Cigar Geeks - Foundation Cigar Co. El Gueguense The Wise Man Robusto Maduro

Cigar Geeks Geek Critique

Foundation Cigar Co. El Gueguense The Wise Man Robusto Maduro
Written by Cigar Geeks Member: Brian (ninfiction)

92
Cigar Geeks Rating

Welcome to another Member sponsored Geek Critique generously sponsored by our member appollo (Stephen). This was done as a blind review so there were no pre-concieved notions about what anyone was smoking. The cigar provided for this round is the
Foundation Cigar Co. El Gueguense The Wise Man Robusto Maduro.

The Wise Man Maduro is an extension on the El Güegüense line that adds a whole new layer of complexity via the simple change of wrapping it in a San Andres wrapper. This dark and oily wrapper creates a bolder, fuller bodied cigar that shows off all the greatness of the original in a brand new way.

Foundation Cigar Co. El Gueguense The Wise Man Robusto Maduro

Brand:: Foundation Cigar Co.
Name:: El Gueguense The Wise Man Robusto Maduro
Length:: 5.5
Ring Gauge:: 50
Country of Origin:: Nicaragua
Filler:: Nicaragua
Binder:: Nicaragua
Wrapper:: Mexico
Color:: Maduro
Strength:: Medium-Full
Shape:: Robusto
Average Member Rating:: (1 Review(s))

This cigar was enjoyed with Water

Pre-Light: 9 Points of 10 Possible

The cigar looks and feels dusty. Toothy wrapper is how I might best put it. It has a slight box press to it's shape. The cold draw and aroma don't give up any of it's secrets.

The cigar is firm and the draw is nice. It appears to have a triple cap. I wouldn't saw the wrapper is smooth but it doesn't have any major veins and isn't lumpy. It's an inviting looking cigar.

Lighting and Burn: 14 Points of 15 Possible

I used a punch to open the head of the cigar. The open draw allows for ample smoke volume with each puff. Decently sharp burn line the entire way. Classic salt & pepper ash that held on in 1 inch + sections.

I had one relight just after I dropped an ash and it was only about 1/3 of the burn line that needed a little pick me up. Total burn time was a nice slow and enjoyable 1:40.

Construction: 29 Points of 30 Possible

I smoked the cigar on a night with very high humidity, it was sticky. The cigar performed flawlessly. I thought I was going to have to make excuses for burn issues, relights and just a bunch of problems. None of which were the case.

The cigar felt very well rolled and proved to be just that with an excellent draw and near perfect burn lines. The triple cap stayed put for the entire smoke, usually I'll get a little chunk to come off after I've slobbered all over it.

Flavor and Aroma: 40 Points of 45 Possible

Pepper on the back of the tongue. Earthy wood/mushroom. There is a little sweetness mixed in, like a muted cocoa. It's not right out in your face but is married nicely with the earth and pepper.

Right about the halfway point I picked up a kettle corn/slightly burnt popcorn note. It kind of threw me, I don't think I've ever experienced that before. The pepper has also turned into more of a baking spice and is a little spicier than it started out as pepper on the back of the tongue.

Overall I would peg the cigar as medium in body and strength. For me this was a very smooth smoke, not over powering and not too light to be forgettable. It's not overly complex but the profile is right up my ally and I found it very enjoyable.

Summary

This cigar was reviewed blind. I have no idea what the cigar is. I would feel comfortable saying it's Nicaraguan and box pressed, beyond that I don't know. I had a hard time finding words to describe the experience and I feel like the cigar deserved a better review.

I really enjoyed the cigar and if this is something I haven't had or have on hand I will be picking some up. The cigar performed near perfectly even in less than ideal humid weather.

Thank you Stephen for including me in the critique.