March 27th, 2017

Today, I am reviewing another sample from the 2016 IPCPR called Imperia ISLERO, from MLB (Mike Bellody) Cigar Ventures. This particular cigar comes as a Pita-sized 5½-inches long by 44 ring gauge vitola. The wrapper is Ecuadorian, and the binder and filler both come from the Dominican Republic. This ISLERO sells for around $8.50 a piece.

The wrapper is a darker brown color, and does show some small veins. There are tight seams and a slight tooth in texture. The stick is firm, and the scents include cedar and leather. The foot gives off black pepper notes, accompanied by grape, cocoa and butter. The cold draw presents with a bit more. I pick up some peanut, salt, black pepper, dark chocolate, espresso and a floral hint.

As I start smoking the cigar, the first-third offers up some oak, paprika, black pepper, coffee with cream and more floral hints. The second-third brings some earth, espresso, toast, cocoa, grape, cinnamon and yes, more floral notes. Moving into the final-third, I get some crushed red pepper along with some black pepper. Additional flavors noted include cocoa, espresso, toast, earth and toasted caramel.

The smoke production is good. The burn remains even throughout, and the cigar has a good draw. This one is a medium-plus in strength, with a full body. I seriously don’t have any complaints as concerns the ISLERO, but don’t really remember anything sticking out to me either. Try one. Tell me your thoughts.

Score:

Pre-light: 8.5

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