Sat down in the backyard to a cooling August late evening with a rye whiskey sour, Moby, and "The Nekkid Puro."

Pre-light:
The shameless stick measures 5" with an RG of about 50-52, with a flawless Colorado Maduro wrapper. Holding it to my nose, I sense sweet tobacco and hay. Upon clipping the triple cap with a double-bladed guillotine cutter, the draw is very easy (exactly how I like it) and I'm greeted with sweet tobacco.



1st third:
The torch lights the foot at 7:00 sharp. Immediately, billows of smoke surround me, which imparts a mild spiciness. I notice the smoke trickling from the foot and head is a blueish tint, something I'd only experienced from some "Blue Note" pipe tobacco I have. As it nears the end of this third, a sweet caramel comes to the forefront. The mostly white ash holds for just over an inch before gracefully exiting with the gentlest of taps.



2nd third:
The sweet caramel lingers for just a few moments before it and the spice fades back to tobacco. A gentle and relaxing nicotine buzz becomes evident. I realize, in retrospect, that the tobacco flavor, while tasty in and of itself, is an interlude to a show case of the many changes to come. As the ash drops again, a nearly indescribable flavor takes hold, umami.



3rd third:
The savory smoke whets my appetite for spice, riding a distinct yet subtle tobacco undercurrent. My taste buds detect a a slow strengthening of flavor as the cigar crescendos with caramel making a bold comeback accompanied by leather making its first appearance. As the cigar nears the nub--an hour after light-up, the original sweet tobacco returns, though more understated than before, and the light begins to flicker, as if to indicate it had given the performance of a lifetime and it was ready to say goodnight.



Overall impression:
This was a fantastic show with a cast of complementary characters that simultaneously stood out while working in harmony. Thank you, badwhale, for this experience.



Guess:
The stick's easy draw, spicy and sweet flavors, and understated strength reminds me of Perdomo, so I'm going to guess: Nicaraguan?

PPP.S. My proposed puts are:
- La Aurora Connecticut Preferido #1
- Partagas Black Label Quattro
- Plasencia Reserva Organica Robusto