Yet another absolute newbie review of an ASC regular - The Connie.  This was gifted by SkyhawkXP in his generous newbie pack.  Thanks SkyhawkXP!  It was a beautiful day in the Great PNW and I headed up to S43 to see the enclosed hangar we have recently been granted by the airfield gods, and to go for a couple hour jaunt, then an oil change.  A wonderful airplane day.  Got there, eventually found the building and unit, opened the hangar doors and the left main tire was flat as a pancake.  New tire and tube installed at last week's annual inspection.  We must have pinched the tube.  No problem, drag over the wing jack, and ... the flat brings the wing down about 1/2" too low!  And, I left the compressor at home.  Obviously, the aviation angels are giving me a message.  Locked up, headed home, took a nap, then a cigar in the late afternoon after a rare Mariners' win.

Demonick

Cigar:            Consuegra #9 Maduro (Connie)

Size:             50 x 4.5

Wrapper:          Honduran

Binder:           Honduran

Filler:           Honduran/Nicaragua/Dominican

Age:              16 months

Vendor:           Gift from Steve Hall "ASC SkyhawkXP"

Beverage(s):      Bridgeport IPA

Smoke time:       80 minutes

Date:             2004-05-23

Overall score:    3.0/5.0

Construction:     Wrapper has some tooth and big veins.  Wrapper split at the foot about 3/4".  Firm though uneven appearance.  Nice nose. 

Prelight:   Cut terribly.  Cap came off with some of the wrapper exposing binder.  Not too much and the wound was covered during the draw.  Loose draw.  Peppery unlit. 

First third:      Lit very well.  Lots of smoke.  Too loose draw.  Wrapper foot tear was not a factor.  First few puffs were peppery over the entire palate.  A little ashy.  Burn uneven and required constant attention.  Pepper turned a bit harsh at the back of the palate.  Aftertaste was ashy.  Firm white compact ash.

Second third:     Flavor mellowed, pepper fading but remaining.  Burn evened out.  Ash held to 2" then it fell.  A transient few puffs of nuttiness.  Draw remains too loose.  Veins affected the burn adversely.  Still ashy.

Third third:      Some nuttiness remained, then vanished.  Whatever flavor there was, was tainted by a persistent ashiness.  At about 1.5" it went out and I abandoned it. 

Overall:    Construction was wanting.  Ashy throughout, with occasional nuttiness.  Mild nicotine buzz.  Only ashed twice.  The Connie just didn't do it for me, though it was a learning experience.