Line: Vault A-008Length x Ring Gauge: Torpedo 6' x 52
Country of Origin: Filler: Nicaraguan; Binder: Nicaraguan; Wrapper: Nicaraguan
Strength: Medium
Date Smoked: May 21, 2014
Notes: Head honcho Charlie Torano recently revisited this cigar with the goal of giving it some extra kick. This was achieved by using tobacco from Nicaragua's rich, volcanic Ometepe region which is known for it's oily Colorado wrapper that gives intense flavors.
Immediately the band is very nice and elegant. The first few puffs are very spicy with strong pepper and clove flavors. There's a very interesting sweet undertone that is present only when inhaling it. It doesn't stick around afterwards- whether due to the subtlety of the flavor itself or the overpowering spiciness of the aftertaste, I don't know. After a few minutes the spices begin to mellow and end up leaving more clove and sweet grass aftertastes. However, there is still a great deal of pepper flavor that stays in the back of the throat. One thing I noticed which was kind of strange was that the thin wispy smoke had a green-grey hue to it.
The second third sees the spiciness subside while puffing on it but the aftertaste becoming stronger with the pepper flavor. The smoke has also become much thicker and more billowy. This proves to be a very well constructed cigar with a tight burn line and an ash that is very solid grey white. I never had to retouch it once.
Sadly the last third really took a turn for the worst. There was still some decent flavor but it started to become bitter, which got worse as it got shorter and shorter. I ended up giving up on it with still a good inch and a half or more left. Overall this is a well made cigar but it's definitely not for everyone.
Overall: 6 out of 10
