Quoteshakinghorizons - 2/13/2015 9:35 AM
Is it possible to share tasting notes?
I took the time to really do a more thorough review using the format of our Geek Critique to give it more justice and to give you guys more to think about. It will probably become obvious I am a fan of this cigar. BUT, I am also intimately involved with it so consider the source, of course.
I really did try to leave any bias out.
-Paul
Pre-Light:
Nice looking wrapper that was slightly veiny and a tight firm roll. Had a somewhat sweet, earthy aroma. Cut was not necessary for me. As I tend to do with pig tails, I just pinch the pig tail off and it leaves a nice opening to draw on. Draw was easy and had a pre-light taste of a hint of cocoa or unsweetened baking chocolate.
Light & Burn:
As is usual with a closed foot, it lights easily and the closed foot helps it light evenly as well. The burn was great and stayed straight the whole way down. I think I touched it up maybe once, but probably wasn't necessary as it's just the OCD side of me coming through. Ash was very solid and stayed put until tapped off, and even then sometimes didn't want to drop with the tap.
Construction:
As noted from the pre-light, light, and burn, this is a well put together cigar. That shouldn't be surprising as Reinado is known for quality construction and it is the same torcedores building this one. Has a firm solid feel to it. I didn't detect any soft spots. Wrapper had no splits and slightly veiny. Pig tail head was put together well. Burn was fairly even. Draw was excellent - not tight and not too loose.
Flavor:
It starts out with more of a medium body smoke with an earthy flavor and hints of sweet cocoa/coffee and tobacco flavors. There is also a slight black pepper spice to it.
As it moves to the second third it takes on a stronger sweeter cocoa flavor and more of a nice leather taste with the undertones of earthiness still there. The black pepper seems to have dropped a bit.
The last third it really develops an even more complex flavor profile with the cocoa and leather really taking on a more sweet flavor. The black pepper is still there and may have picked a slight bit towards the end becoming more of a medium-full strength.
Summary:
Overall I'm pretty happy with this stick. Seems to follow the typical Reinado quality, a medium to medium-full body, and a nice flavor profile that shows complexity that changes a bit from beginning to end. Obviously, consider the source. I am intimately tied to this thing and have a sense of pride for energy I've put into it. I tried to separate my bias in the review, but I am human.
