Viaje Skull and Bones FOAB ~ An Amateur's Point Of View
Steve2010
Everyone, Registered Users Posts: 1,036
Today’s smoke of choice is the Viaje Skull and Bones FOAB (Father Of All Bombs).
It’s a 4.5 x 56 robusto that’s a Nicaraguan Puro. The wrapper is Nicaraguan Sun-grown Criollo that is oily and has a wonderful sheen.
The FOAB is solidly rolled with a few small veins.
The pre-light smell is oak, well-oiled leather, and a healthy dose of black pepper.
Immediately after firing it up, the flavors burst forth. A lot of pepper up front backed by fresh-cut oak for the first ½ inch, which is joined by some espresso notes.
The draw produce a lot of smoke, but the smoke feels (for lack of a better word) thin.
An inch in and the previously mentioned flavors are enhanced by a slight dusting of dark chocolate, but none of the flavors linger on the palate for more than a second.
The burn is fairly straight and didn’t require any touch-ups.
I’m still trying to figure this cigar out. It’s putting forth an effort to be a really good smoke, but somehow it falls short.
This is the third FOAB that I’ve smoked and the experience was the same with each one.
I believe the lack of a lingering finish is its downfall. I’ve gotten so used to having my palate coated with lush flavors that the FOAB seemed almost inadequate.
Don’t get me wrong, the flavor profile, the construction, and the presentation are all top-notch…yet I’m underwhelmed.
As I was smoking it, some analogies were going through my mind. Smoking this cigar is like:
1. Drinking non-fat milk.
2. Drinking a NA beer.
3. Going to a strip-club and then going home alone.
4. Getting a massage without a happy ending.
I guess I just expected something more.
I'm sure I'll get some backlash and some harsh words, but I'm not going to lie and tell you everything's rosy.
Remember, I'm not a professional and your palate may differ from mine, so smoke one and make your own judgements.
It’s a 4.5 x 56 robusto that’s a Nicaraguan Puro. The wrapper is Nicaraguan Sun-grown Criollo that is oily and has a wonderful sheen.
The FOAB is solidly rolled with a few small veins.
The pre-light smell is oak, well-oiled leather, and a healthy dose of black pepper.
Immediately after firing it up, the flavors burst forth. A lot of pepper up front backed by fresh-cut oak for the first ½ inch, which is joined by some espresso notes.
The draw produce a lot of smoke, but the smoke feels (for lack of a better word) thin.
An inch in and the previously mentioned flavors are enhanced by a slight dusting of dark chocolate, but none of the flavors linger on the palate for more than a second.
The burn is fairly straight and didn’t require any touch-ups.
I’m still trying to figure this cigar out. It’s putting forth an effort to be a really good smoke, but somehow it falls short.
This is the third FOAB that I’ve smoked and the experience was the same with each one.
I believe the lack of a lingering finish is its downfall. I’ve gotten so used to having my palate coated with lush flavors that the FOAB seemed almost inadequate.
Don’t get me wrong, the flavor profile, the construction, and the presentation are all top-notch…yet I’m underwhelmed.
As I was smoking it, some analogies were going through my mind. Smoking this cigar is like:
1. Drinking non-fat milk.
2. Drinking a NA beer.
3. Going to a strip-club and then going home alone.
4. Getting a massage without a happy ending.
I guess I just expected something more.
I'm sure I'll get some backlash and some harsh words, but I'm not going to lie and tell you everything's rosy.
Remember, I'm not a professional and your palate may differ from mine, so smoke one and make your own judgements.
Comments
thanks for the review. might have to grab a couple of these to try for myself