MAY 15, 2022 - PHIL KURUT, COMEDY - CIGARS - MUSIC
STALLONE CASTAÑO SAN ANDRES ROBUSTO (5 1/2 x 52)
WRAPPER: MEXICAN SAN ANDRÉS
BINDER: NICARAGUA
FILLER: NICARAGUA
Castaño drops some fruit, chocolate, and very subtle leather in the first few draws, but earth and spice wash that away within the next handful of puffs. The retrohale brings out some cedar and spice, and the finish is heavily dominated by spice but not heavy spice. Solo moderation.
A short way down the road, and I’ve reached the world of leather and spice. Not a huge fan. If I really dig in, I can still find some chocolate and fruit, but they’re overwhelmed by the leather and spice.
With that being said, the leather and spice aren’t heavy. It’s like a moderately loud fan in the room while you’re listening to a radio with the volume set too low. Every so often you can catch the lyrics, but that fan really messes up whatever AWESOME pop song you’re trying to listen to. Don’t try too hard.
The draw and smoke output are good. Ash tends to flake off from time to time.
Driving full-steam ahead, Castaño snugs tight to his seat on the struggle bus. Flavors are gone, the burn is all over the place, and the ash flakes like the buddy in high school who apparently never owned a watch or calendar. Not much else to say right now.
From out of nowhere, Castaño struggles to stay lit. Two relights. Chalk it up to being close Friday the 13th? And the relights are followed by a significant burn touch-up.
Another relight starts out the final lap, and another burn touch-up faithfully follows. The draws provide a nice bed, blanket, and comforter of smoke flavor. The retrohale drips out earth and undefined, mildly sweet fruit. Leather and some bits of dark chocolate can somewhat be enjoyed on the finish.
Draw and smoke output were the highlights.
This struggle bus had a full tank of gas.
SMOKE TIME: 2 hrs. 2 mins.
RATING: 1.25 / 4 - A slow ride on the struggle bus.