Ezra Zion Tantrum

Tonight its time for the Ezra Zion Tantrum.  I have had this cigar in my humidor for around four months and for some reason I have never picked it out to smoke, so tonight's the night.  This cigar comes in at 4.44 X 44.  It has a light brown wrapper with no veins and invisible seems.  At first light the draw is absolutely perfect, producing an extreme amount of smoke output.  On the draw there is a large amount of pepper present.  Its a black pepper that has a lot of flavor and a lot of "pepper zing" on the palate.    On the finish there is the black pepper and a sweet cedar and coffee note.  The pepper is heavy and dominates the other flavors.  The pepper lingers and lasts till the next draw.  The body is at a full right off the first light.  For being such a small cigar, it packs quite a punch.  The burn is razor sharp and the construction is perfect so far!

About an inch down, and some more flavors come in.  On the draw the powerful pepper has transitioned to a red pepper flavor.  The "zing" is tingling on the palate but the flavor is a tasty red pepper.  The finish has a few different flavors.  There is a nice caramel coffee note, with some leather and sweet cedar.  The red pepper is present, but now its not overpowering the other finish flavors.  Also, I'm quite surprised how smooth and creamy the smoke is on the palate considering how much pepper is present on the draw and finish.  The body is still at a full and some medium strength is coming in.  I feel as if the strength is building as well.  The draw is still producing ridiculous amounts of smoke and the burn is still very good.

Two inches down and some more flavors changes are happening.  The red pepper flavor/zing is still on the draw.  Now on the finish warm molasses, sweet cedar, and nutmeg notes are coming through.  The nutmeg comes in and out between draws and is faint but present.  The cigar is starting to get warm but some good flavors are still present.  The body is still definitely at a full.  The strength is at a medium to full and is leaving me a little light headed.  The draw is still perfect and the burn is good as well.

With around an inch left I took one final draw and the set the cigar in the ashtray.  Total smoke time was 50 minutes, which is a good smoke time for such a small cigar.  I have had several robusto's that didn't last as long.  This cigar was a tiny powerhouse with some big pepper, good flavors, and strength.  I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Thanks to my buddy Nick from my B&M for gifting me this awesome cigar!

Price: $9.25
Appearance: 94
Draw: 98
Burn: 92
Flavor: 95
Complexity: 94
Burn Time: 95

Overall Score: 94