JUNE 12, 2022 - PHIL KURUT, COMEDY - CIGARS - MUSIC
STILLWELL STAR BAYOU NO. 32 (6 x 52)
WRAPPER: ECUADORIAN HABANO
BINDER: MEXICAN SAN ANDRÉS
FILLER: NICARAGUA; PIPE TOBACCOS - RED VIRGINIA, PERIQUE
Bayou’s slightly snug draw doesn’t keep it from letting in ample amounts of earth, burnt caramel, and some very mild coffee. Smoke pours from both cap and foot, and within a few more pulls, the draw goes from slightly snug to perfect.
Charred wood follows burnt caramel through the retrohale. The finish hangs on gently with the mildest of spice, charred wood, and less burnt caramel. By the way, don’t take “burnt” to be harsh. It’s just a few rungs past toasted. Sat just a bit long in the skillet, pan, or whatever. Still going to eat it.
Eastern spices begin to play around with some coffee and sweetness. A bit odd. The finish follows suit, adding some leather. In my palate’s eye, Bayou becomes one of those people that might be slightly attractive or slightly ugly. It’s all about the lighting right now. I slowly push my friend towards it, as I take a step back.
Dancing around joyfully, fruit, sweet bread, coffee, and bits of leather keep me interested. I give my friend a cautious look of approval. Maybe.
The retrohale is like a dark perfume. Does perfume expire?
Coffee, leather, and that mildest of spice linger on the finish. The coffee and leather simultaneously add to and take away from each other. “Stop messing with the lighting. It’s confusing everyone,” I hear my outspoken buddy mutter from across the room.
Currently, in case you couldn’t tell, I’m a bit conflicted about this cigar, but it’s burning very well.
And now mustard seed joins us.
We end out with some earth, sweetness, “aged” perfume, and leather.
The retrohale keeps it simple with earth.
A lingering note of “aged” perfume dissipates and leaves some leather sitting solo, a bit harshly.
As interesting as Bayou got from time to time, this blend was a miss for me. Where did my friends go? Looks like I’m walking.
SMOKE TIME: 1 hr. 37 mins.
RATING: 2 / 4 - Somebody needs to fix the lighting.
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