This post is long over do, and I sincerely apologize for not updating in a while. I have been going through a divorce, and it has consumed my life for the last few weeks. I never thought divorce was such a hard thing, it was always easier to talk to people going through it, and give advice freely. I now know, that it is not an easy thing to go through, and it most definitely is NOT like breaking up with a girlfriend…
On to better things, lets talk about cigars! In going through all of this, I have taken a lot of time to think about life. It most of my time alone, I have had cigars there, like an old friend, to listen to my thoughts. Pondering my direction in life, going through old memories in between puffs of fragrant tobacco, is somehow soothing to the soul. It slows down my racing mind, forcing me to take the time that I need to think. Many cigar friends have been generous in giving me good smokes through all of this to help me think and clear my mind. One of those cigars was a Viaje Skull and Bones. This is a rare smoke from Viaje, and I am not sure about availability. Andre from Viaje likes to shroud his cigars in a Vail of mystery, and finding out a lot of information is hard, and arduous. I did email the company and got a very timely response:
“Andre came up with the blend for those that were looking for something on the stronger side of the spectrum. Aged ligero is a large component which imparts strength without making your head spin. Skull & Bones is all Nicaraguan rolled at the Raices Cubanas factory in Honduras.”
The cigar I smokes was short and fat, maybe 5 x 60 or slightly fatter. It had a very dark and oily wrapper with a few veins visible. It has a mild sweetness and a scent of cinnamon mixed with a very mild barnyard aroma on the wrapper. Taking a draw before lighting I got hints of caramel and green tea.
1st Half:
The first thing I noticed was how creamy this cigar was. The smoke covered my mouth like velvet chocolate cake. It had a floral sweetness to it that made it extremely pleasant to sit in it’s presence. Toasted almonds and caramel came through every other puff or so, along with a wasabi and cinnamon spice. The cigar was very complex and ever evolving, with a black pepper spice building as I smoked my way through bliss. The smoke continued to get even more creamy and chewy.
2nd Half:
As I got close to the half way point, I got an interesting flavor in the cigar. I started tasting fruit punch. It only lasted for two or three puffs, but it was there. The taste still evolved. I am not sure if you have ever made caramels, but the taste reminded me of when you boil sugar. When the sugar is at just the right temperature, you add cream. The smell of toasted sugar and cream fills the kitchen, and you can almost taste the caramel in the air. That aroma was in this cigar. Very complex.
Overall, I am not sure if anyone has the opportunity to smoke this one, but if you do, make sure to treat yourself. This cigar is an amazing taste adventure, and just what I needed to ponder life.
Chin up, my friend. This too shall pass.
Great review…makes me want one, but they are nowhere to be found down my way. You gonna send me a couple?
Sorry to hear about your split… been there, done that, got the T-shirt. No fun ever. DM your mailing address to me on FB or Twitter… I’ve got a cigar bomb to send ya… may help cheer ya up a bit. Wouldn’t mind seeing a review of one of the RP I-Press I’ll send your way. Keep your chin up and enjoy the Pipe smoking!
[...] pairing suggestions courtesy of the Beverly Hills Cigar Club. And over at the Newbie Cigar Blog, the rare Skull and Bones by Viaje finds a reviewer, describing the mouth feel as “velvety chocolate cake.” AKPC_IDS += [...]