Tasting Notes

Before we get to the actual review, here is a titbit from John Hakim, the brand manager of Chillin’ Moose “Bull Moose kicks Chillin’ Moose up a notch with a deeper profile and delivers it in sizes that are, well, gigantic. This is the perfect cigar for the initiated smoker who wants the experience of a Nicaraguan puro without breaking the bank.” Now on to the review. I reckon it’s best to go with a Robusto Gordo for this review.

Prelight

A  Robusto Gordo, in case you don’t know, is a Robusto with a Gordo ring gauge. It’s going to be an interesting smoke because of the larger ring gauge. It's a veiny weighty stick with smart visible seams and quite a bit of tooth. The cap isn’t the prettiest but this is a budget cigar so it’s holding up fine.

Cold draw is a perfect milkshake consistency. I’m getting sweet hay, barnyard, and dried fruit nuances with timid chocolate undertones. We’ll do the review in two parts instead of the usual three since this is a cheaper cigar which won't carry much in the way of transitions.

So, let’s get into it.

First Half

The cigar opens with billows of beautiful blue smoke, milk chocolate notes commingled with sweet hay and a short leathery finish. A few draws in and a new toastie flavor checks in along with mild black pepper at the back of the throat. So now we have mild chocolate notes, dried fruit, toasty sweet hay, leather, and slight black pepper heat; just what you would expect from a Nicaraguan puro.

There isn’t much complexity or transition in the flavors but the smoking experience is warm and relaxed- kinda like listening to jazz.

The burn-line is not perfect but it doesn’t need correcting. There have been debates if  Chillin’ Moose is really a long filler or mixed filler cigar but judging from the flaky smoke I vote mixed filler.

Final Half

It’s amazing how this cigar trudges on without my noticing. The truth is, if I didn’t already know the price of this cigar I would have guessed close to $20. Even though the flavors remain the same, they’re bold and filling. Dark chocolate notes intensify towards the nub. And so does the sweet hay nuance sitting on my lips.

Barnyard, leather, and shy black pepper savor hold down the fort. A nicotine rush kicks in at the very end-at least this is when I noticed it. Perhaps it had been there all along but I’m a Maduro person so nicotine must knock down the door CIA style for me to take notice. My Robusto Gordo smoked like a champ, never getting warm or soft which is more than I could say for some $10 cigars.

Final Words

I liked this cigar. It’s a pleasant experience without any of the pressure of trying to discern complexity. You can smoke it, chug it, give it away, and light another without feeling a thing.

I like the noticeable escalation in body and gust. If you are looking for an easy cigar to be around, you have found Bull Moose; the perfect budget-friendly smoke. Have you smoked any of these yet? Let us know in the comments.