Casdagli Cabinet Rosetta Maduro.
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Whoa - lots going on in such a little cigar. Dry draws tasted of milk chocolate, and not the cheap stuff, either; it was rich and slightly creamy. The first inch caught me by surprise - it was all dry, tannic wood and dark espresso. By the end of that inch, a sweet and syrupy taste of berry jam and cashews begin as fleeting notes before expanding to become the prominent flavor profile. Pepper began to appear soon after, constantly tickling the tongue and throat, but never getting out of hand.
About halfway through, rich dark chocolate emerged to replace the sweet notes. A light creaminess gave shape to the chocolate, preventing it from taking too much of a lead. From there, the creaminess edged out the chocolate until it and a distant, sharp white pepper and cayenne began to play on my lips and tongue.
I was not shocked when the flavor profole shifted yet again away from the cream in the last inch and a half or so. The wood returned with some wet cardboard and Dominican muskiness and the pepper receded to the background, allowing my lips and tongue to cool down. The cigar showed more creamy dark chocolate notes, but the nub got loose and hot, so I tossed the last inch.
Exquisite blending. I wish it was twice as long. For such a small cigar, it was not a one-trick pony by a long shot and lasted 50 minutes. I wouldn't have tried them for the price, but a holiday discount and cashing in some bonus points made it make sense. I'm glad I tried them - these are perfect after-dinner treats that would stand up to a drink or 2. Now I'm wondering about the non-maduro version....