El Rey del Mundo Taino RE Formosa (BRO Jul 2019)

[Glass Half Full]

A group review thanks to sharing this cigar over a Zoom with @Islandboy, @yadegari6 and another friend.  We're fortunate to have the same cigar from one of Rob's "orange spot" boxes

The Churchill-sized cigars began very softly but with wonderful smoke production. It was a bit Cohiba-like at first, with grassy and hay-like flavors.  Then came a bit of baking spice on the retro, and a bit of lemon grass and pastry flavors.  Our friend highlighted the en tubo rolling and that construction overall was excellent.  The first bit soon became stronger adding a woodiness to the profile.

Entering the 2nd/3rd, strength steps up to medium or more. Buttery pastry flavors (though not sweet) come to fore. Retros bring a bit of dry forest floor and raw mushroom flavors.

Unsweetened caramel comes in the 3rd/3rd (somehow; is that a thing?). A purge then brings the all-out twang, umami and minerality.  This is now medium-full and then full-full for the remainder. Caramel has come on full too, but now includes a slightly peach sweetness.

Hard to describe this experience fully as the flavor changes were so striking. This cigar has really come into its own.  91+

It's also hard to believe that, once upon a time, Rob seemed to have had trouble selling these. Smoke 'em if you've got 'em!