At the risk of sounding like a pessimist and beginning my review of this cigar on a negative note, I must say that the first thing that struck me this time around was the unseemly, poor construction of this Havano. I would like to submit that perhaps this does not necessarily reflect on this particular brand’s workmanship, as much as the more general decline in quality control of Cuban cigars, and especially so in comparison to the exceptional attention to detail that premium cigars from Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic benefit from these days. For the sake of this review, however, I will dismiss the construction flaws and wrapper imperfections as the slightly more common “occasional” fluke of Cuban cigars.

The wrapper was a too bumpy for my liking, with some vegetable gum visible in certain areas, with what seemed to be an attempt to cover up damage on a wrapper leaf; hence my comment above.

All of that laid aside, though, the pre-light smell of this cigar is distinctly Cuban and delicious. This one was earthy with cedar and spice notes. Once lit, the aroma was of dark espresso and very earthy. The draw was easy, too easy for my liking, but the smoke was plentiful and great tasting; and so, I soon forgave the lose draw.

The ash was not as solid as I have seen, but not bad. The color was the typical “salt and pepper” gray of Cuban cigars.

Where this cigar really excelled was in the development of complexity as it burned. This must be a perfect example of how a progression of flavors and complexity can be achieved in a cigar by tobacco blending “know how”. While this kind of flavor development may not always be desired (since depending on the smoker’s preference, one might desire a cigar to stay full-bodied, or light-bodied all the way through), it did give this cigar a very interesting characteristic. The flavors turned with outstanding subtlety and balance from light sweet woody and spicy notes in the first third, to darker and richer coffee, pepper and cedar notes in the second third, to a full flavor of earth, rich leather and coffee in the last third with ever more spicy pepper. This fact made me think of how tricky cigar blending is, and how this cigar was an example of masterful skill.

At first glance I admit to thinking that this cigar would disappoint, but as the cigar burned on it ultimately turned into a very satisfying and relaxing smoke. It was not my impression that this cigar packed any kind of nicotine punch, and so, overall, I would rate this cigar as medium bodied, noting that the last third does kick up the flavors and body a notch or two.

I would recommend this cigar any day, to any level of enthusiast; noting that, as with other Cuban cigars, you make sure to inspect them before purchase.