Quick Smoke: Viaje Late Harvest 648 (2012)

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 limited releases usually sell out quickly, so when these went on sale in May I snapped up a five-pack for just under $9 per cigar. Even though I’ve mostly had positive experiences with Viaje, the box of 35 was too many cigars to buy without trying any first. This Nicaraguan puro (6 x 48) features a pigtail cap and an oily, reddish-brown wrapper. The profile has lots of leather and wood, but also a more subtle cafe-au-lait sweetness. It starts out full-bodied but settles into a nice medium-full smoke after the first third. With tasty flavors and excellent construction, it’s a cigar I’m glad I bought.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys