Kingantz
Growing too fast.
I want to give a huge shout out to Jim (Cigar Buff) for generously sending me a sampler of Viaje cigars to try/review. I have to admit, I don’t recall having heard about this brand of cigar and after reading up on it, I’m quite interested in seeing how this cigar smokes. I decided on the torpedo as I really enjoy this vitola. The wrapper is a very dark and oily Nicaragua Corojo 99 Café (same as the Tat Havana VI line) with a few tiny veins running the length. The cigar has what I believe to be a perfect weight and is firm when squeezed with the exception of a small spot one inch down from the front of the band. The bunching (Nicaragua binder and filler) in the foot seems a bit awkward with what seems to be tight rolled on one side and then loose on the other. We shall see!
I think the band is pretty cool other than it being slightly heart shaped, not too sure about that as it kind of reminds me of Valentine’s day for some reason. Using my Palio, I clip about a quarter inch of the cap at a downward angle, opposite the band, and find what I feel is a perfect draw. The flavor in the cold draw is that of straightforward, very fresh tobacco.
Using my Zippo with the Z-Plus insert, I torch the foot slowly, watching the glowing orange embers coming to life. I blow on the foot until there’s a uniform orange, take a couple of puffs to make sure the burn is going good and smoke is flowing well, then take a slow, long draw. I get a bit of power at first with a full strength coming through and good spiciness. With a couple more draws it settles down to a perfect medium body with an excellent cinnamon spice. The smoke itself is smooth and seems almost oily over the tongue with very balanced tastes of very rich espresso, dark earth and worn leather.
The burn is sharp with a dark/blackish gray ash forming that is quite firm, holding strong until ashed at about three-quarters of an inch in. I can see the oils gathering at the edge of the ash and really like the look of it. The rich flavors as previously described continue and are excellent as the smoke coats the palate and with exhaling through the mouth and nose, however I’m finding the finish slightly lacking, being short so far.
I tell ya what, hitting the halfway point and on, the smoke really picks up to a full strength, making my head want to swim a little with each draw. I’m liking it!
Flavors are still intense espresso with a dark, rich earth undertone that is simply fantastic with a perfect amount of spice coming through. Getting closer towards the end, the finish is becoming more and more lasting on the palate.
This was an incredibly good cigar with heavy espresso and dark, rich earth flavor. The burn was spot on most of the time, getting sideways only a little at times but correcting itself just fine. Medium body to about halfway turning to a full the rest with excellent spice on the back of the throat and a decent enough finish on the palate, especially towards the end. Thanks again to Jim for sending these to me, and I’m very much looking forward to trying the other two vitolas sent. Excellent cigar!
I think the band is pretty cool other than it being slightly heart shaped, not too sure about that as it kind of reminds me of Valentine’s day for some reason. Using my Palio, I clip about a quarter inch of the cap at a downward angle, opposite the band, and find what I feel is a perfect draw. The flavor in the cold draw is that of straightforward, very fresh tobacco.
Using my Zippo with the Z-Plus insert, I torch the foot slowly, watching the glowing orange embers coming to life. I blow on the foot until there’s a uniform orange, take a couple of puffs to make sure the burn is going good and smoke is flowing well, then take a slow, long draw. I get a bit of power at first with a full strength coming through and good spiciness. With a couple more draws it settles down to a perfect medium body with an excellent cinnamon spice. The smoke itself is smooth and seems almost oily over the tongue with very balanced tastes of very rich espresso, dark earth and worn leather.
The burn is sharp with a dark/blackish gray ash forming that is quite firm, holding strong until ashed at about three-quarters of an inch in. I can see the oils gathering at the edge of the ash and really like the look of it. The rich flavors as previously described continue and are excellent as the smoke coats the palate and with exhaling through the mouth and nose, however I’m finding the finish slightly lacking, being short so far.
I tell ya what, hitting the halfway point and on, the smoke really picks up to a full strength, making my head want to swim a little with each draw. I’m liking it!
Flavors are still intense espresso with a dark, rich earth undertone that is simply fantastic with a perfect amount of spice coming through. Getting closer towards the end, the finish is becoming more and more lasting on the palate.This was an incredibly good cigar with heavy espresso and dark, rich earth flavor. The burn was spot on most of the time, getting sideways only a little at times but correcting itself just fine. Medium body to about halfway turning to a full the rest with excellent spice on the back of the throat and a decent enough finish on the palate, especially towards the end. Thanks again to Jim for sending these to me, and I’m very much looking forward to trying the other two vitolas sent. Excellent cigar!
but then again I love them all!
