Over at the Half Ashed forums we have a little “cigar pass” going on. Each person involved sends two unbanded cigars to another person in the “Blind Review Pass.” For the next few weeks I’ll be posting (with permission) those blind reviews. If you have never smoked a cigar blind, or unbanded, I would highly recommend it. Get some friends together and trade cigars with the bands removed, or have your wife take some bands off a few sticks in the bottom of your humidor. You’ll be surprised at how much a band can affect your perception of a cigar.
Today’s review is Ken’s last one! He sent it while I was in England and then I didn’t check my messages…my bad!
Unbanded 6 x 46.
Smell of barnyard and raisin prelight.
Chocolate wrapper. Dry draw subtle.
First third. Very tight draw. Hard to get anything but earthy notes and spice through the retro. Feels nica. Not sure though. Tough to tell with the draw.
Second third. Still tight draw but notice leather and a cocoa. Having trouble still with the draw but definately thinking nica.
Final third. This is definately Nicaraguan and reminds me of a pepin made cigar. The draw opened up and finished pretty good.
The Reveal
Awesome guess, Ken! The first I sent was a Córdoba and Morales I think, and I said this one would be easier. By your description you shouldn’t be surprised to hear this was a Corona Viva!! Just weird that you had a crap draw from DE…Well done!
Drew Estate Undercrown Corona Viva