LADRILLO Fabuloso, figurado (7x50).  Honduras.

This beautiful cigar was rolled with great pride.  The wrapper looks perfect right up to the smoothly rounded head.  The perfecto foot certainly catches the eye.  The cigar has an almost imperceptible negative taper right from the cap, but the bottom third slims more rapidly to about 32.  A very elegant effect.

Having less that half the cross section area of the head should make the foot a snap to light.  However, the cigar draws a little hard at the start.  The slow draw and tiny heat cone make this a low-volume smoke at the start.  Like smoking a panatella.

The taste had young tobacco and great promise.  Under the youth, I found a wonderfully rich, medium strength, smooth toastiness.  Some of the problem was in humidification.  The Ladrillo apparently likes to be on the dry side of 70%.  I can't wait to try another, after I pamper it a few weeks on its own terms.

By the time I got into the straighter section of the cigar, I was convinced that moisture was the problem.  The smoke volume was up to a satisfying level, and the youthful taste had disappeared.  A drier cigar would probably draw more easily.

In spite of the gentle taste, the tobacco has a kick, like a Cuban Cohiba.  And the finale's taste has some real power, with a nice edge of spice.  At about $4.00, we have quality and unique elegance at a bargain price.

3 1/2 stars (conditional)
 

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