Wrapper - Ecuadorian Habano
Binder - Honduras
Filler - Nicaragua
Vitola - 7 x 38 Lancero
Smoke Time - 1.5 hours
Pairing - water
Price - $12
Pre Light - cedar, earthy, tobacco, honey
Cold Draw - sweet tobacco
Appearance - mostly light brown with darker blotches throughout the wrapper, noticeable veins, little oil, very smooth texture.
Light - pepper, cedar, nutty, light coffee and cream notes in finish. Very dry texture. Retrohale is peppery and earthy.
1st Third - Same flavors but the cream and coffee starts to ramp up. Some chocolate sweetness. Smoke texture starts to become less dry and pick up more body. Med body and strength.
2nd Third - Big profile change here as the body continues to get thicker. Pepper and cedar mellow into background flavors. The profile is all cream, mocha, nuttiness, and a syrupy sweetness. Retrohale is still peppery but picks up the same creamy coffee flavors with some sweet spice. Med-full body and medium strength.
Final Third - The profile mostly stays the same. The sweet spices pick up a little bit, the smoke thickens, and the strength tops out. Everything is nicely balanced. Full body and med-full strength.
Construction - even burn, easy draw, great smoke production but the cigar did burn a bit fast.
Overall - a fantastic cigar that captures the character of the HE line. I have to say though I think I still prefer the lonsdale. Regularly available and cheaper. I also think the lonsdales have more creaminess.