Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
Binder: Indonesian
Filler: Corojo, American, Dominican
Vitola: 6 x 44 Corona
Strength: Mild-Medium
Purchase Link: Blackbird Jackdaw Corona
BLACKBIRD JACKDAW REVIEW – DOM
Summary: I don’t understand how such a beautiful cigar can have such bitter beginnings; my first few puffs taste like I’m drinking buttermilk out of a warm sandal. Turning a blind eye to a bad first impression, gritty peppermint captures my curiosity. Floral notes, charcoal, and tequila make this cigar THE most complex bad cigar I’ve ever smoked.
I’m wondering if I got a lemon because I don’t suspect that a cigar would be blended to taste like this one did. Time to gargle.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Spicy hiccups.
Pairing Suggestion: Mojito.
Perceived Strength: Medium.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Single.
BLACKBIRD JACKDAW REVIEW – RICH
Summary: This cigar brings cereal grain, brown sugar, a bit of black pepper, and a bit of chocolate. At times it reminded me of a chocolate chip cookie. Hard to hate on that. As it went on, it added gingerbread and cream.
The burn and draw were both right on point; construction gave me nothing to dislike and plenty to like.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Cookies.
Pairing Suggestion: Hot chocolate. Really want to try this pairing.
Perceived Strength: Mild+
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Box.
BLACKBIRD JACKDAW REVIEW – BEN
Summary: Opened up with a one-two punch between cedar and hay for the number one spot but the bell pepper heat from the retro won the match. I've never had so much note action in the opening puff.
While sitting on a lake in Idlewild, Michigan AND flinching from being attacked by birds, my ash held on for 3 inches before being knocked off by a dragonfly (true story).
In the second half, an oaky and cinnamon note comes to pass while maintaining another two and a half inches of ash; the filler in this cigar is great. The cigar starts off very potent on the notes for a connie but mellows out into smoothness.
When you make it to the nub there's a little numbness of spice that sits on the tip of your tongue.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Soft tunes by Snoh Alegra and lake views.
Pairing Suggestion: Dark rum.
Perceived Strength: Mild+.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Box.
BLACKBIRD JACKDAW REVIEW – TED
Summary: This has a beautiful caramel colored wrapper on it. The cold draw resistance is perfect.
Upon liftoff, very bitter floral and vegetal notes. I’m also tasting dry grass sprinkled with white pepper. Not really a winning combo to start with. Thankfully as I move further into the cigar the bitter note is quickly evaporating. As noted in the wrapper color, there is now a mild caramel note mixed with a finish of wood, leather, and cream. The retro hale is smooth with just a touch of heat and a lingering mineral note.
Sitting at the midway mark. Lots of smoke. Clean burn. Mild wood with some sweetness. Fresh straw, leather, and a little mineral flavor. There’s a bit of chalkiness to the mix as well and a lingering pepper spice on the palate.
Entering the final few minutes of this stick. Things remain predictable, but relatively enjoyable too. A nice, warm mix of wood, pepper, caramel-like sweetness, and straw. The retro hale remains laden with some heat and that same mineral note. I really want a second sample of this one. It has enough redeeming flavors I want to see if “bitter”, “chalky” and “mineral” are anomalies.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Playing that yard game where you put your head on a baseball bat and spin circles.
Pairing Suggestion: Tequila, straight up.
Perceived Strength: Medium.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: 5-pack.
Participants in this blind review were completely unaware of the cigar they were evaluating until all submissions were received and processed. Each participant was asked to answer a summary paragraph, an if/than statement, a pairing suggestion, and a purchase suggestion. Cigars were provided by Small Batch with only the expectations of candid responses. All pictures, information, and formatting were completed by a Coordinator outside of the reviewing process.
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