-Country -Nicaragua
-Wrapper -Equadorian shade and Nicaragua Criollo
-Binder -Nicaragua
-Filler -Nicaragua
-Size -Corona Gorda 51/2 x 46
-Price -$5, $7 local
Appearance, Pre-light
Beautiful, light golden brown wrapper with a chocolate colored wrapper at the head. A simple, effective band covers the seam of the two wrappers. There is a prominent vein that snakes up one side, and all the others I’ve smoked had these, too. I get a light tobacco and hay smell off the foot, and the dry draw is similar.
First 3rd
There is a bright, grassy sweetness right away. It doesn’t last longer than 2 or 3 puffs. As it gets going a light spice appears. The smoke has a mild body and a wavy, even burn. A grassiness underneath the light spice provides a nice foundation. The finish is crisp, I can’t really tell that there was just smoke in my mouth. That said, it has a very pleasant room aroma.
Second 3rd
This 3rd has a longer finish with a bit of light leather and a mild sweetness. The ash holds on about 1 1/2 inches before falling off. The burn gets off around the prominent vein, but usually self corrects. The body and strength pick up a bit, putting it around mild-plus, and the sweet spice from the beginning appears now and then which adds some interest. I wouldn’t say this cigar is smooth or creamy, it’s more like a granite counter than a glass tabletop, but it is very easy to retro-hale and has no harshness.
Last 3rd
A slight nuttiness comes into play, with the grassiness still in the background. The body is still mild-plus, but the strength has moved into medium territory. Reaching the Criollo wrapper I find chocolate and coffee, almost like a mocha. It burns cool down to about an inch before becoming hot.
Takeaway
While not a very complex smoke, it’s good for reading the paper in the morning. The flavors are there if you care to look for them, and the ease of smoking (only 1 touch-up) makes it a nice companion. I’ve smoked these first thing in the morning without eating breakfast, and the strength at the end can sometimes catch me off guard. However, with a light breakfast of toast or cereal there’s no problem.
Flavor –Mild
Strength –Mild-Medium
Body –Mild
Rating
I like to keep a few around for the morning, but the flavors get lost if my palate isn’t fresh.
These would also be good for a beginner smoker, so long as they had eaten that day. The Cabinetta gets a…
3 out of 5 A good cigar to have around. You can share with an appreciative beginner.