Nice review lefty. Well done.
I smoked the cigar that kombat sent me this morning, paired with a glass of water. It was a 5x42 corona, with a light brown tan colored wrapper, a classic connie. The cigar felt spongy except for a few hard spots with the largest at the head. (hmmm, better get the poker ready) The shiny thin wrapper was nearly flawless, without any large veins, and the seams were barely visible. Pretty looking cigar. I noticed a slight dusty barnyard fragrance and except for a faint raisiny flavor, an almost tasteless pre-light draw. After cutting the cap, I touched the cigar on my tongue and there was only a mild tingly sweet tobacco sensation without spice or pepper. I am guessing this is an aged cigar, or a cigar rolled with aged tobacco.
The initial puffs of smoke had a toasty, nutty flavor mixed with a light sweet leathery flavor and a creaminess that was most noticeable on the finish. This is a mild and mellow cigar with smoke that tasted best through the nose. As I suspected, the draw was a little tight, so after a few puffs I pushed the poker through. I used the poker twice during the first third of the cigar. When it was opened up the smoke was much thicker and the flavors more apparent. The ash was solid and a very light gray, almost white. It stayed on past the 1 1/2 " mark and I tapped it off when it started to droop. The center of the ash was a much darker gray. The cigar burned straight and stayed true.
Flavors changed a little in the second third, with the leathery taste fading. The mild creamy taste of aged tobacco dominated with some floral notes and something like old grass or a light wood burning added some complexity. I tasted a sweetness on a couple of puffs that reminded me of the smell of burning sugar cane. Again, most of the flavors were sensed through the nose. The cigar left a sweet herbal taste in the mouth. The ash was solid for another 1 1/2 inches. I had to poke the cigar again in the middle third to open it back up.
The last third was consistent with the middle of the cigar, though there were hints of leather that came though. The woody/grassy/creamy sweetness of aged mild tobacco shined to the finish. The cigar didn't get harsh or bitter as it neared the end. I smoked it to a one inch nub. Total time was about 50 minutes, not bad for a corona.
I enjoyed this cigar, and don't believe I've had one before. It reminded me of a smoother and mellower EP Carillo Short Run or an AVO XO without the spice notes and hint of pepper. This would be an enjoyable morning smoke with coffee or hot cocoa. The only fault was that the draw was tight, requiring several pokes.
Overall, I'd rate this a 7.5. I would buy some more, depending on the price. $7.00 per might be tops.
Thank you, kombat, for sharing your stash with us and giving us a chance to try something new.