It isn't a bad cigar. Very nice construction and aroma. But I'm thinking I should have let it rest another week or two before I had my "fresh" sample even though it passed the pinch/smell test. Will have to see how the rest of the smoke goes.-----Will-----I had a Nirvana CG a couple weeks ago, sent to me by TD. It was fabulous. I'm sure it had significant resting time, knowing mutt. I have another, when I fire it up I'll let you know.
KC, it taste like good tobacco that is too fresh. My experience is that Mexican tobacco responds poorly to being too dry much more than others--and that's where I'm thinking the big globs of scratchy black pepper were coming form early on.
I kinda figured this was meant to be an alternative to the Don Carlos--a strong Cameroon, bold flavors but distinctly Cameroon...and yeah, that didn't happen. Even knowing the Drew Estate "flair" for innovation I didn't think it would be this innovative.
Having said that, the final third/nub has been the best part of the smoke. Getting some bold, strong, clean flavors with a bit more Cammy notes. And top notch construction. Smoking it slow and getting ample smoke, even burn, excellent draw.