Size: 4 1/4x54
Wrapper: nicaragua
Binder: nicaragua
Filler: nicaragua
Construction: appears well constructed, some veins, no soft spots, cap is just a little off center, but will be cut off
Prelight: a heavy earthy taste
First half: surprisingly not a pepper bomb, first taste are really earthy/ woody, there is a little spice in there but not a warm spice. this is a much lighter flavor profile than I expected. I did retrohale one draw, a few tears were shed, but no additional flavors were picked up.
Draw: good draw
Burn: burn is uneven and requires a couple touch-ups
Ash/Smoke: the ash is very dark and flaky. there is plenty of smoke produced
Second half: the second half is where this starts to increase in strength. the spice gets warmer and some pepper develops, however the woody/ earthy flavors are still very pronounced. the flavors are very enjoyable and you can feel the strength creep in. I chose to get a skewer and go past where my fingers could hold.
Strength: full
Flavor: medium
Overall: even though this is a full strength the flavors are not overpowering to the complexity. The only complain I would have is the length and smoke time (40 minutes) I was enjoying this enough to want it to last a little longer.
Scoring
Construction: 9/10
Prelight: 4/5
First half: 14/15
Draw: 9/10
Burn: 7/10
Ash / Smoke: 8/10
Second half: 18/20
Overall impression: 18/20
Total Score: 87/100