Unfortunately a 2-star experience only because the cigar that I received was so dry. The wrapper was cracked in multiple places and slightly removing itself from the cigar. The color was a bit muted as well. I would posit to suggest that the cigar I received had been sitting for quite a while, where the front half of the Robusto was probably at 40 percent humidity, back half probably sitting around 55. I cut the absolutely desiccated first half off the cigar and smoked the back half in an attempt to salvage some experience. I was able to experience the potential of the cigar but would describe it as a fleeting oasis off in the distance that I could observe, yet my reality remained in a barren desert. Aroma consisted of butterscotch and oak, and what I often describe in very well aged cigars as an “antique sweetness” (similar to a vanilla candle in an antique store) at the top end of the aroma. Some Perdomo Terroir was present however the overall experience was quite flat and even dusty. Zero mouth flavor developed up until the harshness of the retro-hale forced my hand in retiring the cigar altogether. I know this ain’t an 18 Don Carlos but dammit these things are about as rare and unobtanium in my area, not to mention the Lot 23 Connecticut is an absolute must in my rotation, the quintessential Connecticut.
