So I finally got a chance to smoke one after winning a set on Cigar Bid. They came in the mail today along with a few other winnings.
I knew when I first opened the box to put them in the humidor that their might be trouble. They all seemed a bit dry. After putting them in the humidor I pulled out a Pepin Black to smoke tonight. It was dry enough that the label moved pretty easily and I could easily slide it off. If I wasn't so psyched about smoking it I would have been smart and left in the humidor to get back up to the right moisture. But I didn't...I pulled a bottle of a nice Campus Oaks Old Vine Zin, clipped the foot, and headed out on to the deck. It lit pretty normally but the smoke was a bit harsh at the beginning. It got better further into it. A stronger fuller body with a peppery spice and wood tones. Occasionally hints of an almost sweet chocolately flavor. No question i'll let the others sit longer to get back to where they should be. I was hoping to give this cigar my first 5 star rating, but given its dryness i'll have to keep it at a 4 star. I'll try another one after a week or so and re-evaluate it then.
-Paul