IGM Kalavera Yellow

Purchased: 5-cigar Can (5 X 56 – Fat Robusto?)
Price: $34.79
Store: Direct
Buy Again: Absolutely
Box Worthy: YES!
Experience Rating: 92

I first heard about IGM from the Katman and got familiar with this particular stick from his review of it. He gave it a 92 and that’s about right. It’s an excellent cigar that’s well-made and more importantly is thoroughly enjoyable from light-up to nub – and yes, I’ve nubbed every single one of the ones I’ve smoked (I’m smoking my last as I write this).

According to Katman, IGM rolls “Daughters of the Wind” for Casdagli, and since he has a constant boner for Casdagli cigars and their build quality, he believes it stands to reason that Casdagli would choose good artisans who are at the top of their game. Based on all the cigars I’ve smoked from IGM (this and the “Frog”), and their excellent construction, I totally agree.

To be honest, the Frog has been okay. I got a 10-pack to try out and I think I’ve smoked all of them. I bought them because they have actual Cuban tobacco in them. They certainly have a great taste, but they’re not super complex.

On the other hand, the Kalavera Yellow has all sorts of complexity; no, not on the order of a super-premium, but there’s a lot going on with the stick throughout the smoke. And it stays medium body all the way down to the nub!

As a Costa Rican puro, the flavor profile is unique. To me, it’s like a cross between the smoothness and earthiness of Dominican tobacco crossed with the nuttiness, creaminess, and spice of an Ecuadorian Habano-wrapped Nicaraguan. It’s quite lovely!

For me, the draw has been perfect with each stick I’ve smoked. There’s a little resistance but that’s a good thing because smoke production is copious! The little bit of resistance prevents too much smoke to be produced. The smoke is thick and white but amazingly not thick in the mouth. It’s creamy and smooth, just the way I like it.

I’m going to get a bundle of 25 of these and probably a petaca (10-pack) of the Special Maduro to try those out since I gravitate to Maduros.