UMBAGOG BRONZEBACK

[jefslat]

This cigar looks great. The wrapper is not as dark as the Broadleaf of the original Umbagog, but smoother and a slightly lighter color. The cigar clipped cleanly with my Cera ceramic blade guillotine. The cold draw was perfect with hints of things to come. Tonight’s beverage is a Mean Old Tom vanilla bean stout from Maine Brewing.

In the first third the pepper notes are already starting build; this is where the Bronzeback starts tasting different; more pepper and not deep Nicaraguan soil. The earthy notes kick in just after the pepper settles. Ash is solid and the burn is very even.

During the second third, a richness I’m having trouble identifying, although it is clearly there. More of a mouth full puff. Good smoke. Well rounded and tasty. The ash and burn remain great. The first retrohale is smoother than I expected with light pepper. The cigar also has a nice flavor in the finish.

The Vanilla Bean stout is a nice pairing. Not too stout but much thicker than Guinness. The vanilla notes help the flavors blend into an awesome profile.

During the final inch, the flavors stayed forward. The flavor profile only strengthened a bit as the cigar burned. Overall excellent flavor, construction, and consistency past the first third of the flavor. 9.5/10, Joe Bob says check it out.