Cigar: Herrera Estelli Inktome Exception
Size: 6 x 46 (Flat Box Press)
Wrapper: Dark Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Honduran
Filler: Nicaraguan
MSRP: $39.95 per five pack or $79.90 per box of ten from Small Batch Cigar
The coupon code ‘LEAF’ was used to receive a small discount on the 10 box purchase
The next cigar in the list for review was one that I had found very early in the year and left a few in the humidor with the intention of creating a review later on. As it is easy to do as more cigars get purchased and/or sent over, this particular cigar got “lost in the humidor”. While the Inktome Exception was new to me, this was released via a partnership by Herrera Esteli and Drew Estate specifically for Small Batch Cigar in 2016.
No construction issues found on the final cigar out of the box of ten. The only pre-light aroma I caught off the cigar was faint cedar while the cold draw was a little more giving with wood/cedar and a touch of something like a fruit. The first draws after the light were more on the open side, allowing for copious amounts of smoke for release. Opening flavors notes found included wood, something herb-like and a bit of pepper on the aftertaste. The Inktome Exception is straight up medium bodied in strength, so for the milder and medium strength fans out there, this is one you’ll enjoy because of that alone. 22 minutes in, I noticed new additions of spice on the front of the palette. 18 minutes after that, new flavors of leather and something bitter entered into the mix. The bitterness wasn’t bad; it was more or less just there and brought an extra ‘something’ to the overall profile, if that makes any sense. The cigar finished slightly above medium bodied with notable wood flavors to finish out the total smoking time of 1:34.
This was one of the few times that I have encountered an issue with a cigar. At the 29 minute mark, I began noticing the the bottom of the wrapper near the cherry begin to unravel. While it didn’t really affect the overall smoking, I did have to spot light the cigar a few times to correct the unraveled portion of the wrapper.
By-The-Numbers
Pre-light: 2/2
Construction: 1.5/2
Flavor: 4.25/5
Value: 1/1
Total: 8.75/10
To recap the Herrera Estelli Inktome Exception:
- This is a nice cigar – and I love the vitola on this. It’s more complex flavor profile and comfortable make this an enjoyable anytime cigar.
- All ranges of cigar smoker can enjoy without an issue.
- Well below $10 per cigar on the box purchase. Absolutely yes.
- The Herrera Estelli Inktome Exception is a cigar I would certainly recommend and be more than happy to purchase again, especially from our friends at Small Batch Cigar.
Thank you very much for reading. I look forward to the next time I can share my thoughts with you.
