I'm glad you survived, Mark!
That was a Lianos Dos Palmas cigar rolled in Charleston SC about 2.5 years ago.
Those are super high in nicotine and even I have to smoke them real slow. I did have one out the 20 I purchased taste real bad. Nothing at all like the rest I've smoked. I may have sent you a dud. For the most part, I really like their stuff. I don't believe the sticks I got at the shop are the same as they sell on the website. Scott, the owner told me to call if I wanted more of them while I was there.
Here's a link to the site:
http://lianosdospalmas.com/
Not that you'll buying any of their stuff based on first impressions!
MCS