avantgrade purchased this cigar on 2010-07-15.
It has a few days of additional aging.
Let me start off saying that this is a perfect little smoke. Heck, it costs under a dollar a stick. I do not intend on comparing this to more expensive cigars, as that would be equivalent of comparing apples to oranges. I am looking at this cigar for what it is: a quick smoke, mild-bodied, and perfect for a short card game under the stars on the balcony.
The cigar lit up easily, and burned so to the nub. There is plenty of sweet tobacco smoke, complemented by the slightly sweetened cap. Nothing extremely complex here, just a very enjoyable, light sweetness.
Burning forward, it doesn't take much to produce copious amounts of smoke. The smoke is rich and dense, full of simple, mild tobacco notes. There is a little bit of an earthy undertone to the whole experience, which seems to fade in and out as the cigar burn. Notes of cinnamon and light baking spices make themselves known once in a while, adding to the enjoyment.
The burn is nice and consistent, as is the flavor profile. The body doesn't reach anywhere past mild, and that is just what I was looking for in this cigar.
The ash doesn't hold on for too long, almost an inch but not more. This seems to be appropriate for a smaller cigar, especially one that was never pressed by a mold.
The burn becomes a little hot towards the end, but slowing down on the puffs seems to help keep it cooler. The flavors are the same, maybe a little more intense than what they started out as. Still, plenty of smoke is billowing into the night sky, and there is a very pleasant aroma of sweet tobacco in the air.
I set this one down with about an inch left, and the whole experience lasted about 30 minutes. It's perfect for what it was intended.