Pre-light Experience

This shorty has a dark brown wrapper with a few visible but smooth veins present. The seams are easily visible due to some color variations in the wrapper and the head is finished off with what appears to be a double cap. The strip band is very nice with a blue and gold color combination with the edges having the old postage stamp style perforations. The aroma from the wrapper is a slightly damp wood while the foot brings a mix of wood and leather. The pre-light draw brings a mix of wood and hay along with a very mild spicy tingle on my lips.

Pre-light Experience

The Mi Querida Gordita has a nice oily sheen on the espresso brown wrapper. Veins are well pressed, seams tight, bunch and roll even with no soft spots and the head finished off with a well adhered thick cap. Aromas from the wrapper give cedar, hay and five spice. Aromas from the foot tell cedar, sharper white pepper, nuts and hay. Cold draw gives airy cedar and hay.

First Third

Initial draws bring a mix of wood, dark chocolate and cinnamon. A quarter inch in, some cream joins the profile to add another dimension. The retrohale carries the full compliment of flavors other than the cinnamon. At three quarters of an inch in, the cinnamon is very faint while the wood, dark chocolate and cream are up front. The strength in this third was slightly above medium.

First Third

The first third’s flavor profile through mouth draws consists of a namely earthy profile. Spicy cedar and gritty earthiness is front and center. Reaching a bit deeper, darker chocolate layers the palate. Retrohaling brings floral aspects to the cigar, which is a nice change up to the dominant earthiness. The finish is a mixture of dried red pepper heat and spicy cedar. The strength is deceptively medium-full such that just half an inch in, it made me realize the power of the little fattie (ha!). Body is slightly above medium.

Second Third

As the second third begins, the wood and cream are up front while the dark chocolate note is a bit in the background. At a half inch in, the wood has become a bit darker while the cream has lessened a bit and the chocolate continues to fade. At an inch in, the chocolate has completely left and the dark wood and cream are what remains. The retrohale carries a warm dark wood note. The strength in this third remained at slightly above medium.

Second Third

The second third builds on the first third’s platform such that the notes become deeper. Deeper spicy cedar, gritty earthiness and more consistent floral notes is noticed on the mouth draw, retrohale and finish alike. Strength and body is still medium-full and medium, respectively.

Final Third

As the final third begins, the cream starts to fade from the profile as the dark wood note is the primary player. At a quarter inch in, a slight chocolate note returns to mix with the dark wood and light cream. This is the profile the cigar finished with. The strength in this third remained at slightly above medium.

Final Third

The last third is exactly the same as the second third. Deeper spicy cedar, gritty earthiness and floral notes on all parts of the palate. Strength and body is still medium-full and medium, respectively.

Burn

The burn line was slightly wavy but never needed any attention. The ash held on in one inch increments.

Burn

No issues with burn performance. Even burn, tight ashes, cool burning temperature and good smoke production sums up the flawless nature.

Draw

The draw was perfect with just the right amount of resistance that I prefer.

Overall

The first third of this cigar was dynamite with the combination of wood, chocolate, cinnamon and cream. Each third thereafter became a little less complex as some of the flavor notes began to drop out. Strength was just slightly above medium and the construction was very good. The small size of this cigar is a good choice for those that have limited time to smoke and want a rush of flavor. I could easily see myself going back to this frequently if not just for the first third. If you haven’t tried this line yet, this is a great size to go for as it will show you what the line can provide at a good price point.

Draw

The draw was also perfect. The ideal balance between resistance and air flow.

Overall

I find the Gordita variant of the Mi Querida to be grittier, more earthy, spicier and certainly stronger as compared to the other sizes in the line. I would prefer more sweetness and cream in the profile in the form of perhaps chocolate like the Ancho Largo that I enjoy so much, but the smaller size is a good fit, creating a punchier experience. An overall shorter smoking experience that satisfies the cravings for a more powerful smoking experience.

Aaron Loomis

SCORE

7.07

Cost/Point

$1.22

Scoring System

Jiunn Liu

SCORE

7.17

Cost/Point

$1.21

Scoring System

Team Cigar Review: Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Mi Querida Gordita