Cigar:            Cupido Criollo Doble

Size:             50 x 5.5 figurado

Country:          Nic

Wrapper:          Nic, Criollo

Binder:           Nic, aged ligero long leaf

Filler:           Nic, aged ligero long leaf

Flavor Strength:  Med-Full

NicotineStength:  Mild

Date Received:    2005-01-03, Gift from TimL, ASC - Thanks Timmah!

Suspected Age:    1999 manufacture

Vendor/Price:     $2 / Cigars International

Beverage(s):      Dead Guy Ale (2), Water no ice (2)

Smoke time:       1:45

Date:             2005-03-26

Posted to ASC:    2005-03-26

Overall score:    3.6/5.0

Overall:    Starts with slightly bitter, slightly sweet nuttiness.  Transitions to strong leather and cocoa in the last third.  Never sweet.  The last third was great, however, although clearly a very good cigar, I didn't care for the flavor profile of the first two thirds.  The aftertaste is sublime. 

Ambience:   Daniel's lounge on a Saturday.  First in the lounge at 4PM.  'A' team servers except Sara.  Both Shannons, Allison (she called me "sweet-pea"), and stately Morgan.  Always a pleasure.  The little woman is off on a quilting weekend.  About to drop Spinal Tap into the DVD.

Construction:     Smaltzy heart-shaped band with a cupid.  Dark, mottled wrapper.  Somewhat rough contruction with light box press and medium veining. Band slipped off easily.  Sweet, floral aroma.

Cut & Prelight:   Figurado cut well.  Very open draw.  Sweet, somewhat peppery draw flavor with a light lip tingle. 

First third:      Very open draw - too open.  I like a bit more resistance.  Copious smoke volume.  Initially green walnut flavor.  At 1" the greeness is fading, but also persisting as a slightly bitter, slightly sweet nuttiness.  Burn problematical down one side.  Poked it and repeatedly corrected with flame - managable.

Second third:     Leathery now, still with some slightly bitter nuttiness, but no longer sweet.  Finish is leathery.  Burn lagging along the veins. 

Third third:      Leathery with a bit of cocoa.  Nuttiness gone.  Still not sweet.  This is the best third.  Very dark, flakey ash holding well over an inch.  Nubbed it to 3/4" when the smoke got hot.  Still leathery and cocoa at the nub.  Never sweet except in the long, long, finish.  No appreciable nicotine buzz.  Awesome sweet aftertaste.  An hour later I hesitate to eat anything.