Wrapper: Undisclosed
Binder: Undisclosed
Filler: Undisclosed
Size: 5 x 52 Robusto
Strength: Medium/Full
Price: $9.89

APPEARANCE:
I love the way this stick looks. That wrapper is beautifully mottled. Like a brindle-colored Boxer dog. Or sprayed by Banksy. It is oily and slippery in appearance.

The cigar band has no skulls on it, but rather Japanese script. Which when translated, means “Little Squaw with iPhone Whose Batteries Exploded.” I don’t understand it but I give it props for being inscrutable.

Seams are clearly visible. A world of veins. It’s lumpy and bumpy like my face in 11th grade. The triple cap is perfectly applied. And it has a partially closed foot.

SMELL THE GLOVE:
I’ve been battling, off and on, a summer cold/flu. So, I’m chock full of cold pills and industrial strength Afrin nasal spray distributed using a beer guzzler helmet.

First up is a healthy dose of cinnamon. Following that, nuances of black and red pepper, rich black licorice, malt, graham cracker, cocoa, a bit of cream, cedar, and some barnyard.

Sniffing cigars should only be done by professionals. Especially, when the stick is pepper ridden. I begin a marathon of sneezing fits that seems to never end; totally clogging my sinuses. I release the flood gates on the Afrin and wait a few minutes. I’m going to pay for this later.

First, “Space Oddity” and then “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door.” Nice start.

The cold draw presents flavors of licorice, malt, cedar, black pepper, barnyard, cocoa, and cinnamon.

FIRST THIRD:
The Viaje Hamaki Omakase wastes no time in kicking arse.

Flavors spew from the cigar like a thunderclap on a quiet desert night. Big elements of black pepper, malt, cedar, licorice, cinnamon, mocha java, creaminess, and a touch of vanilla.
Complexity immediately digs a foxhole and refuses to capitulate.

Strength goes for gold by hitting medium/full right off the bat. But smooth and balanced in its approach.
The spiciness might be too much for some smokers. I dig it. I dig a pony. My bet it will calm down along the journey.
The burn is spot on.

Andre Farkas really swung for the fences with this unusual blend. I adore the Aganorsa blends, but the Hamaki Omakase is darker and foreboding. It is a much richer experience than a lot of other Viaje concoctions. Sort of the difference between eating ice cream or cheesecake.

The solid ash does a swan dive and just misses the naughty bits. Forgot the lap Kevlar this morning.

With each puff, I realize I am smoking something special. Nothing like any cigar I’ve smoked lately. The dark, deep richness is nearly overwhelming in its desire to please. The smoke coats my teeth and the finish is bottomless.

SECOND THIRD:
The first third took 25 minutes to complete.

The stick is very consistent. On point for an upward trajectory is my guess.
A delicious delivery system. As predicted, the spiciness relents to a more balanced approach.

This is more of a savory cigar with touches of sweetness that give the blend just the right amount of point/counterpoint. The sweetness seems not so much from made up flavors in my head; but rather, a natural, organic sweetness emanating from the quality of the tobacco and its aging.

If you get all those online cigar emails every day, you can go crazy trying to decide how to spend your hard-earned dough. And those damned limited editions that come and go in a blink of an eye can cause extreme bitterness that you just don’t have the dough to go nuts. When I started doing this 10 years ago, there was no onslaught of brilliant boutique blends hitting the shelves daily. Hence, 80% of my reviews in the archives are catalog cigars that are still sold today. There are also a lot of reviews for cigars now defunct.

One thing I think today’s smokers take for granted…the absolute intensification of disparate blends being released at breakneck speed. Unless you have cash leaking from your orifices, it’s hard to keep up. Just 10 years ago, supplies were limited to only a few boutique brands.

The Viaje Hamaki Omakase is cruising. I like how Farkas took a different route with this blend. The same way I like how Alec Bradley took a different route by introducing his Magic Toast.

I hate using this term, but the blend is very earthy. I don’t know what dirt tastes like. The dictionary describes the word: “Resembling or suggestive of earth or soil.” This is why I don’t like the term. Maybe it’s the rich soil the leaves were grown in that creates that indescribable depth to the blend. While other cigars seem to taste like they were grown in a sterile lab.

Pretty sure that Farkas is proud of this stick.
This is a pure wonder of masterful blending. I don’t have a single complaint or criticism.
The strength has remained at an easy going medium/full. So far, no nicotine.

Creaminess has been leading the pack for some while. The sweet factors are making their voices heard now: vanilla sponge cake, honey almonds, and sweet coffee. (I wouldn’t have tasted these flavors if not for twisting and contorting my face into a Salvador Dali painting).

I’m also happy that the decision was made to display the workmanship of this blend presented in a Robusto size…instead of some giant Gordo.

Steppenwolf is playing. Back in the late 60’s, your band had to play all their hits at gigs. I remember being excited the first time we played “Born to be Wild.” And I got to play that iconic bass line at the end of the tune.

LAST THIRD:
Smoke time is an hour.
Nicotine creeps in.

The last third of a Robusto is tricky. There is only 1-5/8” left. What remains of the journey? Does it increase the peace, or does it go down in flames?

I have the answer. The Viaje Hamaki Omakase excels at excellence. There is no harshness or increase of strength. Sure, the nicotine is beginning to blind me, but I have a leash for the cat to guide me around for half an hour after I finish a nicotine laden blend.

I overuse the term, smooth. But in this case, it is the true identity of the Omakase. It is slippery like an eel while at the same time a warm blankey bringing me infantile, gleeful emotions.

Van the Man. Never saw him live. My bad. Back in the day, when he was in Them and did the song “Gloria,” it was the song to play at every gig. We’d play love-ins with blacklights and strobe lights. We would always use the middle section for a ‘freak-out.’ I did an extended solo on the bass using one of the first fuzz boxes available. The stoned Hippies went nuts. And I got laid.

One note to my musician readers…I believe it was we players that put an end to strobes being used at gigs. Try and play your instrument while you are having an epileptic fit.
I’m now in the reclined position like at a Passover Seder. Just enjoying the blend without dissecting it. Sure, lots of flavor…but this stick is a comforting blend that puts the soul in full appreciation mode. Good will to all men and women.

Call around to your B&Ms to see if they still have some. Google the cigar for online stores. If I had Jayson’s money, I’d have bought a few boxes.

We smokers are always full of remorse. Buyer’s remorse for being tricked into buying a crap cigar. Remorse for not pulling the trigger fast enough on a limited blend. And remorse for not being born rich and good looking.

A sip of water, and the flavors explode. A whole new world opens up with an inch to go. Flavors become distinct rather than flailing in mosh pit. It’s like my palate is in a paint ball fight…and I’m being pelted by an onslaught. The nicotine actually calms down.

The balance is now perfect for those that dig sweet and savory.
A beautiful experience.

RATING: 94

Categories: CIGAR REVIEWS

Tags: Viaje Hamaki Omakase ~ (From the 2019 Vault of the Katman) +Romancing the Leaf Report+