Magic - It's one of those things that can be absolutely amazing or unbearably lame. I suppose that's similar to cigars in a way. If the craft is studied and the work is put in, then there's a good chance the blend will play out nicely. ATL Cigar Company has done just that with the Magic Belicoso.
The Deets
Cigar: ATL Magic Belicoso
Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: Tabacalera Pichardo
Size: 5 x 52
Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés
Binder: Nicaragua (Pueblo Nuevo)
Filler: Nicaragua (Pueblo Nuevo, Estelí, Jalapa)
Appearance 8/10
Satin smooth, invisible seams, quality bands, and an overall nice look. It only received an 8 here because there was a small portion of the binder exposed from where the wrapper didn't cover. Minor and did not impact the experience.
Draw 10/10
Simply perfect! I used a V cut along with a small straight cut to trim the end. It's a hybrid cut that I do sometimes and it provided the ideal draw for this one. In a sea of cigars that don't draw well and require tinkering (or chucking into the woods), it's refreshing to smoke a cigar that puffs properly.
Burn/Construction 8/10
Pre-light inspection of the foot showed a very even & snug bunching. While it did try to run down the side at one point, a torch correction steered it back on course. Smooth sailing for there on out and the ash was tight & tidy
Taste 7.5/10
1/3 - Kicks off with a bouquet of dusty botanicals, baking cocoa, some honey hiding out in the back, and wee orange peels say hello
2/3 - The dust has been brushed off the bouquet, but you're still very much immersed in flowers. Roasted peanuts appear along with spicy dark chocolate that comes & goes.
3/3 - Floral remains center stage while still sharing some lime light with buttered toast and subtle cane sugar
Overall 8.4/10
So was Magic magical? I don't know about that. While I did enjoy the experience and the flavor profile was unique, it could never be a daily cigar for me. I wager the Flower Power Punch will be off putting to some. That said though, it was very smooth, other notes were still present, and there were zero perfume-like notes that can sometimes accompany floral notes. It also performed well overall. I'd say give it a shot!