Diesel Hair of the Dog Salomon Review

1/14/2015

Cigar: Diesel Hair of the Dog Salomon
Size: Salomon, 7.1”x58
MSRP: $12.50
Strength: Full
Wrapper: Ecuador Habano
Origin: Nicaragua

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Prelight: Yet another stick from the La Amistad sampler, I am looking forward to this cigar after having such a great (albeit fleeting) experience with the HOTD torpedo. I’m hoping this behemoth of a cigar will keep me in that sweet spot for longer. The wrapper is oily and smooth, but the roll is a bit lumpy. The aroma of the wrapper is quite subtle, to the point that I am having difficulty picking up any scents beside a mild floral aroma. The cold draw is also quite mild, but primarily oaky, with a good resistance to the pull.

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1/3: I do love how perfectos light, and this cigar is no different – it lights easily and is off to a great, straight burn. I do get quite a bit of pepper in the retrohale, but the majority of the flavor is a nice oak. Cream comes in right after the widest point of the cigar and steadily builds during the first third, replacing the black pepper flavor.

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2/3: The ash falls on cue at the start of the second third, and I am tasting that glorious creamy oak that I loved from the torpedo vitola. However, the flavor peaks at the halfway point and begins to fade into a steady oak. It is not lasting as long as I was hoping with the longer salomon size/shape.

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3/3: The final third is mostly oak still, but a hint of hay and the nic kick is really getting to me. The burn has stayed near flawless, requiring no touch-ups or worries. Every once in a while a get a short-lived reminder of cream. The nub never gets bitter and is good ‘til the last puff.

Overall: I do really like this blend, but I think there was something off with this vitola, and I find myself liking the torpedo more. Maybe it is the steady ring gauge, or maybe it is the fact it is shorter, disallowing the smoke to build up in to final third of the cigar. I’ll pass on the salomon and opt for a smaller cigar next time I pick up a Hair of the Dog.