Wrapper: Ecuadorian Corona ‘98
Binder: Brazilian Arapiraca, Ecuadorian Sumatra
Filler: Nicaraguan
Vitola: 5 x 50
Strength: Medium-Full
Purchase Link: Luciano Y Panda
Y PANDA REVIEW – DOM
Summary: As I pen coffee as the initial tasting note, smoke pours out of this thing. On the palate, juniper berries and buttered toast mingle while red pepper on the retrohale makes my nose tingle. The spice dissipates an inch down revealing fruity undertones. After a required relight, I have two observations. One, this has a better light roast coffee flavor than my coffee had this morning. And two, holy crap this cigar is strong.
At the halfway point, amaro adds awesome complexity while the strength, like the Dude, abides. Another relight is required, but instead of degrading the flavors toward bitterness, I get caramel corn sweetness. Hot, dark chocolate coats my tongue as I put down the nub. Be sure to smoke this AFTER a full bowl of Wheaties.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Hitting PR’s at the gym
Pairing Suggestion: Gin
Perceived Strength: Full
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Box
Y PANDA REVIEW – RICH
Summary: This cigar brought notes of oak, cedar, dark chocolate, cherry, cereal grain, and coffee. It was on the bitter side, but enjoyably so.
Construction was spot-on; no issues to speak of.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Black coffee
Pairing Suggestion: Milkshake
Perceived Strength: Medium
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: 5-pack
Y PANDA REVIEW – BEN
Summary: Taste like wet leather and grass while a little heat lingers on the tongue; almost like grinding a smidge too much black pepper over arugula. Retro was smooth tho. It’s nutty but dry on my palate like walnuts from Gram's holiday stash.
Usually this profile is something I'd drop immediately but it isn't too aggressive.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Doing yard work
Pairing Suggestion: Ice-cold beer
Perceived Strength: Full
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: 5-pack
Y PANDA REVIEW – TED
Summary: The opening flavor of corn flakes on the cold draw was followed with notes of wood and walnut up front and then a nice leather note. Unfortunately, it was mated with a strong mineral flavor. The retro smoke had some shoulders. It carried heat I’d label as “mild wasabi style” heat. Overall, the beginning of the profile also had a little bit of bitterness to it.
A little later, the majority of that profile from the first third remained intact, but a nice smooth flavor of graham cracker was in the finish, and a lot of the mineral notes dropped out. The retro smoke continued to carry a fair amount of spiciness, but also included a small amount of baking spices.
Notes of wood and mild umami with an underlying mineral really dominated the end of the profile. However, I also tasted a seemingly out of place minty flavor in the finish of the cigar.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: A Friday night with a bourbon flight
Pairing Suggestion: Bookers on ice
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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