Geri, by Family x Loyalty Cigars

I finally get to review a pair of sticks I've been waiting to try out since I saw them announced. The first cigars by Family x Loyalty Cigar Company, Geri and Freki, are named for the Wolves of Odin, so you know I couldn't help myself. Tonight, I'll be reviewing the first of them, Geri.

Cigar: Geri by Family x Loyalty Cigars

Vitola: Toro (6” x 50)

Price: $10.00/stick

Origin: Unknown

Wrapper: Habano
Binder: Criollo 98
Filler: Corojo, Nicaragua, Criollo 98, and Pennsylvania
Body: Medium

Rating (out of 10): 9.9

Appearance:
Geri features a striking wide band, with a gold-on-turquoise motif, a snarling wolf-head, and the cigar name, “Geri.” It has a small tab (similar to those on Blackbird's cigars) to facilitate easy removal of the band, emblazoned with the initials “CS,” referencing CS Cigars, makers of artisan cigar pipes, and the minds behind Family x Loyalty, the brand named along the gold band around the foot of this stick.

Construction:
Geri features a wrapper with a very slight red tint to it, invisible seams, and light veins. The cap is expertly placed and cuts cleanly and evenly.

Aroma:
The barrel is richly scented, with notes of cedar and damp earth. At the foot, the aroma is bold and floral and chocolatey.

First Third:
Cold draw is already packed with flavor; I get cocoa, a hint of peat, and a very faint note of something sweet and fruity.

And yet, once lit, the flavor becomes smoother, mellower, like toasted wood with the subtlest undertone of coffee.

Sleepi boi

My handsome little five year old, Quark, is all cozied up beside me as I review. It's totally unrelated, but this little guy and his brother Rom are even more important to me than cigars, so I had to get a photo and capture the moment.

A little bit of peppery spice on the finish. It kicks pretty nicely.

Second Third:

We have a nice even burn starting the second third, and a light grey ash, which holds pretty firmly.

Really mellow smoke, with a nice medium-bodied flavor. The spice really settles in after letting the smoke out of my mouth, more of an aftertaste than a finish.

Final Third:
This smoke is a wonderful dance, rotating between a smooth, mellow cedar and coffee, and a fiery kick.

Some sweet, creamy tobacco notes on the finish now, as well, toward the end. Gods, this is a tasty one.

Closing Thoughts:
Very exciting smoke, this one. Near-perfect score, but I think that spicy finish is something I'd really have to be in the right mood for before lighting up again. It's delicious, but boy, does it kick. It really is a firecracker. Every bit as aggressive as one would expect from one of Odin's wolves!