TorpedoBomber purchased this cigar on 2009-01-01.
It has 2 weeks of additional aging.
A friend mentioned this cigar to me. After yawning, I thought; 'oh joy--another cigar with the word "Cuba" in it'. I expected a giant ring gauge stick with a huge, blinged-out double band. To my pleasant surprise the Cubao No.4 was neither. But it was an excellent smoke.
The short, stumpy No.4 arrived in a nicely patina'ed sampler box which includes 6 other sticks, all different types. This cigar has a nice triple cap, a slick, evenly veined Oscuro wrapper and a perfectly
simple and classic band. I suspected this stogie was going to be good. Before lighting, I checked the draw; perfect. Not loose or airy, not tight. Time for ignition. The blue flame licked each edge of the fresh cigar, forming a perfect circle of new ash.
With such a nice draw, I could slowly taste the first moments of the Cubao No.4 with ease. The sweet Oscuro wrapper making its presence known
right away. Echoes of chocolate/cinnamon whisper behind the rich tobacco spice. So far, so good.
Things get very nice here. The chocolate/cinnamon hints are still there, but the tobacco really picks up now. Rich, strong flavors of leather, spice and well-aged tobacco work very well together to make an excellent smoking experience.
Usually, I don't like smoking cigars past the band. I just don't like the tarriness that many have. I expected this to be no different. Again, the Cubao No.4 surprises. The same flavors of the middle third just pick up more steam, but with no hint of bitterness or sourness.
To me, this is a sign of a well-blended cigar. I smoked this one down to my fingertips and enjoyed it all. Excellent!