Tarazona XTC Robusto Could Use a Boost

Until early 2014, Tarazona Cigars was associated with Cubanacan Cigars, producers of HR, Mederos and Soneros brands. Tarazona itself has 3 brands, Classic, 305 and XTC (as in ecstasy). I first came across Tarazona at the 2015 IPCPR even though this boutique producer has been around far longer. Tarazona provided me with one of their XTC cigars to review.
The XTC robusto was 5 X 50 Nicaraguan puro using a sun-grown Corojo wrapper. The XTC was firm enough and had an average draw. The smoke volume and ash were above average while the burn line remained even for the entire 40 minutes it took to smoke it. The initial flavor was spice and earth, which was joined around the mid mark by pepper and cocoa. The flavors were generally subtle and there was little aftertaste. It also comes in Churchill and torpedo sizes.
The XTC was medium in body and strength and slightly complex. The construction was its best attribute. The SRP is $8.70 and can be found on line for about $1 less. For me, the XTC did not fully live up to its pronunciation (ecstasy) and I rate it a 3 out of 5. In another review, I rated Tarazona’s 305 a better cigar.