This dark beauty from Drew Estate's Unico Serie shows why limited editions drive collectors wild. At 6¼" with 46 ring gauge, the Velvet Rat comes dressed in oily Connecticut Broadleaf - but its real party trick is construction. That closed foot makes lighting easier than you'd expect from such a beefy stick, while the pigtail cap adds artisanal flair. My box from 2022 has developed visible plume crystals under careful 65% RH aging.
The cold draw punches with black pepper through closed foot. Initial puffs bring dark chocolate shavings and espresso ground aromas. Smoke output stays medium despite tight roll. Burn line stays razor-sharp - no touch-ups needed. Watch for nicotine kick creeping in early.
Leather and damp earth notes emerge as heat reaches Brazilian binder. Retrohale carries baking spices (cinnamon/nutmeg blend) with subtle sweet undertone. Ash holds firm in 1-inch segments. Draw tightens slightly - perfect time for a bourbon pairing to cut richness.
Last third brings caramelized sweetness battling pepper resurgence. Smoke turns creamy but demands slower pacing to avoid bitterness. Final inch gets harsh - better to quit at 70-minute mark. Left my tongue tingling for hours, typical of Nicaraguan-heavy blends.
Nighttime smokers chasing complex transitions will love peeling back this cigar's layers. Not ideal for beginners - the nicotine punch and $18+ per stick cost demand appreciation. Seasoned smokers will notice how the San Andrés wrapper mellows with age, making it cellar-worthy if you can resist smoking them fresh.
