Viaje Skull and Bones Johnny Blaze

📌 Brand: Viaje
📌 Line: Skull and Bones
📌 Size: Johnny Blaze (Toro Gordo , 6" × 56)
📌 Weight: 18.2 g
📌 Age: 6 years
📌 Origin: Undisclosed

Tasting Notes

• Dark Cocoa – Deep but slightly dry sweetness

• Black Pepper – Assertive spice throughout

• Earth – Dense, rustic backbone

• Bitter Edge – Appears intermittently

First Impressions

The cigar carries Viaje’s typical rugged presentation with a dark, oily wrapper and solid appearance. In hand it feels slightly loose, especially toward the foot. Pre-light aroma reveals cocoa, earth, and pepper. Cold draw is open and easy.

Smoking Experience

• First Third – Opens bold with cocoa and pepper. Smoke output is generous due to the loose draw.

• Second Third – Earth and spice deepen, but moments of bitterness appear when the cigar warms. Burn remains acceptable.

• Final Third – Profile stays strong but the loose draw continues to dilute flavor intensity slightly. Bitterness resurfaces occasionally.

Pairings

• Alcohol – Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon - Rich vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak soften bitterness and add depth to the cigar’s cocoa profile.

• Tea – Chinese Da Hong Pao Rock Oolong - Mineral richness and roasted character complement the cigar’s earthy strength.

Music Pairing

“When the Levee Breaks” – Led Zeppelin
Dark, heavy groove matching the cigar’s bold core.

Final Thoughts

Viaje Skull and Bones Johnny Blaze offers bold cocoa, spice, and earthy depth. However, a loose draw and occasional bitterness prevent the cigar from delivering the full intensity and balance it promises.

Final Score: 7/10
Why not a 10?
Loose construction and intermittent bitterness reduced flavor concentration and refinement.

Only cigars that deliver flawless draw, balance, flavour evolution, construction and satisfaction get a 10.