Altadis USA -- Onyx Reserve - Toro

Image from StraightUpCigars.com

WTF?!?! No Way (poor on a whole new level).

OCCASION: Revisit of Onyx	PRICE: $3.49
BRAND: Altadis USA - Onyx Reserve

GAUGE: 50	LENGTH: 6"
SHAPE NAME: Toro

FILLER: Dominican, Nicaraguan, Peruvian
BINDER: Nicaraguan	WRAPPER: Coal Black Connecticut Broadleaf

APPEARANCE: Deep, dark, almost black earth brown.

CONSTRUCTION: Firm and very hard to the touch, almost too hard. Double cap and flawless wrapper.

DRAW:
START: Horrible	1/2: NA	3/4: NA

BURN:
START: Even	1/2: NA	3/4: NA

TASTING NOTES: ...not good...

OTHER NOTES: The aroma before lighting was a strange combo of chocolate and dirty barn.

EVALUATION: While this cigar is rated a 94 by Cigar Aficionado I can't get past the poor draw and the initial smell of a barnyard (dirty one at that). This is my second try at the Onyx Reserve line and unfortunately both experiences were bad. I have to add that this cigar was purchased from a large box store that mainly caters to alcoholic beverage sales and doesn't circulate their cigar merchandise as quickly as a local tobacconist. Although premium cigars should age well, perhaps there were some handling/storage issues by the store. The store does have a large walk in humidor and the cigar was celophane wrapped, so I am fairly confused as to why a 94 cigar is now serving as compost. StraightUpCigars.com wasn't pleased with this stick either and it's been difficult finding a great review of the cigar. Many reviews give the Onyx Reserve Toro average or okay ratings. Buyer beware.