The "Black Ghost"

[RightAJ]

Just finished this cool little stick courtesty of MedicCook (Ryan), so here's the review! Pics on my blog

aj

After hearing some talk about a LE house blend cigar rolled by an ex-Opus Master Roller, I asked around, and found out that the "Black Ghost" is a gnarly looking stick, rolled by Francisco from Habana Premium in upstate NY. It is said to be a real powerhouse sporting a Peruvian wrapper. The Corona Gorda sized stick is rather ugly, having a funky colored wrapper, a little pigtail, and lots of lumps. My curiosity lead to a bomb by a BOTL from Asylum, who sent me two of these so that I could do a review. Seems like I will be in for an interesting experience!

Cut is a Palio, lit with matches, and paired with cold water. Enjoying this with a good buddy, who will be smoking his first CC courtesy of Santa. Feels great to push someone down the slope

Pre-Light - As I said before, this is really an ugly cigar. The wrapper has patchy colors and lumps, and is a bit squishy in some spots. That aside, the pre-light draw is nice, with a tiny tug.

First Third - The draw opens up immediately with thick, cloudy smoke. Wood and a dark, earthy note dominate the flavors right off the bat, and I can already tell this will be quite a strong cigar. Black tea and straight raw tobacco are also in the flavor mix, and it reminds me of a young, ultra-full-bodied Cuban. Ash is flaky but tight, and looks very dark in color, and again, I think CC. After setting it down for only a minute or two while I sent a text message, it went out! No problem after re-lighting though.

Second Third - The burn is going well, though ranging from sharp to somewhat ragged. More tea and black pepper notes are developing, complementing the earthy flavors. I am enjoying the Ghost so far, but it is flirting with the fine line between complexity and muddiness, most likely because of the darkness of the flavors.

Third Third - This cigar is no wimp- I can feel the strength creeping up in the back of my throat. Black tea and earth are dominating the last third, with some rich spice in the background. Ash/burn/draw continue to be on target, and no more re-light problems. Smoker beware with nose-exhaling- trust me it burns like hell.

Conclusion and Score - I smoked one of these previously, and I must say it was not half as good. Not sure if it was more humi time or the fact that I smoked the first one in 15 degree weather, but I was very impressed this time through. This wasn't the most complex cigar I have had, or the most refined in flavor, but it certainly had a nice punch in both body and taste. A rugged, dark, earthy flavor dominated- something that I don't find with too many sticks, and am rarely in the mood for, but today it hit the spot. I would give this an 89 rating, with possible room for improvement if the young, tea like flavor cold mellow with some age.

[md4958]

Black Ghost is one of my favorite NC sticks. Francisco does an excellent job, although they have become so popular, he has a hard time keeping up with demand.

All the sticks Ive encountered had flawless construction, and while not the smoothest wrappers, I never encountered a stick I would call "ugly"

Also, Ive always gotten dried fig, or dates when I smoke these. Never noticed the tea and pepper. I will agree that they are powerful sticks, and after my first experience I was a little weak-kneed.

[G G]

Nice review. Thanks.

[kelmac07]

Nice review AJ.

[MedicCook]

Glad you enjoyed the Black Ghost AJ. Thanks for posting up a review on it.

[RightAJ]

Originally Posted by MedicCook

Glad you enjoyed the Black Ghost AJ. Thanks for posting up a review on it.

Thank you for the opportunity to try one buddy

aj

Nice review Aj, sounds like a great cigar

[issues]

Thanks for the review AJ, I am definitely going to have to try to get my hands on one of these someday!!!

[CigarGuy88]

I've been waiting to try the one that Francisco gave me from his "private stash" which apparently was the original batch His Lanceretto is a beast. I smoked one while I was there a few weeks ago and I was hurting...by far one of the strongest sticks i've ever smoked....then again it was about as fresh as it could be being he just rolled it