Cigar Name: The Inkwell

Cigar Brand: Sawtelle Cigars

Wrapper: Undisclosed

Binder: Undisclosed

Filler: Undisclosed

Vitola Reviewed: Torpedo, box-pressed

Strength: Medium to medium-full

Price: 5-pack $35.00

Visual:

Studying the construction, I took note of the oily wrapper. The seams were tight and even, and there were small veins that were consistent with those of most cigars. The box-press brought sharp corners to this torpedo vitola. The cigar reviewed had one very minor flaw on a corner due to the box-pressing procedure. However, none of the others I received in my 5-pack had this flaw.

Cold Aroma:

Smelling the wrapper, I noted a primary woodiness that was seconded by hay and a slight sweetness I’d call molasses. This combination had me excited about what I would be finding once I lit this stick. These aromas had me intrigued. As I moved to the foot, I detected more of the hay and barnyard in the background, and still a slight sweetness.

Cold Draw:

Immediately, when I took my first draw, I noted a very nice butteriness and smoothness (creamy) with hints of leather. I didn’t recall ever having a stick with such a buttery taste and creamy texture. This was something I am not normally used to, but I was pleasantly surprised. The cold draw hinted at oak, and referenced back to the woodiness of the base. These flavors and textures were surprising, as they were not what I was expecting, and they added very nice attribute to the cold draw flavor profile.

1st Third:

Immediately, I was hit with a woodiness that was now defined as oak. The oak was prominent, followed by leather and the before-adored butter. The creamy texture I was getting from the cold draw was still there, and something I liked. The stick began with a medium-full strength and a very even burn. The construction on this stick was very good - just the right draw strength for me (and at my optimum draw level). The ash was interesting, as it was mixed, with light, medium and dark grays. My first ash fell at about the one inch mark, and each subsequent one at an inch to inch and a half.

2nd Third:

As I moved into the second third of this stick, I noted a change. The strength had mellowed down to medium, and was really smooth. I was in full relaxation mode. The oak wasn’t as prominent, and breadiness had taken over. The bread, along with butter and a hint of sweetness - a kind of banana/molasses flavoring - made for a very interesting stick. Adding that to the leather in the background made for a meatier third. The smoke and aroma were really pleasant.

Last Third:

Entering the last third, I was suddenly hit with a clean cedar flavoring. This was followed up by the same butteriness that had stayed constant throughout this stick. I was amazed at a new texture, which had a cheesecake quality. The thickness of this last third was amazing, as the complexity of this stick really started to come together. Looking back at the stick as a whole, I had the feeling I was having a meal, and this last third was the dessert. It was very rich here, but maintained its smoothness. The strength was still medium, and very pleasant.

Thoughts:

As I smoked The Inkwell, I had the feeling I was having a meal. The first third, with its visual appeal, was the appetizer, and something I was ready to get into. The second third, or the 'meat and potatoes', gave me the full sensation one gets while enjoying a main course. And the last third, the dessert, brought it all together, and gave me the treat at the end that sends one away with a smile on one's face. Each third offered its own distinct flavor profile. A complete, well balanced stick! A cigar I would smoke on any occasion. Its complexity offered something for everyone. The beginning came out full but, sticking with it, calmed down and was very pleasant.

I definitely recommend this stick, and would keep a box around for any occasion. Sawtelle Cigars has a winner in The Inkwell.