VR Unicos - unknown box code (AARW)

[Shrimpchips]

VR Unicos for the AARW.  I haven’t done a review in a while as I’ve been finding I prefer to just enjoy the experience instead of taking notes and focus on trying to experience the cigar.  What prompted me to do the review that the unique aroma I got off the foot.  The aroma was unmistakable for me, and to experience that aroma from a cigar was a bit absurd, so here we are.

I received this as part of a prize pack for a sub-46 RG review week.  All the prize cigars were a not so subtle hint to go bigger - and the Unicos was no exception, being much beefier than my usual Marevas and Corona gordas.  This particular example has been resting for 5 months now, and the cool summer evening seemed like a perfect chance to try a new cigar.  
 

Went with an angled straight cut, and the draw was firm, but good. Aroma at cold was heavenly - like fresh baked chocolate cookies.  Deep caramelized brown sugar, sweet chocolate, and a hint of vanilla, just like mom made.  Cold draw has hints of barnyard and a certain richness to it.  Construction is flawless, and no obvious under or overfilling.  

Upon lighting I was expecting deep cacao, a rich body to the smoke, but instead it starts mild-medium in body.  Smoke output is fair, a little lacking from such a large cigar.  Flavors are bakers chocolate, dark coffee, toasted tobacco.  Nothing too complex, but good nonetheless.  About 1/2” in, the aroma off the foot hits a very particular smell receptor, and my brain lights up.  What a peculiar smell to come off a cigar - looking at flavor wheels, it’s not something I see come up, not even close.  I take another deep whiff, and it’s unmistakeable.  A depth of umami, a flavor I so associate with family meals in Japan, so distinct I can taste it.  Shijimi clams.  Such a unique flavor, anyone who has ever had them, usually in a soup, will recognize it. So weird, but throughout the whole cigar off the foot is this absurd aroma. Not sure why, but that’s what it evokes in mind. 
 

In the second third, the flavor profile is consistent: dark chocolate, toasted tobacco and a fruitiness, kind of like a dark roasted Ethiopian coffee, black.  Not overly complex, but it hits a spot, and I’m not looking for it to get anymore Complex or anything. Just plain good.  
 

 

In the final third, I’m getting a bit of a nicotine kick, which is a bit of a surprise.  I don’t have a box code, but a bit of youth shows up in a transition to more leather on the palate.  But it’s also accompanied by a toasty malted barley, with the backbone of dark chocolate and Ethiopian coffee.  Smoke output kicks up two notches, and the whole body becomes much fuller.  Very good cigar, and the last third is really singing.  
 

 

Smoked this down to a nub, total time 1 hour 40 minutes.  Thoroughly enjoyed my first Unicos and my introduction to the Vegas Robaina Marca.  Dark chocolate, Ethiopian coffee, malted barley/cereals made for a straightforward but thoroughly enjoyable cigar.  


 

Now how I got the taste of Shijimi clams, I’ll never know. Maybe the cool summer breeze, maybe my brain wanting to experience some nostalgia, maybe the half bottle of wine I had with dinner.  But it was unmistakeable, a distinct umami of shell fish.  Haven’t had that before, and who knows if I ever will again.  
 

[El Presidente]

Great stuff !

You nailed it 

 dark chocolate, toasted tobacco and a fruitiness

[teamrandr]

Love the Unicos 

[smbauerllc]

Excellent review.
If this was your first VR, definitely try the Famosos.
I like it even better than the Unicos, and always have some in my stock

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

[Shrimpchips]

3 hours ago, smbauerllc said:

Excellent review.
If this was your first VR, definitely try the Famosos.
I like it even better than the Unicos, and always have some in my stock

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
 

I’ve been sleeping on VRs, but seems like it’s something I’ll have to give a go for sure.

[Glass Half Full]

Never would have guessed that I would ever want to taste clams in my cigar!   You made it sound delicious (in a weird way

Great review!  Thanks for posting

[smbauerllc]

I’ve been sleeping on VRs, but seems like it’s something I’ll have to give a go for sure.

I certainly reccomend trying a couple.
I really think you will enjoy them.
I definitely do and always have a couple on hand

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

[Shrimpchips]

From reviews on the Famosos, if it’s a dialed up version of the Unicos, it’s probably a winner for me. May just have to take the plunge.

[westg]

Great review 😎🌴