Espinosa Knuckle Sandwich Connecticut Robusto – J (5×52)

I’m still fresh to this cigar thing. I wouldn’t say I have formed a specific taste in cigars yet thus far, however I knew what I was seeking in a stick when I ordered this one and it certainly delivered. I paired the stogie with an Ollipop Cream Soda, and a handful of mixed nuts with some brie chunks, and read some Cormac McCarthy. Stage is set. Smell test hits me with a barnyard scent and leather. Cold draw was pepper, a touch cream, and a literal bale of hay. Lit up just fine and burn lines starting off clean. Draw was a bit too open at moments in the first third but I really enjoyed the forwardness of that bale of hay flavor. As someone who raised livestock and grew up in 4H it invoked a certain level of nostalgia. As I worked through the first third I also am getting shots of pepper and there always seems to be almost this creamy finish on each exhale with the slightest hit of floral and earthiness sneaking through. Into the second third now and again the draw feels a little too open but at this point I’m pulling hairs in terms of critique. Its a total vibe the flavors of the cigar are paring phenonemnally with the snack and beverage. My fiance is in tow enjoying the moment and occupying herself with Nintendo. We still got hay and barnyard and some would lend that to this cigar not being that complex, and maybe that’s true, however it’s hitting the exact notes I thought it would and wanted it to. I have struggle to find a fault. There is more cream present than ever at this point, and it feels like it swapped positions with the pepper, taking more space with the pepper retreating. Neither of them however overpower the hay. A few of these hits really lit up with that earthy touch but it wasn’t frequent. Burn lines still clean, I did bump it at one point accidently losing a pretty nice tail, and pausing just enough to ne a relight. The relight did not go great but eventually the cherry evened out and it began to pull well again. Final third is here and I’m very pleased. At this point I’m approaching 2 hours with this cigar and the vibes have been incredible. Pepper is more present than ever and for the first time with this stick the bale of hay has taken a backseat. Never thought I’d see the day. I stand corrected. Pepper dominates the final third, and that’s okay. Im down to a few sips of soda, a morsel of cheese and its time to get inside and watch some basketball. I finish it out with cream finding it’s position once again, and the last pull gave me… you guessed it… hay bale. I’m going 5 stars here but I’m certain there is an argument for 4 stars, due to a few minor shortcomings in construction and maybe a lack of complexity. But I don’t care to make that argument. Not tonight. This is what I asked for. Shouts out AJ and Guy. Great stick, great snacks, great company, great literature, great life. Cheers.