It's Halloween, and time to smoke the Drac! This stick was produced as the second installment of Pete Johnson and Tatuaje's 'Monster Series,' a Nicaraguan Puro made in a limited quantity -1300 coffins of 13 cigars. The Drac is a huge Torpedo cigar with a beautiful, dark wrapper. Should be a treat!It is a bit rainy out today so I'm set up in the garage -nothing was stopping me today! Cut is a Xikar and light is matches. Drink is some Anni Blend Starbucks coffee.
Pre-light - The foot still had a mild paint smell from the inside of the box, but the draw was nice and light. More on the airy side.
First Third - Draw is light but beautiful upon the first draw. Billows of thick, white smoke pour out. The normal Pepin 'pop' of spice is not detectable so far, it is more of a sweet flavor with a light touch of toasty nut in the background. A coffee flavor breaks through as well. creating quite a complex and pleasant flavor. The burn is less than razor sharp, but still reasonably straight. I had expected a very full body on this cigar, but it is turning out to be much closer to medium.
Second Third - The flavors are rich and complex in this stick. A toasty, coffee, possibly woody flavor has evolved, but continues to change with each puff. The burn continues to be decent, and the draw is wonderful. I enjoy a draw more on the lighter side, and this hits the spot. The ash held for over an inch before I dropped it, and has a nice darker gray color with layers throughout. Mr. Drac did not overly impress me in the first third, but has really exploded with flavor in the second third. The flavor is smooth and creamy -a very classy smoke. A leather touch appears, only complimenting the other flavors. Still haven't tasted much spice, but the strength has certainly picked up.
Third Third - I have to say that the creamy, leathery, coffee with the underlying sweetness is just blowing me away. This may be one of the best smokes I've had the chance to try, and am now very happy I procured a whole box. The burn and ash are staying the same, as the flavor constantly changes. It really is a winner!
Conclusion and Score - This is probably one of the best cigars that I have ever had the pleasure of smoking. I was truly blown away by how rich the flavors were. The first third was good, but the second and third exploded with creamy, complex flavors that left me speachless. Burn and ash were nice, and the draw was perfect. I am really happy that I was able to grab these, and if you have a chance to get one I would highly recommend it. Before smoking it, this stick rested for only about a week in the humi, and a dark, full complex cigar like this will almost definitely improve with age. A few months or even year will only improve it. I dub this stick a hearty 94 rating, with room for another point or two after aging. Certainly a Happy Halloween for me!
Great review. I loved the chocolate and twang in the first third best. I agree with you on the medium strength. I think with a year in the humi this could really be a sweet,elegant,classic. I gave it a 90 for now though. It's no Frank.
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