Herrera Esteli Brazilian Maduro Robusto Extra 1/20/19

 Appearance
A dark chocolate colored wrapper with minimal veins. The seams are tightly wrapped but visible due to some mottling. The 3-seam cap is very well applied. The wrapper has a nice oily sheen. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Earth, molasses, dried red fruit, cedar and a hint of spice on the wrapper. Earth, molasses, cedar and a hint of spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Earthy, molasses, raisin, cedar, dried red fruit, cinnamon spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of earth, cedar and a very distant spice. The draw is snug. The ash is almost white and tight. The dried fruit really comes out in the finish. Smoke production is in the high range. Ash held firm till removal.

2nd
Upon inspection of the working end I find a tiny tunnel which is causing the uneven burn. The spice is becoming more into balance with the rest of the profile. Some black pepper notes are joining the cinnamon spice and quickly begin to dominate the profile, a common trait in Herrera blends. The tunnel has moved to the center of the filler bunch allowing the burn to fully self correct.

Final/3rd
Entering the final/3rd the heavy black pepper notes are still dominating the profile. Strength is at med/full. Midway in, the black pepper tapers back allowing the molasses and dried fruit notes to bring some flavor back and carries thru to the nub.

Overall
The Herrera Esteli Brazilian Maduro Robusto Extra provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A flavorful and well balanced profile for the first half of the cigar with a snug draw and erratic burn. The second half of the 2nd/3rd to the middle of the final/3rd was dominated by the heavy black pepper notes.