Welcome to another Member sponsored Geek Critique. This one has been generously sponsored by our member nickthafish (Nick). The cigar provided for this round is the http://www.cigargeeks.com/cigardb/default.asp?action=showcig&cigar_id=158165">Southern Draw Cigars Rose of Sharon Lancero. Hand crafted in Esteli, Nicaragua – The Rose of Sharon embraces a unique blend. The natural cloud cover of Ecuador has supplied us with a prized wrapper, a velvety feel, gentle sweetness and a toasty burn, our beloved Nicaragua has gifted us with rich and elegant binder and filler tobaccos while the distinct Piloto Cubano of the Dominican Republic adds a dose of boldness and spice that allows this blend live up to its moniker: "She don't know she's beautiful!"
This is a very attractive lancero that is sporting a light brown, silky smooth wrapper leaf with no veins and practically invisible seams. All aspects of construction appear spot on from head to foot, including the gentle box press.
The aroma is lightly spicy and inviting.
Lighting and Burn: 13 Points of 15 Possible
This was a very slow and cool burning lancero, which is a must to ensure cool and flavorful smoke. The burn from initial light to ash out was just about perfect and needed no special attention.
The ash was remarkable as well, dropping off in solid one inch chunks as I rested the cigar in the ashtray.
Construction: 27 Points of 30 Possible
This was a well constructed cigar, from cap to foot, and from the first puff to the last puff.
First off, the initial inspection revealed a nice looking cigar with a light brown wrapper offset by an ornate black, gold, and rose set of bands. The foot is closed, and the cap is finished with a pigtail twist.
The cap cut easily and the foot quickly lit, giving heavy volumes of flavorful smoke. Throughout the smoke the cap maintained its integrity, even through significant chomping, and the wrapper showed no evidence of unraveling.
The draw was excellent as well, giving just a hint of resistance which helped me keep the smoke cool and enjoyable.
Flavor and Aroma: 40 Points of 45 Possible
This cigar started off with a spicy blast of pepper, quickly settling into a creamy cashew in the front and a finish of soft white pepper. Through the nose the smoke was sharply spicy and left my sinuses tingling.
Into the second portion was almost a mirror of the first with oily and creamy cashew in the front with just a hint of pepper on the finish. Each puff faded quickly and left my palate clean and fresh. Through the nose, surprisingly, the smoke is sharp and loaded with eye watering black pepper.
The final portion of this sample has the creamy cashew dominating completely with the white pepper fading entirely. One benefit of this is my palate is being thoroughly coated by the creamy oils and the cashew flavor lasting through each puff. Through the nose the sharp pepper has decreased a bit and isn't drawing tears with each retrohale.
Summary
This was a very nice mostly medium bodied cigar that will fit nicely into a lot of smokers rotation. I can see this as enjoyable in the morning with some coffee as well as at the end of the day with a pour of nice whiskey.
Thanks, Nick, for the chance to enjoy and review this excellent cigar!