Vitola: Corona Gorda?
Size: 4.5″ x 48 ring gauge
Price ~$7
Obtained From SmallBatchCigar.com as a review sample.
Background
Today will be the last of the series on the Chicharrones line from Viaje, the Spicy. The difference between it and the Original and the Bold is that Criollo wrapper instead of the Corojo or Maduro wrappers on the others. If (as before) what I’m reading is correct that is the only difference between them is the wrapper and that the binder and filler is the same. This was the second one of these I smoked.
Prelight
The wrapper on this cigar was slightly darker than the Original, so a medium-dark brown in color. The wrapper also showed a good amount of oils with very light tooth. This one also had only fine and very fine veins to it and was fairly smooth to the touch. When I gave it a squeeze it was fairly firm with no soft spots. As I put my nose to the wrapper I detected the aroma of leather with barnyard coming from the foot. After clipping it and taking a cold draw on it I got some wood and nuts flavors with a good draw.
Flavor
The cigar starts off with a lot of heavy spice on the tongue and retrohale. After a few puffs the cigar starts to show some wood and hint of sweetness on the finish. Towards the end of the first third I started get some hints of green herbs, but the spice was especially prevalent throughout the first third. When I moved into the second third the spice did definitely tone down but didn’t go completely away. The flavors in this third consisted of wood, leather and green herbs with a slightly sweet finish. The final third saw the spice build as well as I started to get a nicotine hit from it. The flavors in the final third were the same as the second third with the finish being a bit sweeter. This cigar was pretty much full strength throughout.
Construction
The cigar took a generous application of the torch to get going. Which might have been the cause of the run that needed correction from the lighter. The draw was great and once that run was corrected at the end of the first third it burned pretty even.
Value
Again a limited release from Viaje for $7 is good in my book.
Conclusions
This cigar did definitely show some spice throughout. It just didn’t do a whole lot for me, but that isn’t too surprising criollo tobacco never has seemed to do much for me before. This one was my least favorite of the three blends. That isn’t to say there was anything bad with it. I would say my order for these blends would be Maduro, Original, then Spicy. As always try them for yourself to see what you like. Our sponsor SmallBatchCigar.com still has some sampler packs of these available.
By-The-Numbers
Prelight: 2/2
Construction: 1.5/2
Flavor: 4/5
Value: 1/1
Total: 8.5/10
I like it when you review a whole line of cigars. the format gives a complete picture.
I agree 100% with your review for this one: decent smoke but didn’t do much for me either.
The “spicy” is the only one I’ve tried from this line, looks like I’ll have to give the others a shot, based on your reviews.
Yes, it’s a Viaje — but I think $7 is a little steep for these, it smoked more like a mid-$5 low-$6 smoke — just my opinion.
Sounds like it’d be good w/ a Dr Pepper…
I was just up at CI and I saw this whole line sitting there and I still passed, I’m not sure but the Viaje’s I have had left a bad taste in my mouth (pun intended) maybe one of these days I will bend. who knows.
I have to give Viaje credit for creative concepts for marketing but ultimately it comes down to, “How does it smoke!”
This one might be just a little strong for me. I’m a light weight.
I kinda like criollo, and based on this review this stick sounds like one I’d definitely enjoy!!
I like a variety of flavor profiles to include spice laden profiles. I was hoping to hear that red pepper was detectable in the blend. It doesn’t sound bad and 7 bucks is about the cheapest Viaje you’ll come across. I’m down for giving each one a shot. These are TABSA produced, correct, I’ve said it before and never get tired of expressing my discontent with Raices.
Thanks for the informative review!
Keith picked the Maduro as his favorite, say it aint so. Lol. Nice write up.