Cigar name: Bellartes
Cigar brand: Marrero
Wrapper: Habano Rosado
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Propretary Blend
Vitola reviewed: Gran Robusto
Size: 5 inches by 56 ring gauge
Strength: Medium
Body: Full

Visual

The wrapper is very nice, given its milk chocolate color and oily sheen. The seams are tight, smooth and have veins that are small and average in amount. I find no soft spots or blemishes. The Bellartes is firm to the feel, and its construction is very solid!

Cold aroma

As I continue my examination, I take in the wrapper scents of hay, cream, coffee and leather. The foot brings cocoa, coffee, cream and nutmeg. All of this comes together nicely, and I am anticipating good things ahead.

Cold draw

After I cut the cap, I take in a few cold draws, which deliver flavors of cocoa, cinnamon, salt and espresso – a very delicious profile for sure.

1st third

I light this beautiful cigar, and give it a little bit of time to warm and come together. Through the first third, I pick up some characteristics of smoothness and a creamy texture. The initial profile brings notes of cocoa, coffee, nutmeg and white pepper, the latter of which comes in on the retro hale. The Bellartes starts out at mild-plus to medium-minus, and has plenty of smoke, an even burn and a very pleasant aroma.

2nd third

Traveling through the second third, I still get those cocoa and coffee flavors even as the retro hale characteristic changes from white to black pepper. At the halfway point, I begin picking up a crushed red pepper note that moves into the mix as a pleasant surprise. The black pepper backs off, and I notice an additional floral note on the retro hale. The strength picks up here, and is now a solid medium. The burn is still dead on and perfect.

Last third

Over the final third, the cocoa is replaced by a nice chocolate flavor. A bread note moves in along with cocoa powder, espresso and cream. The crushed red pepper is still apparent on the retro hale. The burn remains dead on, and has a perfect draw for me.

Afterthoughts