Cigar Geeks Geek Critique
82
Cigar Geeks Rating
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Welcome to another Member sponsored Geek Critique generously sponsored by our member nirab (Brian). The cigar provided for this round is the Stolen Throne Argos Toro.
The Argos came about in a different manner than the rest of the Stolen Throne lines. It was born as a Winston's Humidor exclusive with its proceeds going toward animal rescue organizations. If you like it extra spicy, you'll love this cigar! This cigar is only available in 11 shops across the country, and nirab's shop The Cigar Vault is blessed to be one of them.
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This cigar was enjoyed with Glenlivet Illicit Still 12 yr
Pre-Light: 9 Points of 10 Possible
The unbanded maduro cigar has a dry, silky wrapper with very small veins. The triple cap is applied as a beautiful pigtail, and the foot is hooded (partially covered). The cap cut easily and cleanly. Prelight aroma was of sweet tea.
Lighting and Burn: 13 Points of 15 Possible
The burn on this cigar was nice and cool, never hot. It burned relatively evenly and never required a touchup. The first ash held on for 1.75", and then I tapped it off at 1" interval after that. Smoke volume was mostly adequate, although I had a small stretch in the middle where I had to work a bit harder to keep up the volume.
Construction: 30 Points of 30 Possible
This is a well constructed cigar. Solidly rolled with no soft spots. Cap was expertly applied and didn't unravel. Consistent construction allowed for a nice, even burn throughout the entire smoke. Had a good draw with just the right amount of tug.
Flavor and Aroma: 30 Points of 45 Possible
Upon lighting, the cigar hits you in the face with spicy hot pepper (like Thai chili pepper) on the back of your tongue and continue to linger even when the cigar is down. There is also some cocoa notes and a touch of leather. An interesting and enjoyable combination. This feels like a medium strength and full bodied smoke.
By the halfway point, a creaminess develops and cools down the pepper a bit. Reminds me now of an Au Poivre (peppercorn cream) sauce that they serve over steak. The cocoa and leather notes diminish, but remain in the background. I'm really enjoying the cigar at this point. But as the last third commences, some metallic notes show up, and at some times these overwhelm everything else enjoyable about this stick. I try to purge the cigar, but to no avail. A disappointing end to an otherwise great cigar.
Summary
I am a fan of Stolen Thrones cigars, and always keep a couple of different bundles of the brand in my humidor. I was excited to try this rarer blend, and was digging it until the last third. The construction was perfect. Absent the metallic notes, this would have scored much higher for me. But some folks might not mind that profile, and if so, I would urge you to seek one out for yourself to try.
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