PuffingBilly purchased this cigar on 2008-10-23.
I gave the foot a good toasting and the cigar lit nice and evenly. The draw was good with only a slight resistance. The smoke was cool and medium bodied and was not in any way overwhelming to the palate.
You could immediately tell this was way above your average cigar. The smoke is very crisp and clean and the finish is creamy. The flavor is a combination of licorice and black pepper, and it is also slightly salty that works together quite nicely - its unlike anything I had smoked before.
As you get into the second third of the cigar the body starts to build slowly to medium/full and there is an added tartness to the flavor that wasn't there in the early stages. There are a few minor inconsistencies in the burn but they correct themselves with out any interference from me. The black pepper and spiciness of the corojo tobacco is still there. The flavors are complex and full of character - very enjoyable.
I reached the final third after about an hour and a quarter. The body continued to build toward the full range and the finish became less creamy and more heavy. The flavors remained pretty consistent though the richness levels certainly increased at the end, which only went to add to the interest and complexity. An excellent, excellent smoke! Highly recommended.