I love it when a certain cigar captures my interest.  It makes me devour reviews, photos, whatever I can find about it to the point of a kid looking at the Christmas catalog (remember those days?).  The La Musa by Emilio cigars is one such cigar.  It wasn't always known as the La Musa.  Word on the street is that Gary Griffith decided to change the name because someone griped about the original name, The Grimalkin.  It's the same blend - just a different name and band.  The Grimalkin had a whimsical band with a pair of staring cat eyes.  The new label is elegantly simple and I think fits the cigar line well.  So, in January, I snagged a five pack of the corona size from Atlantic Cigar's website - thanks to Seth from Seth's Humidor for the recommendation on the size selection.  I traded one to Dillon at The Wharf and gave another to my smoking buddy, James.  That left three for me to sample over the course of a few weeks.  So, I am on my last one as I write this review.  How are they, you ask?  Let's see....

Construction: All three of the cigars I smoked for this review were beautiful.  Each had a slightly veiny wrapper with a nice oily sheen and a perfectly executed triple cap.

Pre-light Aroma and Draw: The La Musa gives off a very rich aroma out of the cellophane.  I picked up hints of raisins, cedar, and a dense sweet tobacco flavor.  The draw is always spot on as well.  Each of my samples varied only slightly in this area.  No problems at all.

Light and Burn: The Corona size lights up with ease.  The smaller ring gauge really helps here and the open draw can't hurt either.  The burn is excellent as well.  Only a couple of touch ups across the board.

Tasting: This is where the La Musa shines.  As I mentioned earlier, I have been reading reviews ad nauseum about this line for months and the Mousa doesn't disappoint in the flavor arena.  Off the start there is a nice rich spice with a hint of pepper.  About an inch in and the complexity really hits.  I get a nice raisin bread flavor with a sweet cocoa and coffee note.  As I hit the middle of the cigar there is a heavy woody meaty flavor that makes the head swoon.  There is a rich port wine sweetness underneath. I would say it's one of the most unusual blends I have ever smoked.  As the final third comes into play, the flavors show hints of cinnamon and nuts.  On the finish there is an amazing flavor of hazelnut and cream.  Truly awesome.

Value: For a cigar of this caliber you might expect to pay about $15....but no, the La Musa Mousa is $7 and worth every cent.

Final Thoughts: Were I able to fill my humidor with a ton of these, I would.  I mean a metric ton.  They really are excellent.  The corona size is perfect as well.  They last a long time and the flavors are powerful.  Expert cigar making at it's finest, folks.  Unequivocally highly recommended!

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano Rosado
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan

Strength: Medium to full

Size: 5 1/2 X 46

Beautiful little cigar!

The band is simple and elegant.  Very well done.