Assessment Updates will be posted on this web-site to: 1) Assess “pre-review” cigars that were not given a rating or score (typically pre-release cigars); 2) Provide numeric ratings to cigars previously assessed prior to the implementation of the numeric scoring system; 3) A re-assessment and re-score of a previously assessed/score cigars. Today, we provide an assessment rating and score for the Viaje Satori 2013. This is pretty much a new batch re-release of the Viaje Satori 2011 . We assessed the 2011 verson back in September, 2011.
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| Viaje Satori 2013 |
The Viaje Satori 2013 marks the fourth annual release of the Satori series. In 2010 Viaje Cigars released its first Satori blend. This was intended to be a cigar available to only those Viaje authorized retailers that attended the IPCPR Trade Show and it has remained like that since its release. The cigar was one of our favorites from 2010 – finishing as our #3 Cigar of the Year. In 2011, Viaje would bring back the Satori, but changed the Oscuro wrapper to a San Andres. The cigar still proved to be outstanding as the 2011 edition finished as our #13 Cigar of the Year. The blend has remained pretty much constant since then After making some vitola changes for the Viaje Satori 2012, the 2013 version returns to the same blend and same sizes as the 2011.
As mentioned, the wrapper for the Satori 2013 is a San Andres wrapper. This is pretty much the only non Nicaraguan wrapper Viaje has used to date. The binder and filler are Nicaragua Aganorsa farm tobacco. The cigar is available in three sizes: Karma (a 5 x 52 robusto), Nirvana (a 6 x 50 Toro), and Zen (a 6 3/4 x 52 box-pressed perfecto). Today we look at the Viaje Satori 2013 Karma.
The Viaje Satori 2013 seemed to have less complexity than its predecessors. It also lacked some of the smoothness of the previous versions. Finally, it also had less sweetness. It still featured some of the unique blackberry flavors – which I felt was the signature flavor. It also had pepper and tea notes. Both the strength and body were in the medium to full range.
The burn for this one gave me some trouble. This cigar required more effort to burn straight and did have a loose ash. The draw was outstanding.
Overall it’s still a good cigar, but it has some big shoes to follow with the previous three releases.
Assessment: Nice to Have
Score: 88
Source: The cigars for this assessment were purchased from Outland Cigars in Charlotte, NC. One additional sample was also provided by Viaje Cigars. The request was initiated by Viaje to myself (Cigar Coop) to provide feedback. Cigar Coop is appreciative for the samples, but in no way does this influence this write-up.
