Purchased: 2 X Short Robusto (4.5 X 48)
Price: $7.50
Store: Cigar Art, Dallas TX
Buy Again: Yes
Box Worthy: I’m not sure. It’s a great stick, but not one I’d smoke regularly enough to keep a box.
Experience Rating: 91
I love visiting Dallas. It’s a great city with a bunch of different districts; each with their own character. Every time I’ve been here, I’ve gravitated towards one district in particular. That’s the Bishop Arts district. It’s an eclectic area riddled with boutiques, bars, and restaurants and, of course, it’s where Cigar Art is located. It’s a great lounge, very traditional looking with dark paneling. It reminds me of a traditional, dark cigar lounge.
But what really drew me to the lounge was the fact that they carry Definition Cigars. This was the place where I was first introduced to the brand, and so I wanted to visit it again to pick up some Definition sticks. Unfortunately, they were completely out of them! So, wanting a stick to smoke, I perused the humidor and purchased a couple of Rorschach short robusto and box of Curivari Buenaventura Pralines P554 (they were an excellent price of $70/box).
If there was a word to describe BLTC it would be eclectic. In my experience, their flavor profiles aren’t reminiscent of anything on the market. To me, James Brown is a mad scientist with his blends, cooking up various unique concoctions. It’s a brillant approach, but it’s also risky because it’s possible to create some blends that are duds in smokers’ eyes.
So, it was with a bit of trepidation when I bought a couple of Rorschach sticks. BLTC/BWS brands – especially BWS – that I’ve learned from experience that their uniqueness not might be my cup of tea. But I’m happy to report that I thoroughly enjoyed both sticks.
As expected, the flavor profile is unique; not that there are new flavors, but in how they’re presented. As far as flavors are concerned, the classic ones are all present: Coffee, dark cocoa, roasted nuts, cedar, burnt sugar, red meat, marzipan, black pepper, red pepper, white pepper, and cream. We’ve all tasted these before and as I mentioned above, they’re all present. But it’s in the presentation and progression of these flavors that make this stick stand out.
The flavors progress, building up from a base of black pepper and coffee. Then strength complexity kicks in right away. The first few puffs were medium+ then quickly became full, with copious, thick smoke. I was taken by surprise by the strength and volume of smoke coming out of this short robusto! Frankly, it was a relentless onslaught. More and more flavors added on as the smoke progressed, but shifting with different combinations.
Halfway through I thought to myself that it was a good thing this cigar comes in a small format; any bigger and it would be a total ass-kicker! Amazingly enough, though full body, the nicotine level was well-behaved. It packed a punch, but it wasn’t overwhelming. That said, I wouldn’t smoke this on an empty stomach. Both times I smoked it, I had just finished a meal and I was thankful I did.
My favorite part of the stick was the last inch. With the cigar fully loaded, I was swimming in thick, creamy goodness. The red pepper spice had also become prominent, forcing me to slow down and savor the smoke at the end.
This is not a stick I’d give to a newbie. It’s not that they wouldn’t appreciate it, but the constant assault on their tastebuds would make them puke. No, this is a cigar for the experienced smoker who can cope with its strength.
Even though I’m unsure about whether I’d buy a box of these, it certainly is a cigar that I’d like to keep at least a few of on hand.
Unco B's Stogie Diary 