[flmcgough]

Construction: The cigar is well constructed and has a good draw: some resistance, but it's not like sucking a straw. I seemed to pick up some floral notes in the draw before lighting. The cap was a bit difficult to cut, but no major problems. Lighting was somewhat tricky, but I think that's more due to my n00bishness than anything else.

First Third: Pepper, pepper, and more pepper. My mouth was on fire when I took my first draw, which was surprising considering the pre-light flavors. It also produces a great deal of smoke. I found that the strength of the pull dictated how strong the smoke would be. If I pulled too hard, it became far too hot and spicy. A lighter touch is required with this smoke. The burn is also a bit wavy, but nothing serious.

Second Third: The pepper tones down, and the smoke becomes creamier and (for my tastes) more palatable. The same technique is required as far as the draw is concerned: too hard, and the smoke becomes too peppery. The burn has also straightened out.

Final Third: I began to pick a slight buttery flavor in this third. It remains a creamy smoke, although some pepper is present at all times. Some woody flavor was also present at this point. Some of the floral notes I detected in the prelight also seemed to show their faces here. It required a relight during this third, but I believe that is due to my not paying attention to it.

Conclusion: I enjoyed this smoke, especially once the more peppery flavor subsided. This one had been resting in my humidor for about a week and a half, and I purchased it as part of a 5 pack. I think I'll let the other four rest a bit longer. I'm hoping with some age, the pepper will tone down some. Overall though, I'd recommend it, especially if you like a spicier smoke.

I'd rate it somewhere between an 80 and an 85 as it stands. With time, I think it could be closer to a 90, and maybe even above.