What did I just smoke? Certainly do not remember spending 20 dollars on this cigar, or it having a Dunbarton band on it. Yet this stooge smoked like some of the better ones I’ve ever had. This thing absolutely punches up in terms of value, comparing to very, very good cigar brands and aged-in-humidor finds. I was thoroughly impressed with the ever present and very consistent aged quality to the smoke, an unmistakable “antique sweetness” in the aroma, as I define it. Incredibly complex and nuanced. There weren’t many transitions in this cigar, after the first 6th it became what it was, and stayed that way till the thumb. Reminded me throughout of the Foundation Tabernacle (or any good aged broadleaf example), an Olive series G (in that it had very savory Maduro qualities, namely hickory), and lastly a Dunbarton Beef Stick (aged qualities for days). Flavor’s that put this cigar on its own level though were red tootsie pop, and root beer that were evident from the first third, to the thumb. Would rate a 94. burn and construction were immaculate. It should be noted that the foot of this cigar was at a humidity reading of 65 upon smoking, which is right where I like it given the climate that I’m in (Mediterranean). Seems like the latest batch of stooges that I received from Cigars Daily were on the “dry” side (relative to straight from humidor conditions). Perfect for me as the last few that I smoked were absolute money.
