I couldn’t decide what pipe to pick up this morning, so I elected to grab a cigar.
In the mood for something on the mild side. I slid out a tray and a Varina Farms Breakfast Blend Toro was front and center.
A light cinnamon and cedar note on the light up. Citrus notes on the retrohale.
At the halfway mark, I’m picking up a white pepper note; the profile changes to an oak, leather with the cedar-cinnamon taking a back seat. There’s some creaminess to the smoke now too.
Hitting the last 1/3rd, and the strength has notched up a few marks. Smoke output is voluminous. There’s a salty, nutty, slightly bitter taste, interspersed with some floral sweet notes.
Construction of the cigar was top notch; burned wonderfully, although the burn was wonky in the first third. It most likely would have corrected itself, but I did a burn to correct it, and no issues beyond that.
I don’t remember what I paid for these... I bought a couple boxes 6-7 years ago, probably 3-4$ a stick. I smoked a few fresh and then left them to sit. Having recently smoked one after a few pipes, I think these really shine if smoked with a fresh palate.