Taboo Twist

Size: 6x58 Toro
wrapper: Connecticut Shade and Maduro
Binder: ? No Info
Filler: ? No Info
Body: Medium
Strength: Mild-Medium
Humidor Time: 4 Months

This is a hefty cigar and probably one of the most beautiful barber pole cigars I have seen to date. The colors of the Connecticut shade and maduro wrappers are such a sharp difference that one cannot help but notice the beautiful workmanship. The construction is pratically flawless. The smell of tobacco lofting from this cigar is intoxicating, the smell of maduro is prominent. I am anticipating the oportunity to enjoy a cigar that others have enjoyed so much.

As I moistened the cap, the very top of the cigar came loose, which is a Connecticut circle used to cap off the cigar, it was not a big deal as the top was removed completely when clipped. This was easy to cut and light, the foot lit up without hesitation, this was a bit of a surprise as larger ring gauges typically take a few extra passes with the match to light.

The start was peppery with a finish that tasted of burnt paper. Within a couple of puffs the pepper started to subside and a creaminess is being created. As the pepper faded away, I got a distinct soapy taste and the finish was acrid. I am still working through the first quarter of the cigar, this has a lot of potential that will probably even this out.

The aroma from this cigar reminds me of a maduro Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur, the acrid touch I am getting is reminiscent of an Arturo Fuente cigar. As I reach the body of the cigar I am picking up a buttery texture and flavor. This is not that bad.

Now that I am into the body of the cigar I notice that the lighter wrapper is burning faster than the maduro. The burn is off, with the maduro burning even and the Connecticut burning rocky, but I have come to expect that from barber pole cigars. The flavor is powdery and perfumy, that burnt paper taste still remains, but the acrid touch fades in and out. This is really not agreeing with my taste buds.

The ash is dark and solid, holding firm as to not drop until I tap in on the ashtray. As I am reaching halfway into the cigar, the burn is starting to even out.

The acrid flavor will not go away, I getting hints of flavor that want to emerge, but I cannot get past this acrid taste. There is a sweet almond touch I can pick out and some cocoa, but I am getting so much of a burnt rubber that I am having trouble concentrating on the good flavors. There is a creamy aftertaste and the smoke is buttery smooth. Unfortunately as I am getting through the center of the cigar the burn is turning choppy again.

Still a bit soapy with an acrid finish and a creamy aftertaste. I am trying to enjoy this, but I cannot finish this cigar, with about 3 inches left I let it go out. What a disappointment. Well, you win some and you lose some, that is an important aspect of this hobby that I respect. I would have a hard time recommending this cigar to those that do not like Arturo Fuente's, these seemed too similar for me and just did not suit what I enjoy.

Appearance 2- Beautiful
Construction 3- Solid
Burn 1.5- Took a while to burn straight, then picked up a vein and burned uneven again
Ash 2.5- Really held on well
Flavor 0.5 - Had potential but I could not find it
Smoke Profile 2- Smooth Easy and Nice
Aroma 2 - Enjoyable, this is not overpowering, nice and mellow



=13.5 Points

Red Roses by Robert Mc Connell

Unique and different, that is how I would describe the description on the can of this tobacco. According to the label, this is a "composition of jet-black cavendish and sun-yellow Virginia, embedded in rose buds. Finest attar of roses, topped with a touch of caramel..." this is made in Germany and the first from this brand for me to smoke today.

I have yet to learn of a tobacco that uses rose buds until I saw this can, and I had to pick it up, At $15 for 100g online, I am a bit anxious, this is more than my normal expenditure for a can of tobacco. The label's color scheme is blood red and black with two female shadows each
holding a rose.

As I popped the can open, a couple of bits escaped as the pressure was release. I am instantly greeted with a strong sweet caramel aroma. The smell of cavendish is prominent and makes a point to not be lost in the aroma. The contrast of the cavendish and Virginia is striking. The colors blend beautifully with each other with a lot of character. The pieces of rose are noticeable, they are of a yellow-tan in color and blend with the Virginia tobacco easily.

I purposely opened up a rose bud on the top of the tobacco I packed in my pipe before lighting. The moisture this tobacco has is little more than I prefer. I packed this into my unfinished Amadeus pipe, this is my go to aromatic pipe especially when I am trying a new blend.

Right off from the initial light the sugary cavendish jumps out at full attention and the background flavor is a tad musky. Once the tobacco was fully lit, the caramel pushes the cavendish out of the way and is the predominant flavor.

The smoke is thick and creamy, with an aroma that smells of caramel and roses. I am starting to think I may enjoy the room not of this aromatic tobacco more than any other I have had to date. This is a tough call as I really enjoy Blue Note's aroma.

I was sure I packed this bowl well, but the tobacco is not burning as well as I would have liked, I should have dried the tobacco out a bit before lighting up, but it is not so much a bother to be a nuisance for me. The tobacco is of a clean and earthy quality. The background flavors are solid as I reach the half way point of the bowl. The smoke has remained cool and a thick crisp texture.

As I am typing this I was blasted with a nice subtle roasted coffee flavor and scent. It seems to be fading in and out through the last half of the bowl. The natural tobacco flavors are a bit woody, in fact the last scent I noted was pine, it reminded me of being in a pine forrest. Not to be confused with the smell of a Christmas tree, this was crisp and fresh like I remember in my camping days.

This is a relaxing smoke, the background tobacco flavors are very enjoyable with a nice topping of caramel flavor and a room note of roses. Just as the label promises. This burned a little faster than I would have liked, but I will just light up another bowl. The smoke was never hot through the whole duration of the bowl. This is a nice medium body smoke that will soothe the senses and relax the soul after a hard days work.

I certainly would recommend this to anyone wanting a sweet thick caramel aromatic. The price range; I will certainly not hesitate to pay for it again when I desire a caramel flavor. This blend is now in my list of top 5 favorite aromatics.