Quick Smoke: Viaje White Label Project 50/50 Red

Each Saturday and Sunday we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief verdict on a single cigar of “buy,” “hold,” or “sell.”

 

Viaje is known for making its cigars in small batches, which makes the ultra-small batch White Label Project exceedingly rare and very tough to find. This particular version, of which only 5,000 cigars were made, is based on the the 50/50 Red blend. Viaje owner Andre Farkas says the blend was designed to be slightly stronger than the full production 50/50 Red line (and presumably not quite as strong as the 50/50 Black line). The well-made Nicaraguan puro is firm to the touch with no soft spot between the two blends, and features a nearly flawless criollo wrapper, a pigtale cap, and slightly closed foot.  It starts out with a burst of spice but quickly settles into a smooth, woody, medium- to full-bodied profile. After the midway point, it evolves only slightly as the sweetness picks up and the cigar develops a leathery, syrupy element. Except for a somewhat tight draw, construction was excellent on this limited but enjoyable cigar.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys