"For as much as I liked about this cigar, unfortunately there was just as much as that I did not. Let's start with the positive. All in all, the smoking experience was trouble free. Not only did this stick burn great, but the draw was near perfect and the smoke was silky smooth from beginning to end. The first third is truly where this smoke shined! Its flavors were immensely enjoyable and most importantly, well balanced... a delicious tango of spicy and sweet! Beyond the first third is where everything took a turn for me. Although the final two thirds of the cigar was not all bad, the obtrusive bitterness that took center stage for much of the second third was simply overpowering and quite literally left a bad taste in my mouth. I like transitions as much as the next guy but what I experienced during the final third was simply absurd. Every single puff brought about something new and the lack of consistency just left my palate confused. While a lot of the flavors were intense and pleasant, they just simply weren't enough to eclipse the ones that were not. Being all over the map, I'm not so sure that even the right pairing would bring out the best in this cigar." -Noah S. (Noah)
"Overall, this was a solid performing stick in terms of construction and complexity. Perfection in the draw, burn, and construction category made this stick a dream to smoke on the technical aspect. Wonderful medium-bodied flavors ranging from leather, cream, and Brazil nuts to malty chocolate notes kept me on my toes with each puff. I would smoke this cigar again, over and over when I want to feel fancy as this sample just made me feel relaxed. Grab this one and smoke it!" -John A. (Bostoneo)
Warped Cigars has launched Sky Moon, a cigar once exclusive to its owner, now available as a limited edition series. The blend, combining Sky Flower and Moon Garden, uses a Jalapa Shade Grown Corojo ’99 wrapper and Nicaraguan fillers. Despite a few construction issues, reviewers praised its robust flavor profile and distinctive 109 shape.
"I think this may actually be a great cigar right in my profile if it wasn't for the construction issue I ran into making the final third harsh. The opening of sweet cedar and baking spice warmed up the blend wonderfully. The transition into a heavier dark chocolate and more black pepper was very enjoyable. Sadly the final third turning into a more harsh pepper and burnt coffee wasn't too good. I'd absolutely try this blend again though cause I feel like the final third would be wonderful if it just wasn't for the harshness due to the relights and draw problems." -Lauren S. (Lauren S.)
"Even though the draw was tighter than ideal for the first third and the lineup of flavors doesn't match what I typically reach for when choosing what to smoke, this cigar was immensely enjoyable! I am quite fond of this particular vitola as the change in ring gauge and proportions of binder, filler, and wrapper all but guarantees an interesting progression or transition of flavors that I tend to think of as a story the blender is telling through the leaves. Not only did the profile of flavors build upon one another from start to finish but so did the strength which is always a plus in my book. After a bit of a slow start, this cigar truly shined in the latter two-thirds when the flavors were most balanced, complex, and robust. The smoke was incredibly smooth throughout and the flavors were clearly defined which always makes for a nice experience as I don't have to think too much about what I am smoking. This is exactly the kind of smoke I like when I am deep in a great conversation amongst great friends." -Noah S. (Noah)
"Everything about this cigar just worked for me. Burn, draw, and flavor profile were all in harmony. The size was perfect for the straightforward flavors that continued from beginning to end. I'm definitely going to be bummed if this is some limited release, that's for sure." -Doug S. (Unpossible_1)
"After leaving the blocks a little slow this cigar found its stride in the second third and never looked back. It is a refined smoke that will only get better with time. There were a few rough edges earlier on but ultimately the smoking experience was very pleasant. This would a great cigar to start your day with a beverage of the smoker’s choice. The profile is easily approachable for any level of smoker. I would seek it out again once I know what it is." -Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)
Ferio Tego unveiled its first regular production line, the Ferio Tego Summa, at the PCA trade show. The Summa blend utilizes tobaccos from three countries and is noted for its balance and intensity of body and flavor.
"Things kicked off with a good pop, but the cigar quickly found its footing. I'm a fan of chai, and I was happy to experience a fair amount of that halfway through the cigar. It ended with ease and subtleness that almost lulled me into a sense of bliss. This experience read just like a typical story with a beginning, middle, and end. Each playing their own part, but also able to present a bigger picture. I could see myself smoking this again." -Doug S. (Unpossible_1)
Cigar Dojo has collaborated with a LOT of cigar companies to release a special cigar. One they haven't work with, until now, is Fratello Cigars. Their first collaboration cigar is called the After BurnR cigar, a special project with deep ties to each company's unique histories.