Nosotros: “The Cigar Collabo”

DaByrdman is back again with another cigar review and a CONTEST. As you can tell from the title, today’s review is the Nosotros. Nosotros translated means “us” and the cigar holds true to that meaning being a collaboration of Dion Giolito and Jonathan Drew flying under the Illusione banner. This cigar comes in eight different vitolas and is rolled at the Drew Estate factory in Nicaragua. Having heard a lot of “underground” buzz about these cigars before they were formally released, I was actually able to score the one that I am reviewing today from Dion Giolito during a brief encounter at The Big Smoke last November. Having already smoked a few since the release, I thought this would be a good time to share my thoughts on both and make a few comparisons if they exist. If you wish to read more history on the two collaborators you can find it here and here. On to the cigar…

Size: 50 ring x 5″

MSRP: $9.20 plus applicable taxes

Wrapper: Corojo ’99

Binder: Connecticut Habano

Filler: Nicaraguan

At first glance, the first thing I noticed is the simple yet symbolic band. Small in size, the band boldly states Nosotros and the Illusione name with “dion” on one side and “drew” on the other. The wrapper is a nice golden brown color with a few small veins, but none of them appear to pose any real problems. The cigar is firmly packed with tobacco and has a sweet tobacco aroma. The pre-light draw is full of the sweet tobacco flavor that I recognize from taking a whiff prior to cutting it.

First third: The first few puffs yield a smoky wood flavor with some sweetness and a hint of spice on the retrohale. As I progress further, the spice note picks up considerably on the retrohale and while it is bold it never approaches harsh. The burn line is impeccable and the ash is white with a flew flecks of gray. The cigar is giving off a light but steady resting smoke while each puff produces thick white clouds of flavor and aroma. This cigar resides solidly in the medium range for both body and strength. It’s still early but I am already digging this cigar. As I mentioned earlier, having smoked a few of these cigars since their release, I am noticing that the pre-release is slightly mellower probably due in part to the seven months it has spent in my humidor, but the flavors are identical. The ash is holding strong through the first inch of the cigar and I am curious to see how long it holds this time. I’ve had previous ashes on the Nosotros hold for two inches or more; another sign of excellent construction and burn in my opinion.

Second third: Well, I spoke too soon. The ash fell helplessly into the tray at about the 1 ½ inch mark this time. The smoky wood flavor is still the dominant player and while the spice on the retrohale has diminished, it is still there. The burn continues to be perfect with no real waviness and no need for touchups. I am already 30 minutes into this cigar and I still haven’t reached the halfway point which is good for me because I really want this experience to last as long as it possibly can. Nearing the true halfway point, the cigar is mellowing somewhat, but nevertheless still flavorful and enjoyable. I would still call it a solid medium-bodied cigar at this point.

Final third: The smoky wood notes and spice have made a triumphant return and the cigar is reverting to the profile in the first third. Alas, another flavor has crept into the mix and while I can’t quite put my finger on it; I love it. It is the perfect balance to the spicy retrohale and the smoky wood note. It is somewhat creamy but not what I would describe as buttery. Very good indeed.

Final thoughts: The total burn time was about 75 minutes which is solid for a robusto. The overall strength and body stayed in the medium range with the body creeping into the medium-full range a few times. Given the price point, this cigar is well worth the money spent as the smoking experience is consistent from one stick to the next. I haven’t noticed much difference if any between the pre-release and the ones that are on B&M shelves right now. These cigars are winners from the word go and definitely worth the investment in a box if you like bold flavor and a consistent smoking experience. While I am not big on ratings, I would definitely give this cigar high marks. An easy 4.8 out of 5 on my “scale”.

Contest Eligibility: As I mentioned at the outset, there is a contest sponsored by Dion Giolito (@vudu9 for you Twitter folks). While I have no idea what he has in store for the winner, I will say that there are some rules to be eligible. Here we go:

1. You must sign up as a subscriber to The B&B Cigar Club blog. Simply enter your email address in the right-hand subscription box. You can unsubscribe at any time but you must be a subscriber at the time of the random drawing to win. *If you’re already a subscriber you’re almost home.
2. You must leave a comment. Something relevant to the cigar or the review is always helpful. (In other words, give us a little feedback)
3. You must be one of my Twitter followers since the winner will be announced on Twitter. (http://twitter.com/dabyrdman33)

The winner will be drawn at random on July 15, 2010, so you have until 11:59 pm on July 14, 2010.

Good luck and happy smoking. Remember, “B&B! We all we got!”

-DaByrdman-