Size: 6″ x 48 was measured (supposed to be 6″ x 50, E)
Strength: Medium
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Maduro
Filler: Nicaraguan

Appearance:
This is a good looking stick, but there is definitely a major vein and you can see where the wrapper was rolled – some definite detractors. If it wasn’t for that, the dark wrapper is tasty looking and the ring is elegant and not overdone – what you’d expect from a fine cigar.

Construction:
The stick appears well rolled and evenly dense throughout. As mentioned above, you can however tell where the wrapper was rolled and it does come in a little under the stated ring gauge. The ring removes with ease and there is no cracking or splitting anywhere.

Aroma:
The aroma is amazing – not typical of a maduro or a full cigar, but full of sweetness and spice – a definite pleasure to anyone around. It is not weak, but makes you think this stick is mellower than it really is (in a good way). Half way around the aroma is almost nutty and less sweet, with quite the spice.

Burn/Ash:
The burn is definitely not perfect or razor sharp, but it manages to hold it’s own and correct itself. It was wavier at first, but after an inch or so in, it’s pretty sharp and straight. The first ash falls at 1 1/2″ (right on my chest) and it leaves a decent cone cherry. The second ash falls at about the same, but leaves a slightly flatter cherry and it finishes by ashing around 1 1/2″ each time with a mostly sharp burn.

Draw/Smoke:
The draw started out tight, but after the first 1/2″ it progressed into medium-tight, which is a little better. And after a full inch, we are much closer to medium, which is ideal. The smoke started out really light when the draw was tight, but it has increased as the draw has approached medium. It’s not quite as full or creamy as the best smokes, but it’s decent. Half way in and the draw is a little tighter than medium, but the smoke continues to increase and become creamier.

Flavor:
The flavors on this cigar are surprisingly good and already complex right after lighting. I taste nuttiness, cocoa, some coffee, some earth and a definite sweet & nutty aftertaste which is pretty divine. Approaching the first inch and the flavors have already changed. There is some pepper at the back of the throat, still a sweetness on the aftertaste, and more leather on the draw. A little further in and the pepper abates some, but not entirely and there is a woody sweet nutty taste. It’s a solid medium-full stick. Approaching the half-way point and there is both less sweetness and pepper, but more leather and earth. An interesting development. Approaching the final third and I’m picking up an interesting earthy and smoky nuttiness with a hint of sweetness.

Overall/Value:
At retail price, this stick is quite affordable given the complex and changing flavors. Given that Perdomo’s can be had for under retail, this is an even better and solid pickup. On bid, this stick can be had for $2 – 3 each and there isn’t much to complain about at that price. The flavors are among the best of non-full sticks and therefore it scores high here, especially if you can overlook the vein and seeing where the wrapper was rolled. The draw is a bit tight, but the smoke ends up being surprisingly good.

Retail Price: $4.50

Appearance: (3.75/5)
Construction: (4/5)
Aroma: (9.75/10)
Burn/Ash: (7.75/10)
Draw/Smoke: (17/20)
Flavor: (33/35)
Overall/Value: (14/15)
Final Score: (89.25/100)