The initial look of this cigar is striking, and although I have been smoking cigars for years. I had never tried a BarberPole, and I am a Master Barber…. DOH! Boy how’s that for Irony! It must be mentioned that my order of various sticks, was by far the best packaging, shipping and cigar condition of any online retailer, and better than most of my Brick and Mortars. Granted I am just down the state in Tucson, but Kudos on how quick, and quality standards. Ok my review: The presentation is wonderful and very unique the contrast of the Candela with the San Andreas is striking. Box pressed being a bonus 1st third: initial torch and draw was extremely green and grassy to my palate. I was worried at 1st but 2nd draw still was grassy but a green sweetness came through as I expect with a candela. Agree with Tim, that a monster pepper note on retrohale a light chocolate coffee note is present as well. As it burns into the Maduro the flavors jump a bunch with a cinnamon roll( but not sweet) comes through 2nd 3rd: Actually the cigar mellows a bit as the candela and Maduro really start to share the same space. I start to get almost a cookie dough thickness, and a very nice oily feeling in the mouth. The aroma becomes a bit more “bread baking” vibe with a nice spice in tje mouth as well with the grass still making itself known Final 3rd: The aroma takes on a sweet creaminess to my nose here. The cigar stays mellow and delicious and does not get harsh as many do. It does remind me a bit of the Carreras Chupacabra Hell Cat , but without the smack in the palate. In a way it takes on almost a pipe Virginia note, but again not sweet The ash and burn is very consistent. After letting the cigar sit for a bit to clean the palate the grassiness comes back with some coffee and chocolate in final stages of the stick Absolutely wondeful. My rating 92-94 Lovely
