I have been anxious to try some cigars by Viaje.  They are a small batch, limited release, boutique cigar company that has really caused a stir since they started appearing on the market.  I have seen reviews here and there but nobody in Dayton carries their stuff.  I finally grabbed a couple from Serious Cigars online and rather than go with the usual Oro or Platino lines, I chose a couple of different ones.  The subject of this review is the Fifty-Fifty Red, which comprises a unique idea of two distinct blends under one wrapper using two binders.  How does this work?  I've no idea....how was the smoke?  Let's see....

Construction: This is a really pretty cigar.  The wrapper is relatively smooth and oily with a couple of veins running along one side.  A nice triple cap with a pigtail tops it off.  Overall a nice looking package.

Pre-light Aroma and Draw: Out of the cellophane the fifty-fifty gives off a very interesting spicy tobacco aroma.  The draw seems a bit tight at first but after lighting it opens up pretty well.  The second half of the cigar opens the draw even more. 

Light and Burn: She lights up with two matches and then another to touch up the light.  The burn is nearly flawless as the cigar smokes down.  I had to do one small touch up but nothing hateful.

Tasting: From the start there is a very dense woody spice to this cigar.  The flavor is unusual and interesting and it makes me think of this stuff we used to eat in San Diego when I was a kid called Pico.  Sweet, salty, and spicy all at the same time.  It's a rich flavor that I have never come across in a cigar and it instantly reminds me of 5th grade when my friends and I traded that Pico stuff like prisoners trade cigarettes.  As the first half develops, I get hints of pepper, coffee, mesquite, and more of that chili powder flavor.  Can't wait to see what the second blend tastes like.  The second half blend is starting to pop up now.  Black and red pepper.  A much more spicy counterpart to the smooth opening.  Excellent transition so far.  I am picking up a nice cocoa and roasted nut flavor that complements the peppery spice quite well.  As the cigar ends it really opens up in strength and flavor.  Loads of peppery spice and a deep coffee flavor.  Very nice, indeed.

Value: I paid just under $10 for the fifty-fifty.  Totally worth it.

Final Thoughts: The fifty-fifty red is a great smoke.  I am glad I selected it from Viaje's lines.  It's a very unique smoke I could easily add to my rotation....if someone would stock them around here.

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan

Strength: Medium to full

Size: 7 x 47

Beautiful corojo wrapper and a very elegant band