Pre-light Experience

The wrapper on the Protocol John Doe 2.0 is a marbled medium brown with some raised and knotty veins. The seams are easily visible as they are a bit raised while the head is finished with a well applied triple cap. The band is just a plain white strip, which goes with the theme of the cigar. The aroma from the wrapper is raisin and wood while the foot aroma reminds me of Raisin Bran. The pre-light draw brings a mix of cedar and Raisin Bran.

First Third

The cigar begins with cedar and aggressive black pepper. At a half inch in, the black pepper has mellowed slightly as some mustiness has joined the profile. The retrohale is musty cedar with mellow black pepper. As the third comes to a close, the cedar and mustiness are even with the black pepper right behind. The strength in this third was slightly above medium.

Second Third

As the second third begins, a bigger gap opens between the musty cedar and black pepper. The retrohale is now just musty cedar. The third wraps up with musty cedar and very light black pepper. The strength in this third remained at slightly above medium.

Final Third

As the final third begins, some light, dry earth joins the profile. At a half inch in, the black pepper is no longer present. The retrohale remains musty cedar. The cigar wraps up with the musty cedar and dry earth at equal levels. The strength in this third remained at slightly above medium.

Burn

The burn was a bit of an issue as two touch-ups and two full re-lights were required to keep things burning.

Draw

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

Overall

The cigar had an average enjoyment level throughout as the profile was focused around cedar, black pepper and mustiness. Some dry earth joined in the final third which made the overall profile a bit dry. The Protocol John Doe 2.0 keeps at the same level that I’ve found the brands limited releases to perform at which is not up to par with the core lines. For those that like this style of cigar, it will probably work for them, but I don’t see myself returning to this one.

Aaron Loomis

SCORE

5.35

Cost/Point

$1.73

Scoring System

Team Cigar Review: Protocol John Doe 2.0