Smoke Inn Blog
The Gato Negro, a recent release from the Cuevas family factory, has been generating buzz among cigar enthusiasts. Named after a legendary Cuban shop known for its diverse offerings, the Gato Negro promises a unique smoking experience. This review dives into the cigar’s construction, flavor profile, and overall performance.
First Impressions:
The Gato Negro comes in a single vitola, the Toro, a popular format known for its full-bodied profile. The wrapper is a dark, oily Maduro, hinting at a robust smoke. Construction is excellent, with a smooth feel and minimal veins. The pre-light draw offers hints of chocolate and spice, whetting the appetite for the upcoming experience.
Flavor Profile:
The Gato Negro delivers a bold and complex smoking experience. From the first puff, notes of dark chocolate, espresso, and cedar are evident. As the cigar progresses, the pepper spice intensifies, lingering on the palate without overwhelming the other flavors. Hints of earth and leather emerge in the second third, adding depth to the profile. The final third sees a return of the chocolate notes, balanced by a touch of sweetness.
Construction and Burn:
The Gato Negro boasts excellent construction. The burn is even throughout, requiring minimal touch-ups. The ash holds firm for extended periods, showcasing the quality of the tobacco. The draw is slightly resistant in the first third, opening up nicely as the cigar progresses.
Overall Experience:
The Gato Negro recently landed on my radar, and as a lover of a good full-bodied smoke, I couldn’t wait to dive in. The first thing that struck me was the presentation – simple, yet elegant. No unnecessary frills, just a band that conveyed a sense of heritage. The wrapper itself was a beautiful maduro, rich and oily to the touch.
Lighting up, I was greeted with a smooth draw and a burst of flavor. The initial puffs offered a strong peppery spice, balanced by notes of dark chocolate and espresso. As I progressed through the cigar, the spice mellowed, giving way to hints of cedar and leather.
The Gato Negro is a cigar for experienced smokers who enjoy a full-bodied and flavorful smoke. The blend is well-balanced, offering a complex profile that evolves throughout the smoking experience. The construction is top-notch, ensuring a pleasant and consistent burn.
Here’s a breakdown of the Gato Negro:
- Strength: Full-bodied
- Flavor Profile: Dark chocolate, espresso, cedar, pepper spice, earth, leather, hint of sweetness
- Construction: Excellent
- Burn: Even, consistent
- Draw: Slightly resistant in the first third, opens up nicely
- Overall: A complex and flavorful smoke for experienced palates
Price: The Gato Negro is priced at $12.50 per stick or $113 for a ten-count bundle, falling within the mid-range for premium cigars.
Recommendation:
If you’re looking for a bold and flavorful Maduro cigar with a complex profile, the Gato Negro is definitely worth a try. However, if you’re a new cigar smoker, it might be best to start with milder options before tackling this full-bodied smoke.
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