Review Notes: Before smoking this cigar I read the 7 other reviews on here. Like a few of the other reviewers mentioned, this cigar smokes HOT. I mean, wow, I have not had a cigar burn this hot before- really seemed to ruin the cigar. While the burn and taste are not that great, the appearance is PERFECT. Great looking cigar. I would also say that instead of a "band" this cigar as a beatiful "shield". About half of the outside of the cigar is covered by the top and bottom "shield".