Review: Kevin's (wescat) Mystery Stick
Humidor Date: March 29, 2010
Smoke Date: April 3, 2010
Smoke Time: 1 Hour 45 Minutes
Vendor: Kevin (wescat), Freebie with Camacho Liberties
Weight: 0.7 oz.
Beverage: Captain Morgan Private Stock
Pre-light—This wasn't the most beautiful cigar one's seen, but the construction was solid. It had the look of either a second or a knock-off. The wrapper was uniform, but it had a splotchy appearance and a blemish at mid-point. The color was between mid- and dark-brown; the seams were barely visible; its veins were average in number and size, except for two large ones; it appeared to have a triple cap; it had no hard or soft spots; and it's body was hard. The wrapper smelled like caramel and grass, and the draw tasted like hay, spice, and coffee.
1/3—After a double guillotine cut and a normal light, it produced an average volume of smoke. The smoke's aroma was excellent, mild, and smelled of an unidentifiable sweetness, maybe chocolate. The draw was very good but tight, and it remained a little tight throughout. The burn was excellent, hanging in below 1/4" peak-to-valley. The ash was grey, firmer than normal, and held to 11/4" through the section. The strength appeared to be mild – medium, where it remained from beginning to end. The flavor profile was subtle, but excellent. It included an earthiness, coffee, and a sweetness that appeared to be chocolate or caramel.
2/3—The burn deteriorated just a little going to 1/4" peak-to-valley, which was still excellent, and the ash got flakey, holding to between 1/2" and 3/4". The flavor profile included cedar, a hint of nuttiness, leather, and an earthy flavor.
Final 1/3—The burn improved to less than 1/4" peak-to-valley again, and the ash got much firmer, holding to just over 11/4". The flavor profile varied between cedar, earth, leather, and tobacco.
Verdict—This was a very good cigar. The only real issue was the appearance of the wrapper, which had a blemish and whose color was somewhat blotchy. Other than that, it seemed first rate. Except for an average volume of smoke, the smoking characteristics were superior, particularly the burn. It required no re-lights or touch-ups. The flavor profile was dynamic, subtle, and very enjoyable. Besides the flavors I could identify (or identify incorrectly), there appeared to be a couple I couldn't put my finger on. I liked this cigar . . . whatever it was.
Rating: * * * * (four stars)
Keep some in the humidor!
