Ilegal Habano Robusto by Robaina 5/3/20

Appearance

A medium brown colored wrapper with several prominent veins, a bit of tooth and tightly wrapped seams. There is a light oil sheen on the wrapper leaf. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma

Cedar, earth, leather and spice on the wrapper. Closed foot.

Prelight Draw

Cedar, dried fruit, raisin and spice.

1st

The initial draws bring notes of cedar, earth and a mild spice. The draw is a tick snug. The ash is light gray and tight. Strength is medium. Burn is off a bit but is self correcting with the help of simple physics. Draw opens up late in the 1st/3rd. The ash held firm and straight until removal.

2nd

Upon inspection of the working end I find a tunnel just under the binder and the cone is off center which are the causes of the uneven burn. The burn is now almost fully self corrected. Smoke production is at the medium range. Dried fruit notes join the profile. The profile is well balanced albeit a little dry. Strength is at medium+. Burn has fully self corrected. Cashew notes join the profile. The finish is long with notes of cedar, earth, dried fruit, cashew and mild cinnamon spice. Just the right amount of gomma was used to secure the band as no damage occurred at removal.

Final/3rd

The well balanced and flavorful profile continues into the final/3rd. The profile remains consistent right to the nub.

Overall

The Ilegal Habano Robusto provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A complex, well balanced and flavorful profile with a good draw and mildly erratic burn.