Wrapper: Mexican San Andres
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Dominican
Vitola: Toro
Strength: Medium
Purchase Link: ADVentura Barbarroja’s Invasion
BARBARROJA’S INVASION REVIEW – DOM
Summary: The closed foot and rough ‘n’ dirty wrapper remind me of a paper bag wrapped textbook from grade school. With my pencil out, the first notes I take down are eucalyptus and brown sugar. Although I’m puffing fairly profusely (causing my palate to dry), the smoke output is diminutive.
Halfway down, tootsie roll chocolate and pine trees provide a solid flavor foundation, but I’m still in need of something to make my spit glands squirt. I don’t dock the blend too many points for the dryness because I really enjoy this cigar. I just think that if it were married with a drink, my tongue would be wet and there would be fireworks aplenty.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Watching Rihanna perform her hit song “Work” live in concert.
Pairing Suggestion: Lager
Perceived Strength: Medium
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: 5-pack
BARBARROJA’S INVASION REVIEW – RICH
Summary: This cigar brought notes of brown sugar, cream, lots of cocoa, oak, a touch of spice, and a hint of something vegetal every now and then. The aroma was quite nutty.
The cigar burned slowly and showed good construction. No issues with burn or draw at all.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: A cup of hot chocolate
Pairing Suggestion: Root beer or Dr. Pepper
Perceived Strength: Medium
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: 5-pack
BARBARROJA’S INVASION REVIEW – BEN
Summary: Opened up with red pepper on the retro; warmth, like what you add to cabbage for flavor. Wood and dusty black pepper and leather kick up the profile. Everything seems to be smooth heading into the second with a whiff of something sweet in the second. There were a few relights and a wonky burn line. WARNING - the ash crumbles like the British empire. Have that ashtray handy!
If You Like That, You Might Like This: The idea of a nightcap
Pairing Suggestion: Iced coffee or dark rum
Perceived Strength: Medium
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: 5-pack
BARBARROJA’S INVASION REVIEW – TED
Summary: Hell yeah… back in business! There’s a nice closed foot on this cigar and the wrapper leaf is just a little bit rough looking. I see small tears on the edges and a couple of cracks near the foot.
This is starting off with a nice, soft mixture of wood notes, some mild, creamy sweetness, a light floral note, and a pinch of black pepper. The ash hanging off the end of the cigar is that of a cigar much more refined than the wrapper lead me to believe. This cigar continues carrying a sweet wood note right on the end of the first third. Coincidently, right when the ash fell for the first time.
Middle section starting with a fresh cut wood note along with a grassy flavor, charred meat and a drop of honey on the whole thing. A long retro hale brings an earthy flavor followed by a long, slightly sweetened floral note. Im also getting the slightest hint of pepper.
Home stretch! I must mention the construction of this cigar. A+ all around in draw, smoke output and a nice ash cooling off the stick. This end portion has a bit more strength and pepper kick to it, especially in the retro hale. Flavors of charred wood and earth are still hanging on but the bit of sweetness in the first two thirds has evaporated. I also still taste a bit of that fresh cut grass along with some dark fruit notes.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Steak and eggs with fresh fruit for breakfast
Pairing Suggestion: Black coffee, with a pinch of salt (seriously, try it)
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.
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