Quick Smoke: Viaje Roman Candle (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.”

By nature I’m a fan of the “A” vitola. There’s something completely unapologetic about a cigar that’s designed to last at least two hours, and I appreciate that. The new Viaje Roman Candle is no exception. With its fuse-like cap and patriotic red tissue paper, this Nicaraguan puro is  a perfect fit for the celebratory summer season. It’s medium- to full-bodied and full of spice and earth. Construction is flawless throughout the almost three hours it takes to smoke. There’s nothing wrong with this cigar, and I wouldn’t recommend against spending two or more hours smoking one, but  for such a long cigar it lacks the complexity to keep me fully engaged. It’s the perfect cigar for the golf course, or for when your thoughts are more focused elsewhere—which might be precisely what the cigar was designed for.

Verdict = Hold.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys