Tonight I smoked the Espinosa Knuckle Sandwich Maduro, and here’s the run down. Right off the light, the draw is nice and easy, I got some chocolate which quickly dropped off to a lesser rough coco flavor. There’s a nutty note, maybe cashew. Slight cedar, leather and earthy, even a dark floral note. The retro hale is a full black pepper punch. It’s full body, thick meaty yet silky smooth smoke. The strength is med to full in the first third. I’m also going to vote for full flavor as well, because it is complex. The flavors are coming across my pallet evenly. It’s also burning evenly, good construction. Into the second third the retro hale has become a jalapeño spice, which is hitting my lips and tongue as well. A slight salt buried deep in the profile. Seems to be burning sort of fast. Full strength with the nicotine now. The coco has dropped off, and I’m getting a dried fruit note. Seems to be developing into a balanced profile. Still a very spicy aroma in the retro hale. The final third is still giving off some good flavors. The notes are getting darker, the strength is gaining weight. No touch ups, the burn line has been good, needing no attention. Earthiness has picked up a bit in the draw. The retro hale is a real kicker, just spicy hot. It had a long finish throughout. A lot of pepper in this cigar. Good flavor. Overall just a really enjoyable cigar. I’m giving this 91 points.
