Each: $16.00
Capa: Undisclosed
Capote: Undisclosed
Tripa: Undisclosed
La Fuerza: Full
Forma: 6 x 56
Fabricante: Aganorsa S.A Jalapa, Nicaragua

First Half:
The weight makes the tiny log indistinguishable from a barbell. My previous two cigars were identically heavy. Cigars with this type of heft and size are perfect victims for my PerfecPunch. Dr. Rod Kurthy reached out to wish me good luck and to lend support. P.S. If not for the Katman, how many of us would know the value of the PerfecSmoke accessories?

The wrapper is on the doorstep to having zero aromas. Not even barnyard. Aged tobacco comes to mind.

The draw is spot on with notes of zesty tobacco, dark chocolate, freshly ground coffee, and wildflowers.

The conspiracy theories have the same illumination as the fleshy foreskin of a baby ferret in the noon day sun. That was a sorry attempt at a Katmanism. The review is young. P.P.S. I will try to make my reviews more personal as requested.

The Viaje Skull and Bones Tsar Bomba Camo Blue has a closed foot. Ever since Kohn brought it to our attention that the thing almost always looks like a vagina, well…

Since this is a Gordo, torching the foot takes forever. I can count on one hand the number of titan cigars that have character. Are they a phallic symbol? I suppose that if you have a large wiener, it is certainly representing. For the rest of us, a series of lamentations are in order.

Creaminess is a 98mph pitch by Sandy Alcántara. Mild black pepper adds to the charm like its origin story as a companion to primo fettucine Alfredo. Strong espresso, blackstrap molasses, and lightly toasted cashews. Can the Viaje keep its erection for another 2 plus hours?

Georgia native, Ray Charles “What I’d Say” comes to mind as I slip into a semi-comatose shower of puffs. Each better than the last.

I find it easier to slow smoke a huge cigar. I sip from the cup too quickly with a smaller cigar. I can’t explain. Maybe I think a corona is a cigarette.

Despite Little Feat being an L.A. band, we Floridians took their music to heart as if they were one of us.

I planned on reviewing the Camo Red and Camo Grey. Until I accidentally smoked them all in a burst of impatience. Should psychologists study the minds of anxious cigar smokers to find out the reason we behave like little boys on Christmas morning? No. We’d reject their findings out of hand.

Early Summary:
Nothing less than splendid. Mellow with some punch. Creaminess and espresso present dynamism to the flavor profile. The spiciness moves with a Georgian sway. The state, not the country. Much smoother than you’d expect from a full body and full strength cigar. Andre Farkas is the magic man who knows the pompatus of love. One of the top five seriously consistent cigar blenders. He just cranks it out. The cigar’s first third is damn excellent.

First Half Summary:
Beautiful burn. I grew up listening to my pop, mis tíos, and mi abuelo complain about cigars that didn’t burn straight. The most often term I heard was, “#%$@@@^$!!” (Where’s the Katman when you need him.).

The K Man complained about undisclosed leaf stats. Did the manufacturer raid someone else’s tobacco farm? Did a blender throw in compressed paper? Did the manufacturer just forget because of nicotine poisoning? All three blends in this series are mysteries. I don’t get it either. Go ahead and brag, Mr. Farkas. We’d love to know.

There is zero sweetness. This amalgamation of exotic leaves is aimed at the sophisticated smoker’s palate. A manly smoke. (Katmanism).

One reason Phil and I jelled was because we are both musicians. I’m a drummer. A weekend warrior. I didn’t have the fortitude to take the chances he took. Not in my DNA. If you’re not a player, let me clue you in. Bassists and drummers are thick as thieves. We have a special bond that the melody section of the band will never have.

The first half was an hour & a quarter long party of the senses. I turn on my jams and lift a glass to the Katman. I am finding a way to listen and write. All hail the Katman.

Some conspiracy theorists’ claims are that Cigar Page took over this website. I love those boys, but they wouldn’t dare.

This is not an Ecuadorian blend. Dominican leaves not in play. The fillers must be a composite of Nicaraguan leaves. It’s Aganorsa after all. The wrapper tastes like a Habano. And maybe some Mexican goings on. A mere guess from a constituent.

I collect snare drums. I hope I hit a chord with my drummer brethren reading this.

My tastes are similar to Phil’s because I listened attentively to his opinions. I moved into the realm of Casdagli smokes as he went blow hard crazy over them. He insisted I try things. Insisting on experimentation. Did he complement your palate as well?

A grown up cigar like this doesn’t come around often.

Second Half Summary:
The mild buildup of strength hits atomic level in the second half. But it isn’t nicotine. It is easier to tolerate a strong cigar when the mind is clear.

I’ve allowed this cigar to rest comfortably for 6 months. It made all the difference.
I retract my comment about nicotine. Miles and miles of nicotine. I barely hung on. This is the problem when your career as a smoker turns to milder blends. I had to put the cigar down for a bit. And came back to it an hour later. Cry baby cry. Make your mother sigh.

Flavors are so subtle that I’m afraid whatever you choose to drink while smoking, will have an impact on the smooth and refined flavors. Drink water.

And then a hatful of new flavors. Black cherry, caramel, bourbon soaked oak, meatfullness, and green pepper. The natural sweetness that was missing is now being birthed like a baby marmot. (Once again. Sorry).

The first half was excellent. The second half just brims with balance, complexity, and masculine appeal. Smoke this cigar while applying expensive deodorant and the women will flock to your side.

I love the subtle flavors. Stunning.

This is one of the best cigars I’ve smoked in a long time. A smooth but kick ass cigar. I’m all out of Katmanisms. If you scrounge, you might find a few sticks still available. If you have a good lead on where to go, please comment below.

P.S. Before some of you ask why Katman never mentioned me. Phil allowed you to know what he wanted you to know. That’s all. His playbook was carefully edited to protect the innocent.

Scoring System 1-100 averaged and rounded as follows:
Appearance: 92
Construction: 95
Aroma, Draw, & Burn: 94
Complexity: 98
Balance: 98
Final Score: 95

I did some detective work. The following online retailers sell the Viaje Skull and Bones Tsar Bomba Camo line:

Cigars International
Cigar Federation Note: CF sells the cigars for only $12 ea. $4.00 less than the competition.
Small Batch Cigar
Tell these guys that Romancing the Leaf sent you.

An Introduction:
It is touching that there is such an outpouring of love and support for the Katman.
Phil is a longtime friend who’s given me the opportunity to contribute to his website. And to that end, I am very grateful.

The wording in Cigar Page’s copy for the RtL Intro Packs says “authors.” Plural. Not reviews written by Cigar Page staff. I have had the pleasure of my first guest reviewer, Georg Babbs, on Sept. 30. More guest reviews will pop up in the following days.

I will do my best to honor Phillip Kohn’s tradition.
Please remember that the man is entitled to his privacy.
-Daniel

Categories: CIGAR REVIEWS

Tags: Viaje Skull and Bones Tsar Bomba Camo Blue +Romancing the Leaf Report+