Review: Obsidian Double Perfecto

 Obsidian Double Perfecto

When I hear the word Obsidian, I think of the black, volcanic glass which early humans used to form weapons and tools. Naturally, when given the assignment of reviewing the Obsidian Double Perfecto, I expected a wrapper as black as, well, Obsidian. Instead I was given a bag of medium brown cigars from our friends at Stogieboys.com, which were tapered at both ends, dressed in wide, shiny, black, minimalist band with “Obsidian” in small print at the top and what looked like a cartoon fish standing on it’s tail at the bottom. The claimed size of 6×60 was a bit optimistic. The cigar barely swelled to 54 in the middle. Shape wise, it looked like a La Aurora Preferido rolled by Jerry’s Kids (it’s o.k., my dad’s name is Jerry so I’m aloud to say that) but then, unlike some preferidos, this one isn’t $20.00.

The slightly veiny wrapper gave off a pleasant, sweet floral aroma with honey and green tea in the distance. The foot had notes of manure and damp leather. The pre-light draw was overly firm but given the shape, this is common. Perfectos often open considerably after you smoke past the taper.

The first puffs were remarkably cool, allowing a host of flavors to appear. Vanilla, almond, toffee as well as black pepper, leather and roasted meat to a lesser degree were all present. Unfortunately the draw was not opening up to allow me to enjoy these flavors. With perseverance I was able to make it through the first third, after which it opened up enough for me to continue.

The flavors remained very consistent as did the coolness of the smoke. The palate of flavors was surprisingly delicate as was the body which was very light. The smoke was creamy and smooth without ever being heavy or harsh. Some of this could have been as a result of the slowness with which I was forced to smoke due to the restricted draw.

A firm white ash held on without flaking, only coming off when encouraged at the halfway marker. This is when the flavors deepened. A salty or perhaps, savory element pushed the spices to the back yet allowed the sweet and floral aspects to remain.

This is an interesting cigar. I found it to be quite different than it was described by the manufacturer Pinar Del Rio. Obsidian never remotely approached medium-full in body but don’t let that stop you from enjoying one.  While this cigar was not quite as described, it was at least enjoyable. Aside from the construction issues, this cigar was obviously made with quality leaf and well blended. At a price this reasonable, it is probably worth checking out, Perhaps in a more traditional format instead of the Double Perfecto (it’s harder to screw up the draw on a robusto).

Manufactured by: Pinar Del Rio

Wrapper: Brazilian Habano Ligero

Binder: ?

Filler: Cuban seed Nicaraguan and Dominican

Format: Double Perfecto 6×60(claimed)

Price: $6.95 each, when purchased by the box (20)