Size: 5.7 x 54
Wrapper: Cuban-seed Dominican
Binder and Filler: Dominican Corojo, Cubano Piloto, Brazilian and Nicaraguan
Strength: Medium to Full
Price: About $5.50 to $6.00

Behind The Stick:

This is a cigar I actually had gifted to me from my new boss at work – he and I have gotten into a habit of sneaking around the corner and placing a single cigar on the others desk and then beat feet away. One of these days it was a cigar I had never heard of, the 5 Vegas Cask Strength II – after doing a bit of research I found that there is little to no information with the exception that the name is referenced similar to the ‘cask strength’ of whiskey. This is a first impression review, I was only able to smoke a single, but I will revisit this cigar again at a later time.

Construction:

Although not evenly packed throughout, the 5 Vegas Cask Strength II seemed to carry more character to it rather than the elegance one may expect with a 5 Vegas Gold for example. Quite a few noticeable veins run the length of the nice, reddish-brown wrapper and although eye appealing, did have me worry a little about what is to come. The foot of the cigar was noticeably more spongy, once I was able to tear the foot band from the end. The main band near the head had no issues, but the bottom band already started me off on the wrong foot, being stuck to the wrapper and causing damage.

Flavor:

Even after the pre-light draw, the tobacco and pepper flavors blended together perfectly almost making me forget about the issues removing the foot band. Large amounts of smoke with the draw just a little on the open side, this one decided to kick into action. Wood and pepper just seem to be holding the cigar hostage till about the half way mark – when I finally ashed it was as if the cigar rewarded me, letting the pepper and wood subside and bringing in a pleasant coffee flavor that carried throughout to the end. Not one of the most complex cigars in the world, but well balanced and good flavors.

Overall:

I got this cigar as a gift, and in that respect this was a good cigar. The reason I say it that way, I don’t think I would go out and spend my own money on a few (hence why I have only smoked the one) but as a gift, it wasn’t bad. Although pretty linear in flavor, a bit off on the construction and the irritating as hell foot band – I think I would go out and smoke some more, as long as they were free. If the flavor profile in these appeals to you, I suggest you give a single a try but I wouldn’t splurge on too much more right out the gate.

Every Cigar Has A Story, Every Smoke A Memory