DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6

[DBall]

Ripplingh20 Cigar #2
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Initial Observations - 42 x 5.50" Maduro or Cameroon wrapper.

Being more accustomed to Robusto size cigars, this Corona (as well as cigar #1) felt somewhat pencil-like to hold but holding isn't akin to smoking. Precut aroma lent to wisps of cocoa (or something chocolatey). Excellent firm composition (trying to feel for any hard spots (after cigar #1's plugging issue)). Nice dense construction. Made another clean straight cut just above the shoulder. Pre-light draw left a slight tingle on my lips. Pairing with a 2nd cup of black coffee out in the garage. It's a balmy 41 degrees this morning; toasting began at 9:50 am.

First 1/3 - So we have plenty of rich smoke emanating from a splendid draw. The prelight tingle has become a mild peppery taste (especially thru a retro (or I think "snork" as Adam referred to it)). Finish isn't long lasting. Seems to pair nicely with my rich black coffee. Nice white/gray ash with black burn lines throughout. Reminds me of a wasp nest I had in the backyard last summer (which I evaporated with 1 shot from a 12 gauge) but I divest... Time to tap the ash before it becomes a design on my sweatshirt.

2nd 1/3 - Draw & smoke output continue to be excellent. The peppery note (or is it a nuance?) has subsided (even via a snork). I mistakenly inhaled in prep for the last retrohale & that was a slight jolt (but not in a bad way). Seems this stick is certainly full bodied or at least moreso than my familiar Connecticuts. Burn is razor sharp (another term I've learned). Sipping, as suggested to me, reveals something but unfortunately I can't put my finger on it. Kinda reminds me of the BBQ'd ribeye I had for supper last night. Very good cigar... Looking forward to the final third.

Last 1/3 - Noticed a portion of the wrapper has released but I'll smoke past it. I'm hoping to pinpoint a taste or flavor or two soon but am sure this stick will continue with excellence. Ash, burn, draw, & smoke remain steadily consistent. Seems rolling the cigar while keeping the slow burn edge on the bottom enhances a sharp burn (I read that somewhere). Retro has become equally pleasant. Burning thru the released wrapper now, so its become slightly jagged. I hate to touch it up with my torch so chose not to. Aroma continues to be rich as is the overall flavor. The cigar seems to be burning faster now on its own & a second piece of wrapper is beginning to gently peal away.

Overall rating - This stick was very enjoyable. To me, with my minimal experience, was rich, full bodied yet relatively mild. Hopefully it will be a cigar I will be able to buy in the future & I hope it comes in a larger Robusto size. Discounting the slight canoeing as it burned thru the unravel I'll rate it an 8.5. Smoke time: 1 hour 10 minutes. Kudos again to Dan. Looking forward to cigar #3!!