Viaje Stuffed Turkey Dark Meat (5 x 58)

Video review HERE.

The Viaje Stuffed Turkey made its debut back in 2011 in a Criollo wrapped Nicaraguan puro in a 5 x 60 vitola as a part of Viaje's White Label Project (WLP) series.  The Stuffed Turkey is Viaje's Thanksgiving themed release.  A year later a Maduro version called the Viaje Stuffed Turkey Dark Meat was introduced. The 2014 editions (Dark Meat and White Meat) are 5 x 58 ring size. Today I am reviewing the Dark Meat version.

Wrapper: Mexican San Andres Maduro

Binder: Nicaragua AGANORSA

Filler: Nicaragua AGANORSA

The cigar looks nice and dark and has a decent feel in the hand; nice density.

The test draw after cutting the cap was very good. The initial flavors were espresso, chocolate, cocoa, earth, and dry wood. The black pepper is rated at a 7 1/2 to 8. 

26 minutes in and about 1 1/2 inches there is a bad burn issue. I had to break down and touch it up, which I hate to do. I'd rather the cigar even out the burn on it's own if it can. This time it could not. The flavors now are like a chocolate candy with an orange center. There are also dry cocoa and espresso notes. The earthiness has gone into the background due to the new orange citrus flavor. The finish is very light and one of a cream. It is quite subtle. The cigar is medium bodied at this point. 

About 48 minutes in and I have approximately 2 inches remaining. The sweet orange flavors have gone away but you are left with the chocolate, cocoa, and some butter notes, along with the massive expresso notes. And, of course, the pepper. The finish is about the same.

1 hour 10 minutes and we're at the end of the cigar. Again, I am having trouble with the wrapper burning evenly. There are flashes of orange/chocolate but they seem to come and go. The cocoa notes are still around and there is a little of the buttery notes. The espresso notes are a nice base. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is unchanged.

The burn issue really bothered me. The cigar had just about everything I look for in a maduro except more sweeter notes. I'd had liked it to hold the orange flavor mixed in with the chocolate. If fell a little short for me.

Score: 89