I rate this cigar at 97. FIRST THIRD Starts off with a bit of pepper with a chewy meatiness and sweetness. White pepper on the retrohale. The burn line is slow with slight wave. I get some cedar and earth undertones. Some moist earthiness, peppercorns, and slightly peppery flavor join in. Chocolate and cinnamon undertones. There was nice balance to the flavoring with undercurrents of leather and creamy notes. A touch of salt, and a caramel notes come into play. The chocolate becomes the primary note. Construction is great, the draw is smooth, creamy and chewy and the burn line generally even and is thick. Ash holds and looks like stack of nickels. Flavor and body sit between medium-plus and medium-full, while strength is medium but seemingly building. Great smoke so far! SECOND THIRD The cigar stays pretty much right where it is, consistently enjoyable. During the second third a touch of sweetness joins the flavor profile. The earthy quality of the flavor profile remains strongest. The retohale remains smooth and very lightly peppery with a hint of chocolate. The ash remains solid and the burn is perfect. It’s a solid medium-plus in flavor with a juicy, meaty base. Flavor profile is medium-full. Smoke is medium-full, creamy and smooth. Construction is flawless. Clean finish with no bitterness. One of the most enjoyable smokes I have had. Smooth, flavorful and complex. FINAL THIRD A bright mix of black pepper with peppercorn. A rich earthiness comes into play. There is also some citrus in the background along with traces of chocolate and nut. In the final inch or so, there’s a bit more smokiness from the flavor, giving it a stronger and flavorful profile. Complexity of flavors is excellent. The ash is thick and chunky. Smoke texture is creamy and full. The cigar finishes up very close to full bodied, if not outright full bodied. Strength is also close to full. Construction remains very good if not near perfect. Clean finish. Very smooth and enjoyable. Smoke pours out of this cigar. Worth every penny of this $20 cigar.
