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Review Notes:
Had an almost “cheese” smell pre-light. Oily, dark, but not the near black of the reserve, slightly veigny, but very smooth overall. Lit nicely, very even burn from the start with a nice white ash that contrasts nicely with the maduro wrapper. Very leathery early on, with a hint of spice on the finish, and the “cheese” smell seems to come through slightly in the flavor early on.
About an inch and a half down and the flavor is definitely picking up. Still the leathery tones, but much more pepper-esque hints coming across the tip of my tongue. There’s still a slight cheese scent, but much less now, and the burn aroma is slightly “roasted nuts,” but not overpowering.
Getting near the end and the flavor is getting much stronger, with a coffee-ish undertone accompanying the spice. Burn was even throughout, and the draw has been perfect—a nice tight construction, but an easy draw with loads of smoke on each pull.
This one definitely got better as it went along. I’ve read reviews talking about harshness at the end, but the batch that I got off of JR (in a 5-pack for around 12 bucks) must have sat longer or something. Went nice with a glass off Lustau Cream Sherry while watching the Yankees beat Toronto 5-0 (all the better knowing they just took first place after trailing the baked beans all year). Taste, construction, aesthetics, burn, draw—non of them resembled what you’d expect from a cigar just over $2, but I definately prefer the reserves from Onyx
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