Value Line 400 Robusto

Score: 9.4

By Tom Bullock

The Value Line Nicaraguan 400 Robusto is just that, a value! This cigar shows careful rolling and finishing, something I would come to expect from a master blender, who, I am told, is related to the Olivas. The cigar is firm and slightly heavy in the hand, perfectly bunched and has nearly invisible seams - a real show stopper. The wrapper is a brindled deep chocolate brown with light veins and an attractive, clean cutting cap. This attention to detail is good to see, too. It makes me expect a quality experience.

The pre light aromas were of rich clean tobacco and an earthy, barnyard essence. The flavors I got up-front were deep tobacco, hay and brown sugar. I am very impressed at this point.

At light-up there were big notes of cedar, ginger and peppery aromas, very bright and tingly. My palate was full of clean earth, oats, toasted oak and there is a nice light saltiness. The finish had a lingering oaky, leathery mix with a hint of salt, and these characteristics lasted well through the first third. This was surprisingly complex for a "Value" cigar.

The second third remained earthy and the leather lingered. The oak was still present, the aroma very spicy with ginger and cedar, and while the pepper started to fade away, the intensity of the leather and earth notes became quite pronounced. My palate was completely filled by this stick.

The final third started to get creamy, as the earth, salt, and leather flavors melded into a delightful caramel smoothness. The aromas were milder at that point, while cedar, coffee, and mature tobacco remained. There was quite a broad spectrum of flavors here. The burn stayed perfect from the first, the pale gray ash was firm, and when I had to roll it off, it never got flaky. The overall draw was firm, but not difficult.

This cigar was a real surprise. Again, I didn't expect all of this complexity from a "Value" cigar. Maybe I should try "Value" sticks more often, certainly those from Famous. Very tasty and intense, the big flavors and excellent aromas were a treat, I will get as many of these as I have room for and hand them to my friends to see their faces when they try them. They are in for a treat.

Scores 
Appearance  - 10
Construction - 10
Draw  -9
Burn -9
Aroma -9
Flavor -10
Balance - 9
Total Score: 9.4