Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra (Aged 10 Years)
Binder: Undisclosed
Filler: Honduran, Nicaraguan
Vitola: Robusto (5 1/2 x 50)
Strength: Medium
Purchase Link: Rocky Patel The Edge 20th
THE EDGE 20TH REVIEW – DOM
Summary: Talk about bad first impressions; the wrapper shatters in multiple places after the ol’ guillotine, and the draw is wide open. Coffee and peanuts on the first few puffs try to right the previous wrongs, but a vegetal carrot note shows up to third-wheel this date night. An inch in, the coffee turns bitter like it was roasted by a burnt-out barista.
This wrapper is crumbling faster than a proxy government on foreign soil. Speaking of soil, earth brings some planter box balance to the palate. The flame goes out as the final three inches prove to be unsmokable due to the loose draw. (This cigar feels severely under packed).
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Groundhog Day
Pairing Suggestion: Amaro
Perceived Strength: Medium
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Single
THE EDGE 20TH REVIEW – RICH
Summary: This cigar brought tasting notes of black pepper, earth, red pepper, oak, leather, maple syrup, molasses, espresso, and charred meat.
No complaints about construction - it burned well and drew nicely.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: BBQing
Pairing Suggestion: Bourbon
Perceived Strength: Medium
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: 5-pack
THE EDGE 20TH REVIEW – TED
Summary: This week’s cigar started with notes of black pepper, oak, and umami along with a hint of molasses and clove… and burnt toast. I had some burn issues in the first third. I found myself correcting the burn too often.
The middle section was more mellow and less nuanced. Flavors included oak, slightly bitter coffee, leather, with a bit of the molasses note remaining in play. The burn straightened out and smoke production was better.
The end section brought more bitterness to the profile. The cigar was very cool to the touch so it wasn’t heat driven. It offered up a mixture of citrus, wood, umami and tobacco.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Meals at a corner cafe
Pairing Suggestion: Caffè Breve
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.
Leave your comment