My Uzi Weighs a Ton (robusto) by Drew Estate

This is my second MUWAT, with the first being a smaller vitola.  I found that the pre-light sniff revealed a musty scent at the foot.  The wrapper had a crispness to it, and showed some veins and seams.  This cigar was packed to the brim, although it did not adversely affect the draw at all.  I opted for a punch cut, and as usual, I toasted the foot before puffing away.

1/3: The first few draws were crisp and had a little bit of bite.  The draw is good.  I'm impressed with the quality of this stick, and the white ash (which signifies a higher presence of magnesium in the soil it was grown in) contrasts nicely against the dark shade San Andres Maduro wrapper.  Plenty of "at rest" smoke coming off this one.

2/3: In the 2nd third, the cigar has gotten bolder.  I pick up notes of cedar and leather at this point.

3/3: The cigar is burning hotter in its final third.  The cap fell off, but isn't posing a problem.  I've had no need for a lighter after the initial lighting ritual.  No touch-ups make me a happy smoker!

Wrapper: San Andres Maduro

Binder: Ecuadorian Connecticut

Filler: Brazil, Nicaragua

Size: 5-1/2 x 52

HC Habano² robusto

Another release from Xikar, the Kansas City company that brings you cigar accessories with lifetime warranties, the Habano Squared is believed to have been made in Nicaragua at A.J. Fernandez's factory.  This box-pressed robusto by Xikar's HC brand was a cigar that I've been eager to try to see how it stands up against the other HC cigars (Habano Colorado, Criollo, and Connecticut).  I used a punch cut and a torch flame, and paired with a dragonfruit flavored Vitamin water.

1/3: The first thing I noticed was the loose draw.  I was thinking that this cigar was going to make a quick exit into the ashtray, but surprisingly, the draw improved.  After the first few minutes, the draw showed some welcome resistance.  I found the 1st third to be on the dry side, with notes of white pepper. 

2/3: Much improved and consistent resistance on the draw.  Notes of chestnut appear in the 2nd third.  To describe the physical traits of this stick, I found the wrapper to be a nice leaf that produced a slightly jagged burn line.  Visible, yet smooth veins are noticeable.  Throughout the smoking experience I dealt with some tunneling, but not too bad.  No soft spots.

3/3: In the final third, the cigar picked up some strength.  Woody notes make their way to my palate.

Good stick.  Will I reach for it over the Criollo or the Habano Colorado?  Maybe not, but I'd smoke one again.  The box-press reminds me of some other cigars out there now with the oval-shaped box shape, i.e. Oliva Master Blends 3, San Lotano Oval, etc.

 

Size: 5 x 50

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano 2000

Binder: Honduran, Nicaraguan, Ecuadorian Sumatra

Filler: Honduran, Nicaraguan, Ecuadorian Sumatra