This is a trendy brand made in the Dominican Republic. The wrapper is from Connecticut and the filler is made of Brazilian and Dominican tobaccos. I selected a maduro toro for $5.00. The length is 6 1/2 inches and the ring size is 46.There are two special things about this cigar, the Connecticut shade wrapper and the 18 year aged Dominican tobacco filler.
The Connecticut shade wrapper has become rather popular lately as darker bolder cigars seem to be the trendier thing. It is made from a leaf actually grown in the shade, more specifically underneath tents that protect it from direct sunlight. This careful method causes the leaves to turn to their deep brown color and also leaves them with their oily shiny appearance, rather than dried out from the sun. Even more interestingly is the fact that the shade leafs only seem to turn the perfect color and produce their spicy flavor just right when grown in this specific area of Connecticut. It's been tried everywhere, even Cuba. It simply cannot be replicated. I'm not making this up.
Next is the Dominican Olor tobacco filler that has been aged for 18 years. I'm glad someone did it because I certainly wouldn't have the patience. When cigars are aged, even for just 6 months to a year, they mature and unlock new flavors. Theoretically, a tobacco filler that was harvested 18 years ago, should certainly be an experience.
The look of the cigar is one of its biggest draws. It's deep dark brown with a wrapper so oily that it shines. This one has a few noticeable veins running down it but it's still a great looking stick.
It cuts very nicely. I was able to just cleanly shave a little off the end. It also lights very easily and immediately has a very nice aroma.
Another great factor about this cigar is it's draw. Very easy, smooth, and full even though it has only started to burn.
The burn is decent although it does need a little help along the way. I even had to relight it once which is my 2nd biggest peeve of cigars (hopefully we wont have to address the 1st anytime soon) but I'll restrain myself from deducting too many points for that as sometimes its just the case of the individual cigar. The ash, a medium grey, stays on for about an inch at a time.
The smoke starts off with a bang. Its a bold taste with a full mouth of smoke and creamy but bitter textures. It gets progressively creamier throughout the first part. There are also easily detectable traces of pepper. However, the dominant flavor of this cigar is definitely coffee.
One draw back I notice as I get into the middle of the smoke is a strong nicotine presence. Normally this doesn't bother me. In my opinion, a nicotine taste can add to the overall flavor of the cigar in the same way that a strong alcohol flavor can be a good thing for an Imperial Stout. However, as I smoke this cigar, I swear there is a faint hint of vanilla trying to come out, but it's being overpowered by the nicotine. I little more balance overall would turn this smoke from good to great.
As I get towards the end, the creamy flavors fade away as the smoke gets quite spicy tastes of cedar emerge. Dark coffee still remains the prominent flavor here.
The last part is quite good. I really enjoy it. There is no burning in my mouth as the cigar is not overly heated. This allows me to concentrate on the very bold spicy peppery ending. This powerful flavor was definitely saved for last. Pepper is just consuming the taste buds and even now overpowers the coffee.
Overall, a very enjoyable medium-full bodied smoke. I've heard the churchill suits this filler better with the larger ring so I'll reach for that one next time. Even so, I find the smoke and flavors to be exceptional and greatly attributed to the unique wrapper. This one is definitely worth another try.
Overall Rating: 88
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