Second Time Around

Cigar Reviewed: Rojas Street Tacos Barbacoa

Second time with this little number and now that I've taken the time to appreciate it, here are my thoughts.

Construction: Toothy, Maduro wrapper with a light oil sheen. The barrel is firm with a little give when squeezed. A few noticeable veins that run the length of the body and one, tight seam. The sight of the veins gave me pause, but after a light, none of my worries came to fruition.

Wrapper: Notes of sweet tobacco, and cocoa abound from semi-closed foot to cap Draw: Open cold draw with hints of cocoa. Minus the chocolate, the draw would remain smooth the entire hour and twenty minutes it took me to finish.

First 1/3, the initial draws do not bring much flavor, and hits on the lower end of medium. Subsequent puffs introduce mild hints of white pepper spice and smoked Lebanon bologna. A brief spark of lime zest hits at the back of the throat, but most of this stick's work happens from the mid palate and forward. Between the first and second third, the meaty flavors gradually give way to a very welcome, if total surprise, sweet note.

Heading into the 2/3, the bologna and smoked notes taper off and a newcomer has entered the fray; cherry cordial and cream. The cherry and cream chases the chestnut/almond nuttiness after each draw. Smoke is smooth, cool, and plentiful. The burn line that looked off at the start has corrected itself (classic Rojas construction). The only time the line would fail is during the last 1-1/2" of the final third. By then it was time to wrap things up, so no point loss.

Conclusion: This was a very relaxing smoke and I was glad to have given the Barbacoa a second chance. The first 2/3's were complex enough to hold my interest and see this stick for what it truly was. I do wish the bologna and lime notes had continued or been present throughout the cigar, which is the biggest demerit I have. That being said, $8.75 gets you a cigar that will outperform $11 and $12 sticks. Between the two Street Tacos currently offered, the Carnitas is the better choice for me, but make some space in your humidor for Barbacoa because it is worth a smoke.