This is the 2017 release of the Hoyo collaboration with AJ Fernandez. It has a nice dark wrapper. Aromas from the wrapper are mostly tobacco, but there is a little “zing” from the foot. The bunch is firm and the cold draw is perfect. Tonight’s beverage is a Krombacher Dark Lager.

 

The initial draws yield flavors of tobacco, cedar and hints of spice that remind me of a really good BBQ rib rub. The draw is perfect and the burn is very even. The ash is solid and light grey.

In the first third the spices settle to a smooth pepper note on the tongue and in the retrohale. A toasted flavor blends in with the profile. The ash dropped at one inch and remains solid and the burn remains even.

During the second third a sweetness creeps into the already excellent profile. The smoke is very smooth. This is a solid medium bodied cigar. The burn remains flawless.

Approaching the final inch the cigar remains smooth and tasty. The ash has been solid throughout, as has the burn. Perhaps a bit milder than the Amistad Gold of 2016, but still an excellent experience. 95, Joe Bob says check it out.