Blackbird Idalia 108 Toro Aged 2+ Years

Tasting notes: I have to tell you it reminds me of a black leather belt I bought on the body. There is also some barnyard. The foot smells of wood and leather. The cold draw is almond, herbs, and leather. Man is that leather pronounced. Upon lighting I am met with leather, charred woods, and slight pepper. The retro is smooth yet spicy with slight black pepper. There are breads, cream, and cocoa, and the pepper exchanges black for red pepper every few puffs. There is earthiness and faint sweetness. Once we get going there is that luxurious leather we found on the body of the cigar with cream, earth pepper, and subtle vanilla. The cigar is really smooth at this point. If I’m being honest, it’s really hard to pull out each flavor individually. This element is known as balance. This cigar truly is balanced. Nothing is fighting with anything. It’s all there if you look for it, but it doesn’t flex in any one area. Chocolate, cream, dried herbs, spice, and breads are what I get most of in the 2nd third. In the final third I get some variation. I get this menthol cocoa thing at times, which I would describe as mint chocolate chip. It’s herbal and mineral-y. Earth, cola, slight pepper and more of that cream. I have to say, this cigar is well balanced. This is something I have not seen a lot of lately. It’s something to be recognized in our further education of the leaf.

Pairing notes: Islay scotch. Spanish red wine (nothing too heavy). Aged brown rum. Medium roast coffee. Pilsner or light beer. Boston cream doughnut. Donuts of any kind. Funnel cake. Any white cakes like angels food. Pistachios. Buttered popcorn. After sushi or rice and beans Caribbean style. Don’t overpower this cigar with anything too strong on the palate. Shout out @blackbirdcigar on Insta for selling us these. I never met her, but I bet Idalia would have loved one of these.

Rest in Peace