Cigar review:
Several weeks ago I reviewed the Buenaventura BV 654 and did not give the cigar high marks. I received a number of comments from cigar friends who urged me to give the cigar another look. They seemed to think I was off on my thinking concerning the smoke.
As always I make it clear my reviews are subjective and suggest that you try out the cigar yourself and make your own opinion.
However, a follower of my blog felt very strongly that I should try the cigar again and sent me a sample of the Buenaventura but this time the robusto size. I appreciate his generous nature and will now review the BV500, a smaller version.
As always, how and where I receive the cigar does not impact my subjective judgment but suggest you try the cigar yourself.
Brand/Name of Cigar; Curivari Buenaventura BV 500
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Size; 5.25 x 50
Wrapper: Nicaraguan
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Shape: Robusto
Price Box of ten under $50. I received my cigar gratis for review
Where and When Smoked: Los Angeles, Ca. 6/3/2018
Appearance/Construction: A chocolate looking wrapper, but not darkish. Robust, seems to be well crafted with a slightly veiny overall appearance. In a bright light you really catch the sheen of the wrapper which is also showing the oily nature of the cigar.
The simple cigar band is ok but the font of the makes it hard to read the name of the product.
Flavor/Taste and Aroma: A smooth hit greeted me with a mix of molasses, nuts and cinnamon and an added taste of pepper. It was an interesting combo of distinct flavors as I would call it a medium profile.
The first third provided more spice and also had some nuts and light chocolate. No one flavor dominated the smoke as of yet.
The second third continued with more pepper which now dominated the smoke.
The last third was becoming almost all pepper which increased the power to the smoke and would now describe it as a full body experience. The initial sweetness I tasted became muddled and lost.
Smoking Characteristics: The burn was cool, mostly a medium grey ash with no relights. We did get an uneven burn line but this did not become an issue at any time.
Conclusion/Overall Impression: My second time around was an overall better smoking experience with an outstanding price point.
However, this cigar still would not be in my stable of cigars as an everyday smoke or a special cigar. There was too much of an inconsistency in the overall flavor profile to warrant high praise. The spice kicked in at times which masked the early subtle nature and overpowered the first third flavors I liked.
Final Thoughts and the Numbers:
For those who like this cigar , more power to you. To me it is cigar that I would tell folks to try and decide for yourself. This is what I tell everyone anyway. If my review is not to your liking, I could understand that as there are many champions for this cigar. Smoked better this time than last though.
Not likely to smoke this blend again but might hit it in the future for the third time around and who knows?
Appearance/Construction: 3.5 out of 5
Flavor/Taste and Aroma: 3 out of 5
Smoking Characteristics: 3 out of 5
Conclusion/Overall Impression: 3.2 out of 5
Keep smoking