Cigar Review: Ave Maria Crusader
This is a blend that seems to be a brand that is a creation of the cigar catlogue companies.
I asked around in several neighborhood B and M’s and they : A. never heard of it and B. clearly do not carry them. However Ave Maria is readily available on-line. I purchased this smoke as part of a sampler pack from CigarsInternational.com but the exact date I do not recall.
My policy is as always, how and where I purchase the cigar does not influence my subjective comments. If you like what I wrote, get the smoke and make your own judgement.
Brand/Name of Cigar: Ave Maria/ Crusader
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Size: 5 x 52
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Shape: Robusto
Price: Part of a sampler pack
Where and When Smoked: Los Angeles , Ca. 10/1/17
Appearance/Construction:
The massive cigar band surrounding the smoke is so obvious visually that you are forced to look at it. Once you can focus on the cigar itself you notice a pleasant-looking brown wrapper, solid construction with small veins running through the body. No soft spots and an oily feel to the cigar.
Flavor/Taste and Aroma:
The first inhale left a nutty hit with an undertone of pepper and hay. This was pretty earthy and strong but was also smooth. For the first third , this was the main flavor of the cigar and it was rather fun to smoke.
The second and third portion of the cigar took a detour of an uneven quality. The smoke became somewhat harsh as the pepper took over and the smoothness was taken down a peg. Pepper tends to dominate in a cigar blend if the other flavors were not represented as well. I did not like the overall effect as the cigar lacked consistency. I was hoping the Ave Maria would bring up some sweetness during the home stretch but this did not happen.
Smoking Characteristics:
Overall a good burning cigar with a grey ash with barely any deviation of the burn line. The smoke had no re lights and burned steady.
Conclusion/Overall Impression:
My expectations took a downward spiral after a very spirited start. The uneven taste made it a tough cigar to finish. The cigar needed to be consistent and it did not do that for me.
Final Thoughts and the Numbers:
Appearance/Construction: 3.8 out of 5
Flavor/Taste and Aroma: 3.0 out of 5
Smoking Characteristics: 3.5 of of 5
Conclusion/ Overall Impression: 3 out of 5
Worth another shot as it might be just an individual cigar issue. If I get hold of another Ave Maria Crusader as part of a sampler pack I would smoke it but would not purchase any quantity of them.
Keep smoking
