Sunday, May 3, 2009

Kristoff Criollo Robusto



This is a very impressive looking cigar! With its medium brown course-leaf wrapper tied in a sausage-twist pigtail at the head and folded over at the foot, it brings to mind old-world Cuban craftsmanship. These come in cedar boxes packed around loose tobacco leaves looking as classy as they can be. I was really looking forward to getting into this one!

Contents: Cuban-seed Nicaraguan
Wrapper: Dominican Olor
Size: Robusto 5 1/2 x 54
Body: Medium
Purchased From: Fidel's in Westport
Price: $7.00 (if I remember right)
Smoke Time: 1.5 hours

Pre-light
The wrapper is course, veiny and thick. The cigar feels firm and not crunchy. Cutting only the pigtail from the head, the cold draw is surprisingly free, considering the small opening and nearly closed foot. Cold flavors are wonderfully spicy and sweat.





First Third
Slightly uneven burn, but great clouds of smoke. Flavors are mainly of black coffee/espresso with a hint of butter and a smooth finish. I was somewhat disappointed that there wasn't any of the spiciness I'd found in the pre-light, though. Aroma is pleasantly sweet. Even Jennifer found it "much less offensive than most."


Second Third
The uneven burn begins to worsen, demanding corrections, and the flavor starts to get harsh and bitter. The draw seems far too free as the smoke gets hot after normal puffs, indicating a loosely packed stick. Weaker puffs improve the flavor, which has begun to shift from the initial coffee/espresso profile to more of a sweet leather. Relights are required and I'm skeptical about going much farther with it. The aroma is still pleasant, though.


Final Third
More relights and burn corrections. It's getting increasingly difficult to get anything but hot, bitter harshness from this great looking cigar.


Conclusion
Although plenty of cliches come to mind, this wonderful looking cigar may be at its best while still in the box. I've been told that quality varies with these, so you may do better than I, IF you're willing to give it a try. For my money there are far too many cigars left out there to return to a poor performer in the hopes of a better experience.

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