Punch and Draw evaluate another of the machine made Export line — the Brasil, while Punch get’s educated about Puddles.
Draw: This is another little box-press from Villiger in the Export line; along with the Natural and Maduro, comes the Brasil in a distinctive green paper wrap. Maybe it’s the color of the paper wrapper, but the dry draw suggests chocolate and mint. It’s already too cool this evening for me to catch a scent from the stick.
Punch: It has a very stiff draw. Oh, hold it – I was drawing from the wrong end [ba dump-bump, rim shot]. No. It is still tight. Too tight? We will see. The wrapper is a mottled brown consisting of both milk and dark chocolate colors. It also has some veins in the wrapper – maybe they are simulated, since this is a machine made stick – I’m not sure about the construction details. It does measure-out at 4x37.
D: I just noticed… mine is squishy. It behaves like a slightly warm Tootsie-Roll™. I have been storing this in a humidified tupper-dor, and that has clearly had some effect. Lighting: wow, that generates a mouthful of smoke worthy of a churchill!
P: That is a good point – these are dry-cured, so don’t need to be kept humidified. I agree – great smoke production. There is a little pepper on the attack, along with what I call a brightness – sort of a citrus. The finish reminds me of corn chips.
D: I’m already getting some lip tingle. It’s not as rich a flavor, to me, as the Export Natural or Maduro (I especially like the Maduro). I’d say this stick has spice, compared to the others in the Export line. Citrus spice, pepper spice, and even oregano spice, in the middle. Maybe it’s an oregano heat overall.
P: This Villiger Export Brasil has settled down to an interesting flavor, but it is hard to describe. Overall, a bit citrus‑y with just a touch of cedar on the finish (but, sadly, no more corn chip) and a lingering… okay, oregano… maybe.
D: I really enjoy these for their great flavor in a short package. I fire these up during brief chores around the yard, when I don’t have all day to chore or smoke. They give an even burn, nice smoke production and, as noted, this Villiger Export Brasil has a moderately tight draw.
P: In the second half I’m starting to detect some cedar with some leather and pepper of some type – black – and a hint of fresh celery.
D: Hey Punch! If you haven’t already, check out Puddles, the sad clown, singing a version of Lorde’s “Royals”. This seven-foot operatic-quality vocalist performs in the melancholy domain, and his cover of Royals gives the song more meaning than the original… in my opinion.
P: Wow. That is well done. He has a great voice and I like his gimmick of being a sad clown. He has more offerings on his Web site at puddlespityparty.com.
D: I’m creeping in on the end of this stick. The flavors you’ve identified just keep growing. The major disadvantages to the Villiger Export Brasil, as any of the Export line, are the smoke in the eyes, and frequent burns from trying to nub such a short stick!
P: With an inch to go the smoke is getting hot so I think I’m done.
D: I’m right behind you. A half-inch to go is all the pain I can spare for this present bliss.
Burn it or Spurn it?
P: The initial draw was a bit tight for my preference, but it loosened up as it progressed. The ash drops at around an inch-and-a-quarter. The flavor is somewhat complex and builds in strength. I find it very interesting and surprisingly complex for a small, value priced, casual smoke. It is more peppery than the Villiger Export Maduro and the Villiger Export Natural, so factor that in when trying to decide between the three, but otherwise burn this baby.
D: No secret, I prefer the Maduro over the Brasil, for the sweetness. I agree with Punch’s description of the smoking quality. Mine being more humidified didn’t seem to impact the flavor compared with Punch’s experience. Burn it when you’re in a hurry, or several if you have the time.