Diesel Unholy Cocktail

The Roman commander has returned in glory to his cherished country villa. Trading his armor for a draped toga he step onto his colonnaded porch to look over his lands below; the rolling fields merging into hills then to the mountains in the distance. He extends a silver goblet in the direction of a serving girl, who nervously fills the vessel with cool wine, and seats himself in an elaborated sculpted work he fancies as his throne. His faithful mastiffs pad over to flop themselves at his feet, content to simply be near their long-absent master. Another girl approaches him with an ornate ivory box; lifting the lid she extends it towards him. The aged veteran looks discerningly at the contents, then selects a single cylindrically shaped object from within. With a deft hand, he lops one end off with a dagger and returns the blade to its scabbard. The girl, who has set the ivory box on a table to her master’s right, light’s the end of a long taper of wood from a candle then applies the flame to the short leaf-wrapped wand. When he feels it’s time, the man brings the object to his lips and takes his first exquisite puffs of the DIESEL UNHOLY COCKTAIL!!!

Now, I don’t think Romans had cigars and to be honest, I cant vouch for the historical accuracy of anything I say or write, but damn, that sure the heck is what I was imagining while smoking the D.U.C.  This piece of work is an animal, like the Stark’s dire wolves from A Game of Thrones, barely controllable and needs to be reined in as such. BUT, this beauty has an aura of rich, decadent royalty to it as well.

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  Let’s start at the beginning.

When I first set up my coolerdor, I got into the habit of buying boxes of cigars. I chose the cigars based upon other’s recommendations of those which had the reputation of aging well over time. Some of those were hits, some were misses. The   Unholy Cocktails were one of those I bought during that period. I’ve smoked two I think before today, but they were still way too “young”. I don’t remember much other than a lot of pepper and dizziness. It’s been 8 weeks now, So I’m curious to see how they are coming along. BTW, you shouldn’t get into the habit of buying boxes of cigars you’ve never tried no matter what the reputation. Unless, of course, the box is REALLY cool. :)

Some data for you, from Diesel Cigars' site:  Binder is Nicaraguan Habano; FIller is a mix of Esteli, Jalapa and Condega ligeros; this goodness is all wrapped in Pennsylvania Broadleaf. The creator was AJ Fernandez

Before lighting this, I'm treated to powerful dark chocolate and spicy espresso aromas.  So inviting!

I almost never comment on construction, but I have to say, this is very well put together.

I proceed to the toasting, which again is during the daytime, but I manage to do it right without charring it.

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First puffs are delicious; creamy smooth espresso and chocolate with just a hint of salt at the end. Powerful too. I can tell this is very temperature sensitive after just a few puffs. The first is always creamy and mild, the second is a huge bite of pepper, salt and leathers. It's like holding onto the leash of a beast daring me to pull too hard. This beast likes its rest, and with rest comes rewards.

This stick is rich and decadent to be sure, but strong. Salts, spices, chocolates, dark earths rotate across the palate. Here I get bitter coffee, there I get black forest cake. I imagine dark rye bread baked in a dark medieval kitchen. I'm also reminded of that cake they used to have at Frisches' Big Boy, the double chocolate fudge thing that was so rich I couldn't even finish it as a kid.

The retro is surprising smooth at the beginning before picking up strength toward the end.

Billows of smoke roll off this. I'm reminded of steam coming forth from the nostrils of a dragon.

There are some mild burn issues, but easily handled with a few touch ups.

The latter portion of the cigar turns more to toasts, breads and baked goods with the stick getting just a bit tarry. The spices fade, only returning if I really push the heat, then I get a mouthful of salty black pepper. I think I may have tamed the beast!

I really enjoyed this cigar and cant wait to have another in a few months. The strength was about 4.2/5. The draw was pretty easy, about 2/5 for strength of draw. Overall I give this 4.3 out of 5. Box worthy to be sure. Lacks a bit of the creams and butters I would want in a cigar I would score higher than a 4.5.  Damn, I forgot to record what time I finished, again. Probably about an hour and a half or thereabouts.

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