Well, this was on my must have list after reading Cigarmark's review and I really liked the Africa I had (if not for the bad burn issues). I found a couple at a great B&M of which I frequent his sister stores.
Appearance/Construction: Dark wrapper that was a bit box pressed. Slender and gave off a distinctive spicy/chocolate smell
Prelight Draw: Spicy with hints of coffee and chocolate
First Impressions: Perfect draw and overall great construction. Got it going with ease.
Smoking: From the first few puffs I knew this was going to be a great smoke. The flavor reminded right away of a Anejo but with a tad more sweetness. I literally drooled with every puff. The flavor was complex with fruit notes and bit of coffee and chocolate all interwoven in perfect balance. The flavor did not "change" but was consistent greatness all the way through. At times, certain flavors came through more, but that is only when I (mildly) concentrated to pick them out. Each puff produced copious amounts of grey smoke that rolled off the tongue waiting for the next puff to fulfill the senses.
Final Comments: To say I enjoyed this smoke would be an understatement. I am trying to find ways now of buying a box or two. I seriously would put this against any Anejo, Opus, Padron Anni or whatever ultra premium you could find. I would even put these over my precious Trinidad's (and that's saying a lot for me) I paid $7.50 for the churchill and you can get the robusto around $6.00. It's like having a better tasting ultra premium any time of the year at a much better price! Don lino has created a gold (scratch that) platinum winner!!
The only downside was that I did not like the churchill size. If this would have been a robusto it would have been a 10/10. As that is the only fault I can find, I will give it a 9.999/10. Seriously guys, you HAVE to get some of these.
Appearance/Construction: Dark wrapper that was a bit box pressed. Slender and gave off a distinctive spicy/chocolate smell
Prelight Draw: Spicy with hints of coffee and chocolate
First Impressions: Perfect draw and overall great construction. Got it going with ease.
Smoking: From the first few puffs I knew this was going to be a great smoke. The flavor reminded right away of a Anejo but with a tad more sweetness. I literally drooled with every puff. The flavor was complex with fruit notes and bit of coffee and chocolate all interwoven in perfect balance. The flavor did not "change" but was consistent greatness all the way through. At times, certain flavors came through more, but that is only when I (mildly) concentrated to pick them out. Each puff produced copious amounts of grey smoke that rolled off the tongue waiting for the next puff to fulfill the senses.
Final Comments: To say I enjoyed this smoke would be an understatement. I am trying to find ways now of buying a box or two. I seriously would put this against any Anejo, Opus, Padron Anni or whatever ultra premium you could find. I would even put these over my precious Trinidad's (and that's saying a lot for me) I paid $7.50 for the churchill and you can get the robusto around $6.00. It's like having a better tasting ultra premium any time of the year at a much better price! Don lino has created a gold (scratch that) platinum winner!!
The only downside was that I did not like the churchill size. If this would have been a robusto it would have been a 10/10. As that is the only fault I can find, I will give it a 9.999/10. Seriously guys, you HAVE to get some of these.