Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Dominican Republic Olor Seco
Filler: San Vicente Ligero & Visus, Piloto Seco & Visus, Olor Seco (D.R.)
Vitola: Robusto (5 ½ x 48)
Purchase Link: Davidoff Robusto Real Especiales <<7>>
ROBUSTO REAL ESPECIALES REVIEW – CALIFORNIA
Summary: Draw is slightly loose. Starting out with toasted pecans! Caramel Macchiato sweetness swoops in and scores. Although it might sound like a T-bone of flavors (in terms of a collision, not the steak), umami adds even more complexity to the fold. Just one bummer: the burn requires a touch-up only an inch in. Cream.
Touching up the burn again entering the second third. Pecans and cream. I'm getting some anejo tequila on the retro hale which is intriguing. Another burn correction.
The burn looks steady heading into the final third. Guava (what the heck?). This cigar doesn't have much balls, but it's definitely full of nuts if you're into that profile.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Coffee cake.
Pairing Suggestion: Frangelico Sour.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Fiver.
ROBUSTO REAL ESPECIALES REVIEW – WISCONSIN
Summary: Flavors in this cigar included leather, earth, pepper, a surprising amount of citrus, chocolate, black tea, and herbal notes. After about the first third, oak joined the party and took over as the dominant taste. The citrus notes really dropped off, and oaky and earthy notes became the name of the game. The retro hale on this cigar was particularly oaky.
The burn had a few issues, needing several corrections and one entire relight. The draw was perfect. If you like your cigar experiences to be entirely effortless, this might not be your best bet.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Herbal tea.
Pairing Suggestion: Lemonade.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Fiver.
ROBUSTO REAL ESPECIALES REVIEW – OREGON
Summary: This week’s cigar appears to be firmly packed and nicely rolled even though the seams are clearly evident. The cold draw is loose and simply carries some notes of slightly stale bread.
Sweet floral notes, cream, mild red pepper flake, wood notes... very interesting and unique profile. The ash is relatively dark and reminds me of the ash you see on a Cuban cigar. It’s producing great smoke and the burn is pretty impressive as well.
Moving into the middle of the smoke, still getting floral up front with a nice creamy texture along with muted sourdough bread and that same red pepper flake spiciness. The spiciness is very complimenting and not distracting at all. Also, bountiful smoke and perfection in construction.
The profile remains consistent right to the end as does the performance. While there haven’t been any earth moving transitions, it’s been a very enjoyable cigar.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Thai food on Friday night.
Pairing Suggestion: Angels Envy Finished Rye... with a teaspoon of water.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Box.
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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