Wrapper: Dominican Cotui
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan
Vitola: Pyramide (5.5 x 50)
Purchase Link: Casdagli Club Mareva
MAREVA SPALATO REVIEW – CALIFORNIA
Summary: I hope the band makes this cigar look less like an asparagus. Starting off, I'm met with toast and nuttiness. Vanilla and sweet floral notes follow right behind! For a weird shaped cigar, I've got to say this ash is awesome looking.
The flavors remain creamy and on the lighter side in the second third. Some nutmeg adds to the dessert-for-breakfast theme that's going on.
I foresee the final third going fairly quickly due to the tapered vitolla. Poppy seed muffins! As clear as day. All that's missing is a glass of OJ and a side hashbrowns for this to be a complete breakfast.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Unlimited crepes.
Pairing Suggestion: Eggnog.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Fiver.
MAREVA SPALATO REVIEW – WISCONSIN
Summary: The cigar started with nuttiness and sweet cream, which was joined by oak, cereal grain, cinnamon, chocolate, vanilla, and lemon. At times, the flavors were reminiscent of a bowl of cereal (like a mild Cinnamon Toast Crunch). For a little while the chocolate and vanilla were really kicking with the sweet creaminess, reminding me of a twist cone. As the cigar tapered toward the head, it got nuttier and then oak took over near the end.
Construction-wise, everything was spot-on. Draw and burn were both excellent. For some fun bonus points, the ash didn't have any flakiness and held on like a champ.
I enjoyed this cigar immensely. I'd recommend taking your time with it, especially as you get into the second half. Your patience will be rewarded.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: I’m about to sound crazy. If you like either cereal or ice cream, give this a shot.
Pairing Suggestion: Coffee.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Box.
MAREVA SPALATO REVIEW – OREGON
Summary: Ok. The shape should give this one away, but let’s give an honest effort dammit! Cold draw consists of stale bread and hay. Resistance is ok but it seems to lean towards tight. Hit the foot with my new soft flame Xikar...floral and oak...small amount of baking spice. I’m catching a hint of a mineral flavor too. Mild wood notes jump on for a spin as well. Stellar construction points thus far. Wish there was a bump up in smoke production.
Midway mark and things have changed for this cigar. I’m tasting a bitter citrus flavor, like orange peel but without any orange flavor. Fresh oak, mild bread notes and hints of the prior floral profile all make their way into the mix. The ash fell for the first time near the middle of the smoke. Now green bell pepper? Strange.
Sadly, the final few minutes of this stick presents an overall bitter profile. Still hanging on to the floral/citrus domination with flashes of cinnamon and nutmeg. Spot on construction and draw, smoke was leaning towards the flimsy side, but at least remained consistent.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Spirulina.
Pairing Suggestion: Stella Artois, something light and crisp.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Single.
Participants in this blind review were completely unaware of the cigar they were evaluating until all submissions were received and processed. Each participant was asked to answer a summary paragraph, an if/than statement, a pairing suggestion, and a purchase suggestion. Cigars were provided by Small Batch with only the expectations of candid responses. All pictures, information, and formatting were completed by a Coordinator outside of the reviewing process.
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