Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra

Binder: Ecuadorian Connecticut, Nicaraguan Jalapa

Filler: Nicaraguan (Esteli, Ometepe, Jalapa)

Vitola: B50 (4 x 50)

Strength: Medium+

Purchase Link: Ozgener Bosphorus

OZGENER BOSPHORUS REVIEW – DOM

Summary: Peanut butter richness opens up this shorty.  Lacking pepper, the retrohale is very nose friendly.  This is a great example of a cigar where the body outweighs the strength.

Halfway down, umami mixes with the peanut butter which has me craving some Thai takeout.  Orange citrus brings some zing.  While this cigar misses when it comes to complexity, the rich body makes it a top tier second or third cigar of the day.  

If You Like That, You Might Like This: Brick walls

Pairing Suggestion: Irish Coffee

Perceived Strength: Medium

Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: 5-pack

OZGENER BOSPHORUS REVIEW – RICH

Summary: This little cigar brings notes of cereal grain, earth, pepper, and graham cracker, then adds cocoa and espresso over time. There's some bitterness, but it's an enjoyable bitterness similar to 85% dark chocolate.

The cigar is well-made; no issues to speak of in terms of construction. 

If You Like That, You Might Like This: Very dark chocolate

Pairing Suggestion: Coffee

Perceived Strength: Medium+

Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: 5-pack

OZGENER BOSPHORUS REVIEW – BEN

Summary: This shorty starts off with espresso and a charred oak combination. IDK whether to squint in curiosity or turn my nose up. Immediately following, red pepper flakes, soft leather, and a nice fig smell heading into the second half gets my attention. Shout out to the straight burn line and lengthy ash; it's holding up great!

Strength levels up two notches and the leather intensified. Smoke is heavy on my palate, but I don't mind at all, however, it's starting to burn hot in the last third. 

If You Like That, You Might Like This: A ride along Malibu coast

Pairing Suggestion: Port

Perceived Strength: Medium+

Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: 5-pack

OZGENER BOSPHORUS REVIEW – TED

Summary:  This cigar is a softly box-pressed shorty.  It appears to be well made and the wrapper has a smooth feel to it.  

I’m finding fresh cut wood, coffee and leather in the mix.  Also, mild spices with an overall profile leaning towards slightly bitter.

Towards the middle it’s a sweeter overall profile with cashew, wood leather, nutmeg and a mild vegetal note.  Construction has been good throughout.

Nearing the end and it is still a profile leaning towards sweetness with baking spices, wood, leather and nuts.  I’ve had zero maintenance issues with this cigar from start to finish too.  

If You Like That, You Might Like This: Wading through junk mail to find a birthday card

Pairing Suggestion: Coffee with lots of cream

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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