TacoSauce NC Diary

[TacoSauce]

Illusione Rothchildes Connecticut (++): A well constructed robusto perhaps with some age on it as the cello was deeply stained yellow after I removed the cigar. Pre-light aroma was peppery paper bags and the cold draw reminded me of walking into a school pool room after the pool had been drained for maintenance. After lighting, the cigar opened above medium body -- which was surprising for a CT stick. The flavor notes were white pepper, paper, and some almond at the edges. At the half way point I started getting the occasional burst of caramel, which was nice. A solid CT experience that delivered flavors with more body than most CT sticks -- a nice change from the norm, but this stick doesn't beat the Desert Rose Lonsdale or the Undercrown Shade.

[TacoSauce]

Xhaxhi Bobi Mi Hermano (++): This is the last of these small 4 x 43 short smoke sticks I received in a Xhaxhi Bobi sampler. I get sneaker leather off of the pre-light wrapper and fruit skins on the cold draw. After lighting, the cigar opens at a medium body and the flavor is a nice mix of mild leather, cookie, and dried berry notes. This stays unchanged for the remainder of the smoke. Very nice and a great short smoke for the cold weather. All of these little Xhahi sticks are great choices for cold weather smoking. Nothing overly complex, but a good range of profiles for a quick smoke in the cold.

[TacoSauce]

Foundation The Tabernacle Corona (+++): I've had the Habano seed version in lancero before, but this is my first tasting with the original wrapper. A handsome stick that doesn't come in cello. The pre-light aroma is muted and the cold draw has just a hint of sweet woodiness. After lighting, the cigar opens at medium body and the flavor is a woody bread pudding. After the first inch, the flavors meld together better and the overall experience is reminiscent of a chocolate granola bar with a lot of aged tobacco character. Top notch flavor delivery. My only wish is that it was a touch sweeter. Great construction and burn, even on a windy day. Over the course of the smoke, the body did inch up, but never quite made it to medium-full. Excellent.