Cigar Review: Ventura Psyko Seven Robusto

Talk about an attention-grabbing presentation. Psyko Seven from the Ventura Cigar Co. comes enveloped in a white prescription form enticing you to “medicate your mind” with this six-country blend of tobaccos. It’s signed by “El Diablo Blanco.”

Listed on the form are the tobaccos that comprise Psyko Seven: Dominican Hybrid, Nicaraguan Ligero, Mexican Sumatra, Peruvian Pelo de Oro Viso, Honduran Holancha Seca, and Pennsylvanian Ligero. Underneath is a smaller, traditionally sized white band with Ventura’s trademark “V” cutout.

Like Project 805, Psyko Seven was launched at last summer’s IPCPR Trade Show in Las Vegas and is aimed at serving “the new generation of cigar smoker out there.” It bills itself as a mild- to medium-bodied experience “with distinct transitions.” Four vitolas are available, all made by Henke Kelner in the Dominican Republic: Robusto (5.5 x 50), Toro (6.25 x 48), Gordito (4 x 58), and Gordo (6 x 60).

Beneath its two white bands, the Robusto has a beautiful, moderately oily Cuban-seed Dominican wrapper that has a yellowish hue to it. You have to pay close attention to see the seams in the exterior leaf. The foot gives off only faint notes of hay, syrup, and cinnamon.

After a single wooden match, a bready profile emerges with notes of cream, almond, and oak. The body leans toward the mild end of the spectrum. What the Psyko Seven lacks in power it makes up in balance and uniqueness. The Robusto is captivating enough to maintain my attention throughout its duration, and it does so with depth and a toasty texture that isn’t too common. But I do not find any distinct transitions.

The cigar’s physical properties are superb. Expect an even burn, a stable ash, a smooth draw, and good smoke production with each puff. The resting smoke has a sweet gingerbread-like aroma that enhances the overall experience.

This is the best cigar I’ve had from the Ventura Cigar Co. to date, and one I’d like to try in other sizes. The asking price of $7 for the Robusto is more than fair. Whether you like the marketing angle or not, the quality of Psyko Seven can’t be denied. It earns an excellent rating of four stogies out of five.

[To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here.]

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys