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Cigar Geeks Geek Critique

Foundation Cigar Co. Olmec Claro Robusto
Written by Cigar Geeks Member: Brian (bstessl)

87
Cigar Geeks Rating

Welcome to another Member sponsored Geek Critique generously sponsored by our member Beegerply (Byron).  The cigar provided for this round is the Foundation Cigar Co. Olmec Claro Robusto.

Nick Mellilo's love for history comes is re[resented again with Olmec Cigars. The Olmec Civilization was one of the most influential ancient societies of the early Americas, and though its dominance of the Mexican region faded in the last centuries before the Common Era, their impact is still felt today. The Olmecs pre-date the Aztecs and Mayans and are considered the "mother culture" of Mesoamerica. This ancient civilization was one of the first to consume and cultivate tobacco in the same soils that this Mexican San Andres wrapper is gown. The Olmec by Foundation Cigar Co. is available in two wrapper selections but only vary in color. The Olmec Claro and Maduro both use this Tuxtla grown San Andres wrapper and are filled with tobacco from Nicaragua.




Foundation Cigar Co. Olmec Claro Robusto

Brand:
Foundation Cigar Co.
Name:
Olmec Claro Robusto
Length:
5
Ring Gauge:
50
Country of Origin:
Nicaragua
Filler:
Nicaragua
Binder:
Nicaragua
Wrapper:
Mexico
Color:
Claro
Shape:
Robusto
Notes:
https://www.cigaraficionado.com/article/pca-roundup
This cigar was enjoyed with Coffee (black) and water

Pre-Light: 10 Points of 10 Possible

The pre-light observation showed that this was a very well built and good looking box press that had minimal veins.  The wrapper smooth, not dry but not oily.  The cap held strong with a straight guillotine cut.  The body was firm but not hard.  A sweet and peppery aroma that was pleasing to the senses.  No visible flaws.

Lighting and Burn: 10 Points of 15 Possible

I lit with a single torch Zippo (engraved by Herfcast Customs) The burn line was clean but slightly crooked.  The ash held to around 1.5" and was a medium grey without flakes.  Unfortunately there was a tunnel near the end that caused the cigar to burn out with about 1.75" left.  

Construction: 30 Points of 30 Possible

Box pressed and it held its shape throughout.  Seams were barely visible with minimal veins.  A perfect draw through almost the whole cigar (until the tunnel).  The cap stayed intact for the cigars entirety.  There were no soft spots or blemishes.  

Flavor and Aroma: 37 Points of 45 Possible

1st Third - This cigar started with a black pepper spice with a strong retrohale.  Cedar and earth tones were the main flavors.

2nd Third -  Black pepper and cedar dominated this portion while the earth was still there, but took a back seat.  The retro backs off a bit, but still strong.

Final Third -  Pretty much the same with the Black Pepper and Cedar until the tunnel accelerated the burn through the center and the cigar went out and finished a bit bitter.

IMO this was not a very complex smoke but enjoyable nonetheless.

Summary

Thanks to Beeger for letting me hop into this critique!  

Overall I enjoyed this cigar.  The strength was right up my alley and flavors were good.  The burn rate was steady until the tunnel finished it off.  Tunnels happen, I'm willing to bet that if I smoked a second it would not have the problem.  

I would definitely give this another try and look forward to trying the other versions.


   
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