Cornell & Diehl Warped: Sarto

Warped - Sarto.

After smoking this solidly all day I've gathered an opinion!

The description of broken flake can be nebulous at times. How 'broken'? Sometimes barely, other times very. This fits the latter; a coarse mixture but none requires a further rubbing. It's predominantly dark brown with a few yellow and black pieces. The aroma's one of resolute wood, quite rustic. My tin had impeccable moisture.

The smoke? Great! There's only a mite of Latakia, so it gives a slight smokiness but don't expect a Lat-bomb. I note a very definite addition of fruity Virginias, rich and nectarious. This and the Kentucky are the leaders, smoky fruit!! The Orientals and Perique are of an equal weight, making for a fragrant spiciness; but not too pungent. As I found the black Cavendish in their Until The End, it's like a mild, soft, buttery cigar flavour; not a heavy vanilla BC taste. I can't pick fault with the way it behaves in the pipe; steady burn, mid-temperature smoke, not a bite to be had.

Nicotine: quite healthy. Room-note: not bad!

Sarto? Got tins in my cellar, but ordered more as it's that tasty! Highly recommended:

Four stars.

Comes on strong like a companion protecting his master - rough and unpredictable. As the stranger approaches the dog asserts his territory and showcases burley strength in doing so. He quickly warms to the guest showing his spicy and oriental pedigree. Lastly he leaves the stranger wanting more of the playful and spicy encounter, leaving his perique odor on the garments.

Sarto is the first cigar blend from C&D/Warped to include Latakia. Ironically, the only fault I found with Sarto initially was the Latakia. However, rest took care of that, and it’s since made it to a secure 4-star perch. Back to the beginning, the initial tin note is “smoky” (liquid smoke) Latakia on top, and little else under that. I could barely smell the cigar leaf. The cut is rough, well-broken flakes, tan and medium red brown, to dark brown and black. It handles, loads, lights and smokes down great. But it also breaks down to shake if it’s handled much, like most well aged tobacco will. I know this because I did not rest it at first but I took it out of the can and I tossed it, to air it out. I would not do that again. I smoked my first bowl in an ODA billiard. It was good, if not memorable, right along the lines of the initial tin note, with the Latakia in front, and the cigar leaf barely perceptible. Since then I’ve smoked it in my favorite cigar blend briar, old, Algerian briar, about a #4 billiard. Now we’re talking! After some rest, the “smoke” from the Latakia abates, and the rest of the blend comes up, though not all that much; it remains restrained and “classy”. The varietals are well melded and very smooth. The mild cigar leaf is on top, but just, and the soft, nutty and slightly smoky KY and the Latakia are melded under it, then the sour, musty Perique joins with the woody, fragrant, slightly gamey Orientals, with smooth roasting and baking spices, with the VAs in a noteworthy supporting role, adding some meadow grass and some bread and the noted smoothness. It’s consistent, top to bottom, with nary a re-light. It’s sweet, sour, bitter, and very savory and satisfying, like a superior cut of perfectly cooked beef. Strength is medium, with the nicotine trailing, Tastes are between medium and full, Room note is very nice for me, but I’m guessing it's barely tolerable for captives. Aftertaste is a long, drawn-out best of the smoke, and it gets sweeter and sweeter.

All’s well that ends well. After some rest, Sarto’s a good’un, for sure. 4 stars, and no doubt it will age well.