Brutus2600 Cigar #2
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Upon initial inspection the cigar appears to be about 4 1/4 x 42. The wrapper is a nice smooth wrapper with only one significant vein towards the foot. The construction is firm, and the wrapper appears nice and tight.
Initial light 10:18 - Prelight draw has a VERY distinct taste or raisins. Toasted the foot and lit the cigar with an initial burst of spice and leather. The cigar has a tight draw, but it's not too bad and produces a nice amount of smooth smoke. While I described the previous cigar as spicy, this is a different kind of spice that hits towards the back of my tongue.
First Third 10:30 - The spice has mellowed and a roasted nutty, almost coffee, flavor has developed. I am smoking this with my morning coffee, however I haven't actually drank any yet, just water so far. Taking the first sip of coffee it only accentuates what I've previously tasted. The ash is a medium gray, and seems to be holding together nicely. The cigar is producing some almost sweet notes not on top of the other flavors and is smoking quite nice.
Second Third 10:55 - After a purge the spice is virtually gone, although the nutty flavor is still there, minor coffee notes and hints of leather are being tasted now. While I wouldn't describe this as a bold cigar, it is definitely more towards that than anything. Unlike the previous cigar, this one is at the forefront of my tastes and is only complimented by my drink pairing, which is closer to what I'm used to. That consistent nutty flavor has finally been realized as almost a smoked almond flavor. Very enjoyable smoke and flavors so far.
Final Third 11:14 - The thing I've enjoyed the most about this cigar is that all the flavors have only seemed to build and mingle together (save the spice). On top of the nutty and leather tastes, I'm getting slight bursts of chocolate with sweet notes. The cigar has remained smooth without being bitter at all, despite only about an inch and a half left to it.
Finish time 11:30 - My final thoughts on this cigar is that it was a well constructed (perfect burn with only one minor touch up needed), smooth, complex cigar that I really enjoyed. Unfortunately, I fear because of the complexity and the fact that there were numerous interruptions during this cigar, that I might have missed something. Reviewing cigars and drawing their different flavors out takes all my concentration since I'm still new to attempting to do that, and having people talk to me while I'm trying to do that makes it more difficult. Despite that, I think I caught most everything and really enjoyed this cigar. I would most definitely purchase it again and add it to my rotation of smokes.
Appearance and construction: 1.4 out of 1.5
Smoke and ash: 1.4 out of 1.5
Burn: 2.75 out of 3
Overall flavor: 3.75 out of 4
Total: 9.3 out of 10