This is Agent 24. My mission was to review the Zino Platinum Scepter Grand Master. As a member of The Cigar Spy agency, I promise to respect the A.S.H.E.S. code of honor. This is my 4th cigar mission report.

Target Name:

Zino Platinum Scepter Grand Master

Target Vitals:

Wrapper: Ecuadoran Grown Connecticut Shade

Binder: Connecticut Seed Aged 4 years

Filler: Dominican / Peruvian Ligeros

Vitola: Grand Master – 5.5 x 52 – (Robusto)

Year: 2009

Background Info:

The Zino Platinum line of cigars is described as “the cigar line for true cigar enthusiasts who only smoke the best and most unique cigars”. That’s quite the boast and not surprising considering they are tailored to sell the ‘hip-hop’ community. That being said, we are gonna make this an all hip-hop review today! Also, each cigar comes encased in it’s own black metal tubo, which gives it a high class appearance.

Mission Notes:

The weather is absolutely beautiful. The sun is setting, I see some hints of color in trees, and my monkeys are running around the backyard throwing a football around. I love this time of year. It’s a perfect time to enjoy a cigar on the patio with your favorite beverage.

Appearance and first impressions:

The wrapper has your standard Connecticut appearance and feels strong in construction. There are some veins in the leaf, but nothing that appears like it will be an issue. The first sniffs of the foot and wrapper gives off a slight cedar smell mixed with a hint of nuttiness.

Today’s pairing:

Pairing today’s Zino Platinum Scepter Grand Master with some cold spring water!

From the first light through the first few puffs, I get a real nutty taste and smell. It reminds of roasted nuts at the ballpark. It has started very smooth from the first light. It has a nice creamy finish to each puff and the smoke is thick and white and pleasant to watch as it dissipates into the air. As I mentioned earlier, this is gonna be a hip-hop edition, so since this cigar is starting Nice and smooth, we are starting with Nice and Smooth, Ain’t a Damn Thing Changed, circa 1991.

As I get through the 1^st third of the ZP Scepter Grand Master, The burn is consistent, the draw and finish are still smooth and the taste has remained fairly consistent. The most prevalent taste is the roasted nut, but there is an underlying sweetness that just teases the taste buds. I would compare it to just a dash of honey. Also, I can detect a little bit of spiciness as I move this medium-bodied cigar. I am definitely not half-stepping through this review, so we move onto Big Daddy Kane, Long Live the Kane, circa 1988.

Now we are over halfway through the Grand Master and the taste has evolved. We have moved onto a woodsy taste with a hint of spice, not peppery, just a little kick that keeps you on your toes. Also, I detect some earth undertones, not unpleasant, just kind of tickles the taste buds. This touch of earth reminds me of the ‘Daisy Age’, so we naturally will move right into De La Soul, 3 Feet High and Rising, circa 1989.

As I dig into the last third, the taste is evolving. The spiciness has become more prevalent. It is in no way overpowering or unpleasant. It gives the cigar a little more strength, but still in the medium range. The creaminess of the finish of each puff is what I like the most about this cigar. It leaves just a little sweetness on the tongue that is enjoyable, but not too sweet. The burn stayed consistent, as did the draw.

Final Statement:

The Zino Platinum Scepter Grand Master is a very enjoyable smoke. The taste profile was pleasant and evolved nicely without ever being overpowering. It’s a good smoke for the person who enjoys a solid medium-bodied cigar. The only drawback I see is the price. A single runs around $14 a smoke. So, it is not for the budget-minded smoker, but then again, they do market it for the higher-end consumer, so I guess that is to be expected.

-Agent 24 signing off