CAO Flathead Steel Horse "Apehanger" 5/22/16

Appearance 

A dark chocolate looking Connecticut Habano Oscuro wrapper has a couple prominent veins and is mildly toothy. The seams are tight and nearly invisible. It has a flat head(hence the name) and an oily sheen. 

Aroma

Earthy dark chocolate and a hint of spice on the wrapper. Earthy dark chocolate and molasses at the foot. 

Prelight Draw 

Earthy, dark chocolate and molasses.

1st

Initial draws yield notes of very earthy tobacco with a dark chocolate undertone. The draw is spot on. The burn is just about razor sharp. The ash is salt&pepper gray and slightly flaky. I notice that the wrapper has an auburn color to it. Very nice. I'm noticing notes of hay and leather joining the profile. The spice has begun to develop,starting as mild black pepper. 

2nd

It's a very smoky stick(think Gurkha Ghost). The profile is very balanced up to this point. The strength is medium to medium+. The finish is long with notes of earthy dark chocolate, leather, hay, mild black pepper and a creaminess that brings it all together nicely. The black pepper spice is becoming more prominent. 

Final/3rd

The molasses sweetness is becoming more noticeable. The black pepper spice is still the dominant flavor with earthy dark chocolate and hay in the background. Draw & burn are still spot on. Strength is right at the low end of med/full(remember I review b4 brkfst). Cashew notes have joined the profile. Ash is tight in final/3rd and held on til I removed at each 3rd. 

Overall the Steel Horse provides an enjoyable smoking experience. It's a complex and balanced smoke albeit more black pepper than I prefer, with a great draw and burn. Definitely a cigar to try. 

Thanks to Ricky Rodriguez( blender) for the sample for review.