I got this stick in the Noob PIF from Catfish. I took advantage of the unseasonably warm weather (almost 60 today) to try it out.
Humidor time: About a week in mine. Catfish said he had them resting for a while in his.
Prelight: The maduro wrapper looks nice, nice sheen, slightly veiny. Prelight draw is easy, with hints of coffee, leather and chocolate. The band is black, red, and silver.
Burn: This cigar kept developing a slightly uneven burn along a vein in the wrapper, but it was easily touched up. Ash was nice and firm. Draw was easy, and the burn time was about an hour and a half.
Flavor: Right from the start, this cigar had a great flavor. Very creamy, with hints of coffee, leather, and chocolate taking turns, with that nice, sweet maduro aftertaste. In the last third, there was just a bit of pepper.
Summary: In the note with his PIF package, Catfish called this "one of my favorite all-time cigars," and I can see why. This was a great smoke, I'm going to have to get my hands on more of these. Catfish was kind enough to send me two of these. I think I'll bring one to the upcoming Upstate NY Herf and let someone else try it.
Thanks for turning me on to this great cigar, David!
A few pics:
It really is a toro, I just have sausage fingers, LOL.