Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: U.S.A.
Filler: Connecticut Broadleaf, Esteli & Jalapa, Nicaragua
Vitola: Corona Doble (6 3/4 x 54)
Purchase Link: Dapper Desvalido
DAPPER DESVALIDO REVIEW – CALIFORNIA
Summary: I'm less than ecstatic to light up this behemoth whilst getting screwed by the hyperborean sub-50-degree weather (Californication). Starting off, I taste cedar and root beer with some sizzle on the retro hale.
Yo, this is freaking delicious--spice cake and dark chocolate. Tiramisu! The blind band has the number 5 on it, and I've got to say, this is probably one of the top five cigars that I've reviewed, AND I'M ONLY TWO INCHES IN.
The second third charges full steam ahead with that tiramisu goodness. Here is a rare case where I hope there are no flavor transitions to speak of. The rum and cream sweetness, baking spices, and dark espresso notes are just too dang good.
If icicles begin to form from my nose I'm going to fashion one into a nub tool to finish this puppy, no cap.
Final third and my opening jubilation was by no means premature. Nubbed to completion. Hats off to this cigar.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: The dance floor opening up at a wedding.
Pairing Suggestion: Cappuccino.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Box.
DAPPER DESVALIDO REVIEW – WISCONSIN
Summary: My first impression of this cigar was, "well, that's a big cigar to smoke in January in Wisconsin." But you know what? It was worth spending the time outside in the cold to smoke this big ol' cigar.
I got flavors of meat, maple, cream, bread, umami, oak, coffee, and pepper. The flavor profile didn't change much throughout the cigar, but it was an enjoyable profile.
Burn and draw were both right on point, giving no issues at all during the entirety of the cigar. This one's a winner in my book.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Umami.
Pairing Suggestion: Red wine.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Box.
DAPPER DESVALIDO REVIEW – OREGON
Summary: If you shy away from commitment, skip this cigar because it’s a big ‘un. It had a nice reddish-brown wrapper on it with barnyard and green apple on the nose.
The first part of this cigar had a mineral note I could’ve done without. However, it also had redeeming flavors of hickory wood, an interesting mix of heat and baking spices, green apple and a hint of anise as well. Strange bedfellows. I’d describe the sinus heat as mild black pepper, if there’s such a thing.
The middle was very floral tasting for me along with lots of fresh oak, white pepper, bitter black tea and leather.
As I moved towards the end of the cigar, more hickory came into play with strong black tea, baking spices and a refreshing change... hints of caramel off and on.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Sorting through the hardware on your workbench... for hours.
Pairing Suggestion: An ice-cold Porter.
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.
