The cold draw is loose, I could taste some raisin and pepper. Completely against my principles, I used a torch to light the cigar and I tasted a mild bitter coffee flavor with cedar and some spices. After a few puffs, I tasted some sweetness but also that typical Connecticut Shade mustiness but just a little bit in the background. After a centimeter, I tasted mostly sugar with some cedar and a little licorice. The flavors are medium, full and subtle. After a third, I tasted spices, nutmeg and cinnamon with a little bit of sweetness that is best described as chocolate sweetness. Halfway I tasted some salt and the typical Connecticut Shade flavor is gone. Towards the final third the cigar picks up in strength and I taste autumnd leaves.
The smoke is full and thick with a good draw that is just a tiny bit too lose but still within reasonable margins. The ash is white and firm. The burn is great, almost completely straight. This cigar is medium-bodied and medium-flavored with a nice evolution. The smoke time is an hour and ten minutes.
Would I buy this cigar again? This is the best Connecticut Shade on the market.