Cigar:            Cusano C10 Limited Edition 10th Anniversary Corona

Size:             42 x 5" Corona

Country:          DR

Wrapper:          1996 Ec

Binder:           1998 Sum/Mex

Filler:           Jamastran Visus Hon 1999, Broadleaf Visus USA 1998,

                  Piloto Seco DR 1999, San Vincente DR 1999

Flavor Strength:  Full

NicotineStength:  Med-Full

Date Received:    2005-03-16

Suspected Age:   

Vendor/Price:     $4.50 / CigarBid (includes shipping)

Beverage(s):      Dead Guy Ale, Water

Smoke time:       1:15

Date:             2005-03-20

Posted to ASC:    2005-03-20

Overall:    Smoked OTT.  First half was dominated by black pepper.  Second half brought in vanilla and coffee/cocoa with sweet licorice in the long finish.  At 1.25" remaining it funkified, harshened, and became slightly bitter.  If the entire cigar was like the middle this would be a great smoke.  Try one again in 6 months.

Ambience:   Took the little woman and headed to Daniel's for a few drinks and a smoke. 

Construction:     Dark mottled wrapper with medium veining and a long cap.  Firm along length.  Sweet vanilla aroma.  Very nice. 

Cut & Prelight:   Cut well.  Nice draw resistance.  Lots of lip tingling with floral draw flavor. 

First third:      Pepper.  Black pepper.  Dark gray firm ash with a raised black burn ring.  At 1" into it, a sweet peppery finish with some unidentified, pleasant undertone.  Held ash for well over an inch.  Moderate smoke volume and good draw (some resistance)

Second third:     Still predominantly pepper.  Nicotine apparent. A bit of pepper harshness has made it to the back of the throat.  Vanilla coffee in finish.  Pepper fading at the halfway point.  Sweet licorice in the long finish.  Good burn throughout.

Third third:      Pepper has mostly faded.  Some mustiness in the smoke.  Sweet vanilla coffee/cocoa with a slight harsh edge.  Went a little funky, somewhat harsh, and slightly bitter at 1.25" remaining.  Abandoned.  Strong nicotine buzz that did not last long.  Great long, long finish.