“Smoking cigars is like falling in love. First, you are attracted by its shape; you stay for its flavor, and you must always remember never, never to let the flame go out!”
Welcome to another Member sponsored Geek Critique. This one has been generously sponsored by our member klamm143 (Kevin). The cigar provided for this round is the http://www.cigargeeks.com/cigardb/default.asp?action=showcig&cigar_id=192083">Henry Clay War Hawk Rebellious LE Toro. The Henry Clay War Hawk Rebellious seeks to turn the attention back towards its namesake, honoring the fighting spirit that the former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives became known. (Henry Clay was a staunch U.S. nationalist that became a leading voice among a faction of Congress known as "War Hawks," signifying their desire for war with the United Kingdom (War of 1812) as an ultimate resolution of conflict.) This cigar is aptly named, as it is a bit rebellious in going against its own tradition by not using a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper – as do most other Henry Clay brands. The Rebellious LE is the second release in the Warhawk series and is expertly rolled at AJ's prestigious Tabacalera Fernandez factory in Nicaragua with a rare vintage 12-year old Nicaraguan Habano wrapper paired with the finest aged Nicaraguan binder and long filler tobaccos. Limited release of a single size in 1,200 boxes.
Beautiful caramel color with a nice oily sheen to it. Solid feel throughout with a view veins. Upon using the guillotine cutter I noticed notes of chocolate at the end, the reminder reminded me of being on a farm. Prelight draw I could taste notes of cocoa and caramel.
Lighting and Burn: 15 Points of 15 Possible
One light is all it took for me to finish this in about 90 mins. Right off the bat I really enjoyed the amount of smoke the cigar produced at first light and throughout the entire smoke. Burn was razor sharp for about 90% only got wavy for a little bit during the 2nd third. Ash was never solid which wasn't much of a worry considering the one light and no need for touch ups.
Construction: 29 Points of 30 Possible
Cap held solid through out the entire smoke. Draw was perfect no need to strain or felt to airy. Wrapper held up great as well. With the veins I was a little concerned but held up great. No unraveling no runs just a great burn.
Flavor and Aroma: 25 Points of 45 Possible
1st third, cigar started off a little harsh on the back of throat. Cigar was bland maybe hints of oak. Ash broke off quickly. Strength was very robust to start off.
2nd third, flavor continued to be bland with hints of wood and grass. After taste reminded me of caramel and cocoa just couldn't taste that in the smoke. Cigar mellowed out with the harshness from first 3rd.
3rd third, continued hints of wood, grass, caramel, continued bellowing smoke but started to get harsh again near the tail end. Strength was strong throughout.
Summary
Kevin thanks so much for providing the cigar for the critique. Bruce thanks for helping getting this set up.
Cigar is beautiful in color and sheen. Construction was one of the best I have ever smoked. One light is all it took. Razor sharp burn never had to even think of a touch up. Surprise strength in the cigar. My issues were I didn't feel there was a lot of flavor and unfortunately fairly bland for my liking. Lots of smoke throughout which I love just no flavor to back it up.