Ok well, here goes I guess...

Smoked the puro last night in my backyard. Weather was perfect, no wind, nice and relaxing. Had 3 fingers of Ardbeg 10 year and some Billie Holiday in the background. Construction was fantastic - nice and tight with no soft spots, and a great looking triple cap. Robusto size, slight box press, natural wrapper color, semi-sweet hay / wood smell. Prelight draw gave off a very nice spice / wood combo. Draw was a tad tight, but not enough to warrant a re-cut.

First third started with a hint of cinnamon spice, very smooth, with wood and leather in there too. Not a lot of smoke, which was probably due to a semi-tight draw. Burn was a little erratic at first but calmed down by the 1'' mark. There was a semi-sweet nut taste there, maybe cashew. Second third had less spice, more leather/nut, still very smooth and enjoyable. Ash was tight, light gray and held for 1.5 inches. Burn was nice and straight and the draw opened up a tad. Cashew and leather mostly, with maybe some cocoa too. I would almost say it is creamy, but I think the leather is more dominant. Great aroma (Alina could smell it from the front yard when she came home). Final third is more of that cashew and leather. Alina took a couple puffs and said she tasted pepper. Then I started noticing it too, on the finish. I wonder if it had been there all along and I just didn't notice it. Funny how you taste flavors when you focus on them more. I would call this a medium strength cigar.

Did I mention that the cigar seemed manly, but in a good way - not wearing a dress. It also had a draw that reminded me of sophistication, respect, and power. The burn was nice - not pink, not fluffy, and definitely not showing it's belly. Oh, and overall I would have to say that it was just plain cool - like Miles Davis.

...or maybe it was pink and fluffy, I am a newbie so it is still kinda hard for me to tell...

My guess: Cuban - and a very nicely aged one at that. I would guess this cigar is at least 2 years old, and it was fantastic. It reminded me somewhat of a RASS that a very generous BOTL here gave me - but if it were a RASS, it was definitely aged because the flavors were soft and mellow. I am excited to find out what this was, because I will be getting more of these for sure. Thanks for the smoke, EGQ!

Ok Mark, let's see your lamek attempt - give me your best, I can take it!

-Buzz