Ambos Mundos Robusto #2 Review

[drake.c.w.]

Ambos Mundos Robusto #2

First thing I noticed was the band. Simple and direct, consistant with Pete Johnson's other brands. I also noticed the band has a matte finish and not gloss, which I believe all other brands have. Just a random observation, of course, of no importance to the quality of cigar. I also realized that the Ecuadorian Sumatra had the red band, and the Habano a beige. For me, who thinks in a color coordinated way when it comes to packaging, would think it would be the opposite; once again, of no importance, just an observation lol.

The wrapper has thin and delicate looking veins running through a toothy and dark, almost colorado-esque, brown with seams that are border-line invisible at some points. It has a firm sponginess-- not too soft, not too hard. Once again, consistant with Johnson/Garcia.

The prelight draw brought out cinnamon, cedar, and a gingery intense pepper on the mouth. The kind of pepperiness that stings at first. I noticed a very airy draw which made me concerned on how it would burn and smoke.

Throughout the first third, I tasted pepper, a briney (think green olives)
saltiness, and very dry smoke. Consistant with the cold draw, it had a looser than average pull, but not terrible, and it's not one of those cigars that practically smokes itself. The smoke billows out, smoother now, and it's beginning to cool off. The combination of hints of a creamy and soft taste now with the almost salty nature of the smoke reminds me of roasted nuts. The smoke isn't as dry any more, and an uneven burn begins fix itself. It's beginning to define itself as a medium bodied smoke.

The second-third kicks in consitant with the first, yet becomes leathery and earthy. Still retaining the brineyness. The ash is still thick and white. Smoke remains cool and it's loosing it's intense pepper on the mouth-feel, but remains in the smoke. Nothing really changes all that much here.

Finishing it off, it sweetens up greatly. That salty/briney taste disappears. A small run appeared that needed to be fixed. The ash becomes loose and flaky and falls off. Much more leather and cinnamon. Over the course the years I've normally smoked full bodied cigars, and I think because as of late I've been smoking medium and milder cigars that this one was stronger than I would normally think. It's probably dead-medium, but I felt shaded slightly to full.

Worth the $4.37 I paid for it, but not much more. With a little more age on it the flavors might marry a little better and make it less direct in it's flavors (I like complexity!). I noticed the Toro looked like a nicer smoke, but I was on a time-limit and had to restrain myself...will probably smoke that soon as well.

(Hope the pastey casper finger's don't scare anyone...)

[Patrick B]

Very nice review. I think I'm getting my hands on these next week.

[TDIvey]

Thanks for the review and pics - as soon as I find some in the DFW area, I'm grabbing some as I've heard nothing but good things on this one, esp for the money.

[Phantom57]

Agree with much of the above review. Peppery start which rapidly goes away followed by a very muted and mono tasting blend to me. I don't care for the flavor it settled down to. Definitely not Tat like to me. I would have never guessed this to be a Sumatra-Ecuador wrapper had I not read it. I have smoked better house brands. The ones I have smoked were not hot or harsh, and had a good firm draw. Well made cigar, just not a flavor to my liking.

[Cigar Man Andy]

Nice review. I smoked a one of the toro size earlier tonight. Keep em coming.

[drake.c.w.]

Originally Posted by Phantom57

I would have never guessed this to be a Sumatra-Ecuador wrapper had I not read it. I have smoked better house brands.

I agree with this, this did not seem Sumatra/Ecuador at all.

Originally Posted by Phantom57

and had a good firm draw.

The stick I smoked had a very airy draw.

[docruger]

its always good to have reviews that aren't from the shops that will say anything to sell. thanks

[tx_tuff]

I liked the Habano I smoked better then the Sumatra one. But would agree the Sumamtra for me was a med to full body stick. The Habano to me was a med body, but I like dthe flavor profile better.

The Sumatra for me also seemes to burn to fast and hot, but it produced a ton of smoke and over all was a good smoke for the price.

Thanks for the review.