Viaje Zombie (Green)

With spring here, it feels like it’s time to take a look back at a favorite Viaje springtime release – the Zombie. Historically having been released in April or May, it’s been almost a year since my review of the Zombie Green. Last year’s Zombie release featured four different cigars, with the Zombie Green label, Zombie Red label, Zombie Super Shot and the Zombie Antidote.

Here’s what I said last May:

The Zombie Green really hit the mark for me. Without the double capped ends the cigar can breathe properly and is great right on release. The construction was great with only a minor hiccup here and there, and didn’t really affect the profile until the very end. The profile was cohesive and enjoyable without being bland or boring. I’d love to try the Red label, but I think for me the classic Green blend is my choice. With such a small number of boxes released, getting these when they were released would have proved difficult, but finding them on the secondary market shouldn’t be too much of a hunt. If you can find them I can easily recommend getting your hands on some.

The whole Zombie line idea was a play on the nuclear bomb-monikered Skull and Bones releases, with the Zombie apocalypse being produced from the radioactive fallout caused by the bombs.

• Cigar Reviewed: Viaje Zombie Green
• Country of Origin: Honduras
• Factory: Fábrica de Tabacos Raíces Cubanas S. de R.L.
• Wrapper: Nicaraguan Criollo
• Binder: Nicaragua
• Filler: Nicaragua
• Size: 5 Inches
• Ring Gauge: 52
• Vitola: Perfecto
• MSRP: $11 (Boxes of 20, $220)
• Date Released: April 25, 2014
• Number of Cigars Released: 100 Boxes of 20 Cigars (2,000 Total Cigars)
• Number of Cigars Smoked for Review: 1

The Zombie’s dark brown wrapper looks like it would be rough to the touch, but is actually smooth and oily. The aroma has become much more rich, with a potent barnyard, earthy and leather aroma coming off the wrapper. While the wrapper was very earthy, the cold draw is much different, with a sweeter profile made up of milk chocolate, raisins and a hint of peppers on the tongue.

Starting into the first third there is a ton of black pepper on the back of the tongue, along with some cocoa, leather, and a rich earthiness about the whole profile. As it continues into the second third, the sweetness dies down some with spice, cocoa, leather, earthiness and a touch of black pepper melding well together. The flavors continue to be fairly consistent, though the profile becomes a touch creamier in the final third. The sweetness from the first third is still elusive, and a slight bitterness starts appearing, putting a slight taint on the flavors in the final inch.

Unlike previous Zombie releases, the Green label has an open foot, though it’s loosely covered by tobacco. Starting off the draw is a bit tight, as the end is tapered, however it opens up and is right down the middle of ideal the entire length. There are a few wavy moments early on with the burn line, though they correct themselves quickly enough. Plenty of smoke is produced with each puff, while the ash is dense and holds together well. A slight touch-up is needed in the second and final third, though the cigar has otherwise had a decent enough burn line.