Pete and I aim at similar blends. He goes for in your face, where I go behind your back; but it's a similar direction. His blend # 2 is another example. In this blend he cranked the mata fina down half a leaf and the ligero up half a leaf. I would have cranked the one down and left the other alone. For that matter, I would have started with a more neutral base to let the flavors shine.
This one does not appear to have been molded, as there are no mold marks and it has a taper. Veins are knobby. Both head and foot are softer than the middle. Draw is easy. Unlit aroma eluded me because I had just sprayed Off to keep the skeeters away. The leaf has a velvety feel. Lit up better than #1. Smooth chocolate retro. Flavor off the charts.
I tell you I don't think we can give Don enough credit. These cigars can match any expensive premium for tobacco flavor. I speak as one who has a humidor chock full of eight buck sticks. Our southern neighbors may have a leg up on us in terms of experience and skill; but we have just as tasty ingredients to use. If a fellow could practise up to roll pretty and had the patience to box his stuff up to age a year or two he could go head to head with any number of premium sticks.
Another thing...
Now, brothers, don't be put off if I review Pete's cigars higher than yours. It's all a matter of taste after all.