Czar Custom - "The Czar"

[Colt45]

While not exactly right off the table, I wanted to try one while still relatively fresh. I figured that if they were still wet, it would be less of an

issue with the Czar.

Construction: Solid but not overly heavy. Just the slightest bit of give overall including at the head.

Wrapper: Colorado maduro in color with moderate mottling. Not silky, but fairly smooth to the touch. Fantastic sheen of oil.

Pre-Light Aroma / Draw / Taste: Intensely funky aroma. Nice draw with a taste of carob, leaving a spicy aftertaste.

Draw / Burn / Smoke Volume: Great draw, good burn, nice smoke volume.

Taste: As expected with a perfecto foot, first draws are tight, but dense and rich. Just past the bulb, draw remains rather firm, but I'd intentionally

clipped the head conservatively. Another clip, and we're in business. Dense, rich, almost meaty. A surprising hint of cherry. The mouth feel is thick,

almost oily, but there is a finesse - it's not rough in any way. The overall impression is of great tobacco - where sweet meets earthy.

Well into the first third, some of the pre-light carob begins to emerge along with an integrated spicy tingle. There is no woodiness to this cigar - it

has quite a moist finish. With each draw, I can smell the cigar - not the smoke, but the pungency of the cigar itself - incredible. Body is a bit deceptive,

but I'd call it medium-full.

I can sense the youth but there is nothing brash or harsh - a bit of green chili just makes it "lively". Smooth and nicely balanced. A bit of carob, a

tough of cooking chocolate, a tinge of cherry, but overall the impression is of great Cuban tobacco. On one hand, I feel it's not overly complex, on

the other, anything but straightforward. I have to fall back on a wine analogy - terroir - you can taste it. And so it goes to the end - captivating.

Score: Impossible for me to be objective at this time - I was smiling to myself the whole time.

Comments: So much went through my head while smoking. The project on the whole - the efforts required to produce them. What it might

mean in the future. The single plantation tobaccos used. "The Torc" (the masked roller). For me, all making it more than just another cigar.

Thanks and kudos to Rob, the Czar Crew, "The Torc", and all involved in their production.

One final note - in my opinion, these are still rather wet. Along with such an oily wrapper, if you are going to smoke one now, keep your lighter handy.

My intention is to not try another until some time in the new year.

[adic88]

gaaaaaaah, i missed the boat on these.

well reviewed, makes me want one even more.

damn you.

[CanuckSARTech]

Absolutely awesome review, Colt!

Thanks so much. I'm REALLY looking forward to mine now! I read your review over twice fully, just to completely absorb all the details. I'm completely excited to get these now - especially with the explanation, "...I was smiling to myself the whole time."

That, senor, is a cigar experience and a half!!!!

[Ginseng]

Damn. Sounds nice. Really nice.

Wilkey

[ChiTownHuck]

Nice review!

[Stalebread]

A really fine review, Colt.

Makes me more eager than ever to try mine once I get them in my hands.

[laficion]

Great review Ross , but more then the cigar itself, I liked your view on the " Terroir " aspect

of your tasting. The land , the tobacco and the work behind it all, Bravo !!!!

[dicko]

This is a 'pro' cigar review!

Must say I'm more interested in the Tampa at this stage (had my first already) but the Czar does sound like one hell of a cigar.

[ZinZan]

Great review Colt!!! Agree with Dicko, this is the big leagues review. Will use as a comparison when i smoke mine.