Stogie Reviews: Bauzá Pyramide

22 May 2007

Is it possible for a Tabacalera Arturo Fuente product that has been around for over 27 years to completely slip under my radar? I didn’t think so – until I was introduced to Bauzá.

Upon closer inspection, I discovered my former ignorance of the brand was entirely plausible. Bauzá has a truly limited distribution that relegates it to a relatively small number of cigar shops and online retailers. Apparently there just isn’t enough worthy tobacco to satisfy the demand.

Maybe that’s one reason why publications like Cigar Aficionado and Cigar Insider have consistently rated the brand in the prestigious 87 to 92 range. But let’s see how it scores on the reputable Stogie Guys scale before we jump to any conclusions.

The handsome five and ½ inch by 55 ring gauge Pyramide comes in a light-colored Ecuadorian wrapper. One major vein dominates the leaf with a few bumps and uneven spots scattered about.

It may be worth noting that this is one of the few – if not the only – cigars out there that features an entire tobacco plant on the band. Thus, smoking this stogie is like eating chicken while staring at an egg.

Right out of the gate, the Dominican binder and filler relinquished a surprising spice. I guess I didn’t know what to expect because, depending on what source you read, this cigar has been billed as both “full-bodied” and “mellow.” Not too helpful.

After the first inch of the cigar turned into a gray ash, however, I could begin to understand the disparity in information. The initial spice fades into a softer taste of cedar and clove.

Then, just when I thought the stogie could accurately be called medium-bodied, the spice kicked back in at the midway point, and the clove flavor shifted to a zesty graham. To my surprise, this final taste profile remained constant well past the band, and the smoke was never too harsh.

On some counts, this cigar had good construction with an even burn, an effortless draw, and a solid ash. But beware of its fragile wrapper; the leaf has a tendency to tear when the cigar is cut or the band is removed.

In all, this is an impressive smoke – particularly for under $4. Enthusiasts who are fans of cigars with changing flavors will especially enjoy this good, honest stick.

I give the Bauzá Pyramide a solid three and ½ out of five stogies.