Coming to the third and final stick in this comparison is the first one of the bunch, the “C”. Unfortunately this one had gotten dried out a bit at some point, which is why I went backwards through the order. I was hoping some time in the large humidor would help the flaking. it’s ashame, as the wrapper on this one is very nice with a subtle oily sheen to it. As with the other two sticks, the cigar smells great before light.

As with the other two, the C draws in very smooth and light with a cool smoke filling the mouth. An initial smoked-wood taste covers the mouth, while a citrus fruit-like taste lightly coats the tongue. In the aftertaste, a dry, nearly-peppery hotness develops on the back of the tongue and throat. Retrohaling brings out a nice cinnamon taste whcih helps cook the smoky flavour to a more meaty, rich one. This does kick up the hot peppery bit on the tongue, as well as through the nose, but it’s not unbearable.

The aroma is deep and rich with a definite earthy tone to it, containing layers of sweet cocoa powder, vanilla and cinnamon. Some other notes include a tangy citrus like scent. At idle, it cools out to a nice sweet chocolately smell.

Overall it’s a nice cigar, but I’m a big perplexed at these three offerings. Like the other two, this C stick is very consistent through the smoke, and not too overpowering in the taste department, though it smells great. I just don’t see, however, these being astonishing cigars; they don’t offer anything amazing or highly unique. It’s a great solid smoke, but simply uninspiring.

Of the three cigars, the “A” is my favorite.