[shibby4781]

Sorry to be tardy to the party but I just received the Ave Maria Box Sampler this afternoon and had to break into it because I have been excited to try these. I scored a great deal this from the devil's site. The box and presentation is very nice. I love most of the AJ blends I have tried as of late and this seemed right up my ally. I'm smoking the Clermont. A corona at 5.5" x 45. I have to say I am really enjoying the size. I usually go for the 50 -54 RG. It is a beautifully constructed cigar. The draw is perfect and the burn is razor sharp. Even for a fast smoker it seems to have a "Wolverine" like healing mutation if it get out of whack. The flavor was not what I expected however. While not bad just not what I expected. I get strong notes of an earthy and wood flavor (maybe cedar) and leather. Every so often some faint cream and sweet tobacco comes through. There is a strange bitter flavor throughout that throws me off. I like the flavor of the draw and the smell of the exhale but the aftertaste is much to be desired. It is ashy. This flavor extremely calmed down now, pretty much at the nub. This is what is keeping it from a 4-5 star rating IMO. I'm hoping with some age that will mellow out.