By Barry Stein (acigarsmoker.com)
Introduction: The Conuco cigar is actually a Rocky Patel-blended cigar, which had me worried, because a lot of his mail order only cigars are real duds. So it was with great trepidation that I put this cigar in my shirt pocket and went down to the bay to smoke. Yes I changed my location a little as it is getting colder out and the Bay offers nice views with some protection from the winds.
Pre-Smoke: On appearance this is one beautifully constructed cigar. The wrapper is chocolate in color with some veins, but nothing that stands out. The cigar was full of oils, and was firm to the touch with just enough sponge to let you know it was properly humidified. The scent of the wrapper has some wood notes, while on the foot there were some strong caramel notes with just a trace of cocoa.
You can say at this point I was pleasantly surprised and I was looking forward to smoking it. So with my idiot-proof cutter in hand, I snipped the cap, and after taking a sip of water, I checked the pre-light draw which was nice and easy. It offered notes of caramel that were easily identifiable.
Smoke: This cigar smoked nice and slow with absolutely no burn issues whatsoever. The 1st third of the cigar offered notes of nuts with a touch of earth and the occasional coffee. You can say I was definitely enjoying this cigar. The 2nd third of the cigar the coffee notes really came through with the caramel I got on the pre-light. The cigars final third was coffee with notes of cocoa right to the nub. When I was done with my smoke I was left with a nice coffee finish accompanied by a subtle sweetness.
Overall: This is a cigar that proves you do not have to spend a lot of money to find a good cigar. It was enjoyable throughout on all the samples I smoked and they were all consistent in terms of the notes of the cigar. I was so impressed that I plan to order some as soon as I free up some room in my humidor or break down and purchase a furniture piece.
Final Rating: 91
Reprinted by permission of A Cigar Smokers Journal.
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