Cigar Review: Note, I have the benefit on this review of two things. First, I think this may be one of the only cigars in the group that is a "box press". This may have made the process of elimination a bit easier (thanks Kombat). Second, several of the possibilities have been eliminated by the other participants and well, I would be remiss to include them in the choices...right?
Prelight: Dark wrapper, firm with no obvious soft spots. This could have been accentuated by the box press as was mentioned earlier. The cigar appeared to be a little dry for my taste, would have loved to have given it a rest before the taste test, but whatcha gonna do?
Burn: This was one of the best burning cigars that I have ever smoked. No touch ups needed during the entire hour and 15 minutes it took to finish the review.
Flavor: Initially, the flavor was a little bitter. I blamed this on the cigar being a little dry, but this quickly subsided into a very mellow smoke with a lot of leathery consistency. There was a lot of other subtle hints that faded in and out from time to time (pepper, caramel, cream, etc.) but the leathery flavor was by far the predominant overtone. Overall, a very tasty and consistent smoke from beginning to end.
Overall: I thought that it was a good cigar, a bit mild for my taste but good. Would definitely smoke it again.
Pairing: Sorry dudes, but I was playing poker and I paired it with a Coke...that might explain the caramel overtones.
Total: On a 100 point scale I would rate it in the mid to high 80s.
Name of Cigar: Viaje Friends & Family