Xikar HC:Robusto:Habano

The Xikar HC, this is my third experience with the stogie with that last 2 being very disappointing because of 2 plugged stogies. Hopefully after 2 tries and much anticipation this stick won't disappoint.

SPECS-
Size: Robusto 5 x 50
Wrapper: Habano Colorado
Binder: Esteli
Filler: Costa Rida Jalapa Honduras
Smoke Time: 45 mins
Price: $8.30
Drink: Coke
Cut:Guillotine and punch
Touch-Ups: 2

FIRST IMPRESSIONS- The wrapper is the first thing you notice on this stick. Its dark brown and veiny wrapper is well in lack of words its impressive. The wrapper is very sweet and fragrant, foot had a nice rich earth and hay aroma that was a polar opposite of the wrapper. The dark wrapper also was spicy on the lips, and the cold taste was sweet overall with of hint of dry straw. The Xikar is very nicely rolled, very firm with no soft spots or lumps and a good heft overall.

FIRST THIRD- While toasting the cigar it took the flame very well for this humid weather today. Plenty of white smoke compliments the cigar. The flavor takes a while to finally build up and hit your palate, during this warm-up your introduce to a strong spice that is really nice and makes you pay attention to the flavor that follow. The first flavor that hits you its a nice and rich mocha that coats your mouth that leaves a thick film in your mouth, almost like syrup. The mocha is joined by hints of cedar and a slight nuttiness. The ash is is strong but wavy, doesn't look like it'll hold up for very long though.



SECOND THIRD- My favorite third, this cigar gets very dark and rich at this point. Along with the mocha a second layer of chocolate is introduced, a earthiness chocolate, one that is lovely the earthiness of the chocolate can be identified as a cocoa powder, or a fine chocolate truffle. The ash is flaking at this point and its not quite holding on, but it docent effect the cool burn overall of this stick. As it approaches the last third these flavor become more muted and darker that leads to a rich tobacco flavor.






FINAL THIRD-My least favorite third, That rich tobacco flavor really develops here. Along with the rich tobacco flavor is a really good bit of leather. The flavor is good, gives you a taste of how well refined these leaves were made, but the flavor doesn't interest me. Albeit its a good flavor its not a flavor I want to cling to. Finish this stogie ended up being more of a task or accomplishment rather a pleasure during the last final minutes. I really thought the flavor was good though, it was just a miss for me.






FINAL IMPRESSIONS-I'm glad after the 3rd try this stick was a success. At $8 bucks its a good cigar, also great after a great dinner or one to cap off a splendid night. Though I don't think I'll keep this stick as a celebratory cigar I can see myself keeping these in my rotation. If it wasn't for the last third I'd enjoy this cigar a lot more. Overall it has great construction, a decent price, and good flavors, the Xikar HC is a great smoke.

Rating-89
Buy It again? Ill keep it in my rotation
Recommended? Yes if you like a nice complex smoke