Nub Habano 464 (4 x 64 Torpedo)
Price paid - Around $4
I finally picked up the Nub Sampler and it showed up today. I wanted to let them rest a bit I couldn't wait. The sampler I got contained one of each size of the three wrappers; Habano, Connecticut and Cameroon. I am a conny whore, but most of the positive comments I have heard about Nubs have been on the Habano.
So time to see what all the hype is about.
Pre-light -
Aroma is nice, not overwhelming. Construction looks really good. Not Padron Anny good, but pretty good with a couple of small veins. I clipped it with my Palio and took a prelight draw which was nice with just a bit of sweetness.
1st Third -
I toasted this jaw breaker up with my Colibri and I swear it took almost a full load of fuel to get this cigar lit. They look small but when you go to light it up you realize it is a serious cigar. After one or two puffs to get this cigar going I have to admit it tastes damn good right off the bat! Tons and tons of slightly sweet, slightly woody smoke. About half way into the first 1/3 I noticed a small crack developing. At this point I am not going to hold that against Nub since I did break my rule and smoke this right out of the box. The taste is holding just as it was off the first couple puffs and the burn is very even.
2nd Third -
The crack is getting a little worse and it looks like a new one is developing near the cap (but that might be my fault, I am a chewer.) Ash is still holding firm. It seems like it is starting to a little hot, but again that might be my fault since I smoke fast. I am starting to think that a short smoke is not the best fit for me. Still tastes pretty good. Slight sweetness with a little bit of wood on the finish. The burn is starting to get a little uneven.
Last Third -
My little crack situation is getting worse before it gets better but I have to say the taste is still pretty good. Construction problem and burn issue aside, this is a pretty consistent tasting smoke. At this point in a "traditional" smoke I would usually be starting to get a little harshness and none is present. At this point I am getting tired out picking wrapper flakes off my lips so I am going to let it sit and just enjoy the lasting flavor.
Overall Impressions -
The Nub Habano definitely delivers on the main claim of hitting the taste "sweet spot" right at the beginning and continuing throughout. I guess this is good and bad, the taste is consistent but I do like when a cigar builds to climax. While I did had some issue with the wrapper I will reserve my final judgement on them until the others have had some cooler time and I try them again. This is also my first experience with the vendor that i went with so I'm not sure if they usually come dry or what. I did light this one up fresh of the truck and the Habano wrappers in general are a little more sensitive than some of the others.
Start time - 7:08 PM
End time - 7:44 PM
Appearance - 8/10
Burn - 6/10
Construction - 4/10
Draw - 9/10
Flavor - 9/10
Strength - Medium
Value - 6/10
Overall - 7/10