Given the low, low, LOW price of these cigars, I was ready to be underwhelmed. I was wrong to be so quick to judge based upon price alone. I've paid three times ...
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Given the low, low, LOW price of these cigars, I was ready to be underwhelmed. I was wrong to be so quick to judge based upon price alone. I've paid three times as much, for far inferior smokes than this.
The initial (pre-smoking) impression is one of a roughly made piece. And certainly, these cigars win no prizes in the beauty stakes. 'Rough and ready' is a phrase which springs easily to mind. A vieny wrapper, dark and slightly mottled. Slightly uneven at the least, and not at all waxy or oily. But firmly packed with what look to be quality leaves, rather than the floor-sweepings one might expect at this price point. But despite the tight construction, the draw, once cut, is surprisingly easy.
An easy light gives way to a slow and even burn. The initial 'barnyard' aroma and taste is gone within a minute or two, thankfully. Then comes a flavour of amazingly deep complexity. Earthy and savoury, like roasted flat mushrooms, yet at the same time sweet and chocolatey. The vaguest hint of vanilla, and spice. Rich, creamy and mouth filling. The smoke billows thick, white and curly as Moses' beard. The firm ash is surprisingly light in colour, almost white.
As the cigar burns slowly through, it remains cool and firm, never stodgy, soft or gooey.
The flavour and aroma just keep on getting better. Richer. Deeper. And not a hint of bitterness.
If it weren't for the fact that I want to sample so many others, I'd place these babies on standing order, and smoke nothing else.
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