Cigar Review - Ramon Bueso Odyssey

Ramon Bueso Odyssey

Vitola: Toro
Length: 6.0″
Ring Gauge: 50
Wrapper: Honduran Connecticut
Binder: Nicaraguan Cuban-seed long-fillers from Copan, Ometepe, Condega, and the Cibao Valley
Filler: Honduran Jamastran
Pairing: Café Bustello Espresso style coffee


Another cigar I saw in the CI catalog and, while I didn't grab a 5 pack, I managed to pick up a single along with the rest of my order. I debated resting this one more but ultimately decided to try it to see if I wanted to go on the hunt for more. My fear is that it will be like the Obsidian I tried last night and I'll underwhelmed. What did I decide? Well, you've got to read the review to find out.

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Fit and Finish: A very attractive Connecticut wrapper with medium veining and a smooth, shiny sheen. Nice seams, nice cap and a very pleasant aroma of fresh hay.

Draw: A v-cut gives a perfect draw and the cold draw is all strong cocoa. Oh yes, now please live up to the promise you're making.

Toast/Light: Toasting lights this cigar easily and I'm greeted with a nice resting smoke and an initial blast of pepper on the first draw.

First third: The Odyssey begins with a nice pepper profile and a mild cocoa. It is producing moderate amounts of smoke (not like the Obsidian, but still plenty). The flavors quickly move into hay and cedar with a pepper undertone and an excellent flavor of cocoa that shows up on the long finish. The pepper fades and it moves into a sweet hay with a creamy cocoa finish. It has good tight ash, a clean burn line and the resting smoke is quite pleasant as well. As it progresses, a mild nuttiness comes in and cedar begins to come and go. This cedar alternates with cocoa and nuts, a great rotation that changes on every third draw.

Second Third: The rotation continues as it moves into the second third and then a faint new flavor emerges. It's more of a suggestion than a true flavor, like an aftertaste that reminds me of something...it's orange. This third starts about 2 inches in and the ash still hasn't dropped. The cocoa remains but the nuts are gone and a savory flavor is showing up underneath. I finally tap the ash off at 2 1/2 inches. I know it has to drop and I don't want it coming at an inopportune moment (like as I bring it over my coffee or my lap). The orange makes a brief appearance again at the halfway point. It's back to hay and nuts and then to cocoa once again and this rotation continues throughout the rest of this third. I am very happy with my choice for the evening.

Final Third: The final third begins with cedar and nuts dominating. The hay returns, followed by a resurgence of the pepper. The savory undertones return and then it transitions into distinct leather before the pepper fades out again and it returns to a cocoa profile. As I enter the final portion of this cigar the pepper comes back with a vengeance and remains as nuts and cocoa alternate for the remainder. I take it to the nub.

Final Thoughts: I was expecting a repeat of last night's experience (yes, I can be a bit pessimistic at times) but was very pleasantly surprised. This was a very complex cigar with outstanding flavors and a medium strength. As I finished I knew that I have to at least pick up a 5 pack and I likely will grab a box to rest if I can find it at a decent price. I've got a feeling that this will be a truly great cigar with a bit of rest (for those that like flavorful medium strength cigars). The Montecristo Espada and Casa Fernandez Miami Reserva cigars remain my favorites but this one is definitely in my top 10, maybe even in my top 5. If the strength and flavor profiles are in your wheelhouse definitely pick one up.

Total smoking time: 120 minutes