The beginning of this cigar did not agree with my palate. I almost counted it as a loss to snuff out and toss when about 25 minutes into it, the flavor began to improve. Five minutes later, I was practically singing the cigar's praises! That sweet spot mid-way under the band was amazing! I am not sure that I would want to smoke through another one to get down to that sweet spot again, but I definitely ended up enjoying this cigar despite its poor start.