Cigar Geeks - Viaje Honey and Hand Grenades (HHG) The Rapier Maduro

Cigar Geeks Geek Critique

Viaje Honey and Hand Grenades (HHG) The Rapier Maduro
Written by Cigar Geeks Member: Brian (bstessl)

90
Cigar Geeks Rating

Welcome to another Member sponsored Geek Critique. This one has been generously sponsored by our member ninfiction (Brian). The cigar provided for this round is the http://www.cigargeeks.com/cigardb/default.asp?action=showcig&cigar_id=193113">Viaje Honey and Hand Grenades (HHG) The Rapier Maduro. We did a Geek Critique in May 2017 on the original HHG Rapier. So how do you improve upon a classic? You wrap it in a flawless San Andres Maduro wrapper. Viaje's fondness for San Andres is no secret, so when they began experimenting with Honey & Hand Grenades, this beautiful cover leaf was an obvious choice, and became the new HHG Maduro, which began shipping in June 2021.

Viaje Honey and Hand Grenades (HHG) The Rapier Maduro

Brand:: Viaje
Name:: Honey and Hand Grenades (HHG) The Rapier Maduro
Length:: 6.5
Ring Gauge:: 44
Country of Origin:: Nicaragua
Filler:: Nicaragua
Binder:: Nicaragua
Wrapper:: Mexico
Color:: Maduro
Strength:: Medium-Full
Shape:: Figurado
Notes:: https://halfwheel.com/viaje-honey-hand-grenades-maduro-shipping-this-month/393700/

This cigar was enjoyed with Willett Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Pre-Light: 10 Points of 10 Possible

This dark beautiful cigar has a slight oil on the appearance and is very smooth with minimal veins. It cut perfectly with a straight double guillotine. No hard or soft spots detected and a spicy aroma.

Lighting and Burn: 12 Points of 15 Possible

This was lit with a good ole trusty soft flame Bic lighter. A slight wave in the burn line that corrected itself and burned straight the rest of the way. A dark grey ash that's not flaky and holds strong. A light stream of smoke while resting and a good amount while drawing. Had to re-light towards the beginning of the final third.

Construction: 28 Points of 30 Possible

The draw seems to be perfect. Not too loose, not too hard. The cap held nicely and the wrapper has smooth seams that you can barely notice. The ash fell after an inch not including the cone tip. This is a very well constructed cigar.

Flavor and Aroma: 40 Points of 45 Possible

Light and first third - This starts off with a peppery kick and a good amount of nicotine. The retrohale is pretty spicy, but enjoyable.

Second third - the pepper mellows out slightly and its mostly earthy tones of coffee while the retro still holds the spice. Nicotine still holding strong.

Final third - Nicotine calmed down a touch while the retro stayed spicy. The flavor profile didn't change much in the final third with coffee and a slight cedar note.

Summary

Thanks to Ninfiction for including me in this one, It was a very enjoyable full strength smoke with a good flavor profile to back it up. It burned well throughout but I did have a random re-light. Willet paired well with it as well.