Interesting Cigar Experience

[Newfie]

OK, maybe this should be under reviews, but it's a question, not a review I guess.

I came home from work, The Bride has a late meeting at the bank, so I go out to the garage to get the Whack Sticks ready for the club opening Thursday. I went to the humi first and took out one of the cheapos the guy gave me when I got the humidor.

I took out a National Brand Sun Grown Churchill size and a tall glass of Glenlivet on ice.

The cigar was awesome construction (to my untrained eye) and felt nice and firm. It lit and burned nicely with a bland taste at first, but after about an inch or so, got a hint of peppery flavour. It didn't burn perfectly all the way, but the "pepper" got slightly stronger all the way through.

Once I got close to the end (about 2" or so left) it took on almost a menthol flavour to the point where my lips were almost tingling!!!!!

Anyone ever experience this before??

I did a search here and the only reference I could find was from BPP commenting about National Brand bundles. Nothing else.

It was a decent smoke for a $7 stick in Canada ($1.90 in the link) but if these cigars are known for this "menthol" thing, I'll stay away from 'em.

So, any comments???

Thanks.

[ggiese]

Usually the "menthol thing" you experience is the load of nicotine you get towards the end (where it's stronger). It makes the mouth and lips tingle, causing that sensation like you're smoking a menthol cigarette. Doesn't surprise me for a cigar with all Honduran components - and the "peppery" taste common for those kinds of cigars (Honduran cigars tend to be on the stronger side).

[Newfie]

Thanks for the response!! Outside the menthol thing, it was a decent smoke and I'll be getting some for sure (if I can figure out a way to get them under the Customs radar!)

[bigpoppapuff]

national brand is a low priced bundle cigar made by the same company that makes camacho and baccarat....decent cigar...what gg says is true...

[Cigar Penguin]

I always considered the flavor profile more as a hot licoricce type flavor...tingleing sensation with strong tastes.
I always considered this the build up of resin.If you have a punch,small cut,or V cut,when you get close you can do a full cut to stop the smoke from traveling through the tar buildup or resin which does have a large amount of nicotine content.Sometimes,even with an initial full cut,by cutting a little bit off again as the cigar gets close can help alieviate the problem to.Different cigars react differently.I agree its not shocking that this was a Honduran cigar.