThirdLength:5"
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Flavor:88Ring Gauge:50
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Strength:MediumCountry of Origin:Nicaragua
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Body/Complexity:MediumWrapper:Honduran Connecticut
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Second ThirdBinder:Mexico
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Flavor:91Filler:Nicaragua & Mexico
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Strength:MediumFactory:La Aurora
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Body/Complexity:MediumBlender:Undisclosed
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Final ThirdNumber of reviewers:5 - Adam B. (Bushboy)Matt C. (Big Matt)Stefan (Stefan)Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)Dave W. (mdwest)
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Flavor:90Price:$5.00
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Strength:MediumAge:3 Months
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Body/Complexity:MediumRelease Date:2014
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Overall ImpressionsContributed by:Total Flame Cigars
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Draw:92
59
Burn:90
60
Construction:93
61
Overall Strength:Medium
62
Overall Body/Complexity:Medium
63
Overall Experience:91
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Smoking Time (in minutes):63
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Total Score:90
66
5/3/2016 20:12:20Adam B. (Bushboy)495GoodWrapper color on this robusto is on the darker side of milk chocolate. Small imperfection of bunched wrapper about an inch from the foot. Very firm when pinched, with almost no give. Appears to have a well constructed double cap.GoodEarth with slightly sweet smell from the foot. Faint dried bean aroma.GoodMediumMediumToasty flavor that is a dull licorice on the front of the tongue and more of an earth and leather aftertaste. Burn will need a touch up soon as one side is developing a run.GoodMediumLight-MediumFlavors have not evolved. I am picking up a woodsy cedar flavor that isn't new to the mix, but more prevalent in the second third. Earth and leather. Construction is admirable.GoodMediumMediumFlavor stayed uniform throughout with very little transition. Not a bad taste, just didn't evolve.ExcellentPerfect resistance. Great smoke output with the right amount of effort required.GreatHad a minor touchup about an inch in, but probably could have done without.GreatExcept for the slight bunching of the wrapper noticed pre light, no flaws. Burn was not affected by the minor imperfection.GoodNot a bad smoke but a bit on the boring side. Minimal flavor transition left me not craving another. I associate these factors in other cigars I have smoked to very little aging. I assume these cigars are rolled by experienced rollers, but spend very little time from the field to the local brick and mortar. If I had a few more I would definitely let rest for a while to allow flavors to mature.55
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5/4/2016 19:50:16Matt C. (Big Matt)495Very GoodThis is a gorgeous looking robusto sporting a nice looking cap and 3 seams, there is a small hole in the wrapper about an inch up from the band, however I do not think it will become a problem. The cigar has a nice oily sheen to it. Not getting much aroma from the cigar but at the foot you’ll faintly find cinnamon and nutmeg notes. Neither of these notes can be found on the cold draw besides fermented tobacco. This is a vitola that I love and reach for regularly.ExcellentPrelight there was not much aroma at all, however post light a light floral aroma covered the whole yard with no breeze.ExcellentMild-MediumMediumThe first thing I notice is the amount of white pepper on the retrohale along with a strong mushroom note. Nuts, light cream and a slight cedar note dominate the exhale. The finish is not neither too short or too long; but in the optimal range and it reminds me of the cinnamon and nutmeg notes I picked up on the prelight draw. Draw, construction, and combustion is spot on minus the small hole in the wrapper which has turned into a small crack however it doesn’t hurt the smoking experience. This cigar isn’t a boatload of flavors and complexity, but the flavors that are there are very good. Mild/Med.ExcellentMediumMediumAt the start of the second third white pepper is dominating the retrohale minus the mushroom note. Cedar, cream, and cinnamon are the dominant flavors on the palate and exhale. This is a cigar that if you don’t retrohale you will lose a lot of the flavors. Citrus and a lemon zest are now coupling with the cedar and cream on the palate. Med.ExcellentMediumMediumStarting with the final third this cigar remains to be very enjoyable with the cedar leading the pack with cinnamon, cream, and nuts and light citrus notes closing in. I put the cigar down with less than an inch left to go. Med.ExcellentDraw was optimal throughout the entire experience. I barely nicked the cap and it offered up the perfect draw.Very GoodThis cigar required zero touchups after lighting, even with the small crack developed in the first third. Ash was gorgeous and held on for well over an inch with an almost razor sharp combustion line.Very GoodOverall the construction of this cigar was very good and required zero maintenance.Excellent93. This was an excellent experience and I will definitely be picking up more of these cigars if they are still available. The robusto provided just the right amount of time at 70 minutes for me to really sit back and enjoy this cigar. I would recommend smoking this cigar in solitude with nothing more than ice water to cleanse the palate as you may miss out on some of the highly subtle nuances such as the citrus and nuts. I really don’t like to say this but this cigar had a very Cubanesque profile to it, however the great construction, draw and burn path has me thinking there is no way a Cuban cigar performed this well. I guess time will tell…70
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5/4/2016 23:05:20Stefan (Stefan)495Very GoodA smooth, silky wrapper, exhibiting three major veins that aren't protruding, and three minor holes close to the foot which reveal the binder underneath.Very GoodAroma of tea tree oil, summer sausages, fresh American oak, and menthol.Very GoodMediumLight-MediumStarts off relatively thin on flavor, then it builds momentum around the first third's midpoint, with white pepper notes and smoky, peaty notes that linger through the long finish. Some creaminess then emerges during the second half. By the end of the first third the smoke reaches a perfect balance of creamy and smoky flavors with a touch of savory notes in the background.ExcellentMild-MediumLight-MediumThe second third reintroduces the white pepper notes from the beginning of the smoke, which are joined by additional spices (nutmeg, allspice, etc.). The smoke exhibits a great balance of flavors of cream, smoke, and spice respectively.Very GoodMediumLightThe last third shifts to a flavor profile of coffee and cream. Turns medium-strong at the nub with notes of cream, tobacco, white pepper, and licorice.Very GoodNo problems with drawing through a full cut.GoodSteady, even burn, with very short ashes. Went out on me twice when not tending to it for 4+ minutes.ExcellentExcellent construction overall.Very GoodA crowd-pleasing, medium strength smoke exhibiting outstanding balance of cream and spice flavors.83
69
5/6/2016 23:30:45Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)495ExcellentThis is a classic looking cigar sporting a light, gritty feeling wrapper that is uniform in color and has minimal veining and easy to miss seams. It doesn't particularly stand out in any aspect, but there is very little to critique either.ExcellentThis cigar has a light tobacco and baking spice aroma. The scents are faint, and I need to deliberately concentrate to detect anything beyond simple tobacco.GoodMild-MediumLight-MediumThe initial flavors of this cigar were faint cream and a bit of cashew. On the back of the first puffs was a slightly acrid tanginess that was metallic on the back of my palate and made me thirsty. After the first inch, the metallic notes smoothed out and the primary flavors were creamy cashew. The smoke was quite oily, and thoroughly coated my palate.ExcellentMediumMediumThe second portion of this cigar has very gradually increased in strength while remaining relatively mellow in the flavor department. The primary notes remain cashew and cream, however there is a sweetness now and then that reminds me a little of heavy whipping cream. This cigar would go beautifully with a cup of cream laced coffee and the newspaper!ExcellentMild-MediumMediumMuch of the same as the cigar draws to a close, and no complaints from me. This is quite possibly the creamiest and oiliest cigar that I have smoked in the last several months. A variety of creamy nut flavors, coupled with heavy whipping cream from start to finish. One thing to note is that this is a very easy cigar to retrohale. No pepper at all, and and a delicious salty note through the nose...almost like salted peanuts. Really pretty enjoyable, and would be an awesome start to any day.ExcellentThis cigar had a slightly restricted draw but it was not problematic as there was plenty of oily smoke to coat my palate. Fortunately, as I drew near the nub, the draw opened and allowed me to control the rate of burn to my satisfaction.ExcellentAlthough the draw was a bit restricted, the burn was not problematic at all. The cigar required no re-lights or touch ups but did burn a bit erratically and never ventured near razor sharp.ExcellentOther than the slightly restricted draw, this cigar was constructed quite well. The ash was firm, and the rate of burn very acceptable.ExcellentThis cigar was a bit of a surprise, given the very mild beginning. I'm not really a fan of mild cigars but the cream and salty peanut/cashew notes were interesting and something I would recommend to anyone to begin their day, or practice retrohaling...really quite enjoyable and an easy to enjoy experience. If you're looking for an easy morning cigar, then this is for you.55
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5/7/2016 8:47:40Dave W. (mdwest)495SubparNot a pretty or symmetrical cigar at all. The wrapper is toothy and veiny and has tight seams, but the foot is cut unevenly, and the cigar isn't really round. It has a flat spot that runs down almost the entire length of once side. Honestly I'm kind of surprised this one made it past the QC checks at the factory.GoodA strong aroma of grass and wood comes off the foot.GoodMediumMediumLike the aroma, the flavor is mostly grass and wood.GoodMediumMediumFlavors remain the same in the second third with cigar producing mostly dry wood and grass type notes.GoodMediumMediumThe final third presents more of what the first and second thirds did with notes of grass and wood, although there was a slight transition where the wood began to fade toward the end and the grass seemed to come on a little stronger.FairThe draw was noticeably tight on this cigar. Manageable, but distracting.Very GoodThe burn line was never perfect, but it also never required any touch ups and continued to self correct from beginning to end. The ash produced was tight and held on extremely well.SubparAs stated earlier, I was actually a little surprised this cigar made it out of the factory based on its outward appearance and some pretty obvious construction flaws. Those combined with the tight draw resulted in a subpar rating in overall construction.FairOverall not a bad cigar. Just nothing to write home about in my opinion. Flavors were decent, and performance was ok, but nothing about it wowed me or made me want to try another. Price would likely drive my decision to smoke again. If affordable it might make a decent cigar to knock around the yard with. If on the expensive side, for me there are probably better options available.73
76
ReviewerAppearanceAroma1/32/33/3DrawBurnConstr.Overall
Experience
77
Adam B. (Bushboy)888888888892959588
78
Matt C. (Big Matt)909292929292909092
79
Stefan (Stefan)909090929090889290
80
Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)929288929292929292
81
Dave W. (mdwest)838888888885908385
82
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83
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84
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85
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86
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87
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